I am not too popular with teenagers. I will insist that they avoid flip-flops as their main choice of shoe wear. They are, without question, the worst possible shoe choice for anyone with an injury or a deformity on their foot.
How do orthotics alleviate bunion pain?
They realign the foot and can unload or remove pressure from that joint, and that alleviates a lot of the discomfort. Orthotics are similar to eye glasses; they only work when you wear them. And it is a challenge, especially with women, to accommodate all shoe styles.
What should athletes do about bunions?
You want to avoid surgery unless the pain impedes performance. When surgery is performed to correct a bunion, you're going to lose some motion at the great toe joint. For an athlete, that loss may affect their performance.
When do you recommend surgery?
You really want to avoid surgery at all costs. First, you should exhaust all conservative measures. If you can't fix it with shoes and orthotics and the pain forces you to limp, then we've got to go in.
When should you seek medical advice about a bunion?
I would say the earlier you come in and seek treatment, the better.
Can a bunion grow back after surgery?
They can come back. Again, you're not changing the foot type. The mechanics behind that are still there.
What is the most common bunionectomy?
The most common bunionectomy procedure involves an osteotomy, and that's breaking the bone and realigning it.
Describe the recovery period for a bunionectomy?
I would say about at three months you're 75 percent better, and then from six to nine months you're 90 percent better. I typically keep most of my patients in a protective surgical shoe for about six to eight weeks and gradually return them to a soft shoe and then to regular shoes.
Are there any exercises you can do to prevent bunion growth or pain?
Not really.
Are there any braces or stretching devices that can correct bunions?
There is nothing that is going to change a structural deformity. Without surgical correction, that kind of relief is only temporary.
Do you perform bunionectomies for women who want to fit into their Jimmy Choo shoes?
I absolutely refuse to do cosmetic surgery. It's not covered under insurance. And you could take an ugly foot that doesn't hurt and turn it into a pretty foot that is painful, or have complications. Why take the risk?
