I have a bunion on my left foot. It’s a condition where the joint in the big toe is shifted outward, and the rest of the toe points inward. Here’s a picture of my feet:
The impact is that the foot is wider at that point, and the bunion presses against the shoe causing pain and inflammation. Another impact in my case is that the second toe is displaced and is riding up over the third toe.
The combined problems bothered me on my recent hike in the Sierra, but with anti-inflammatories the discomfort was under control. But the hike definitely aggravated the condition, and it is now time for surgery.
Bunion surgery is generally very successful. My podiatrist assures me that I will be able to walk the next day, wearing a special shoe. It should take 6-8 weeks to return to normal activities, including sports.
Here’s a video clip that shows roughly what will happen, though the specifics of every case is different. They will cut off some of the protruding bone, make some other cuts to change angles, and shift the last segment over, securing it with a pin. Besides the work on the big toe, he will also do some realignment on the second toe.
Surgery is scheduled for the morning of September 16. I’ll post a follow-up afterwards.
That’s quite some deformity you have there! Strange that none of us other siblings have the problem — at least that I’m aware of. From what I read, the cause being genetic or environmental is not agreed upon. I’d guess it’s from how you plant your foot for a jump shot. Have you had to wear a special wide shoe on that foot?
Comment by Richard — September 6, 2013 @ 4:57 am
Dale has one too. I think mine is a little worse than his, but not much.
I had to stretch my hiking boot in that area to be able to wear it. Otherwise my toe would go numb. My sandals happen to have a gap in just the right place, and my basketball shoes are flexible enough.
Comment by Daryl — September 6, 2013 @ 5:29 am
That looks painful! I’m surprised he says you will be able to walk the next day after all that bone cutting. Don’t be surprised if it takes a bit longer than that. In the end, I bet you’ll be very glad to have it done and behind you.
Comment by Donna — September 6, 2013 @ 10:54 am
Who is your podiatrist?
Comment by Donna — September 6, 2013 @ 10:56 am
David Laurino — http://www.advancedfootankle.com/staff.html
Comment by Daryl — September 6, 2013 @ 12:08 pm
A UA Grad. Good choice!
Comment by Donna — September 6, 2013 @ 8:22 pm
A little Hobbit in you?
Comment by Don — September 7, 2013 @ 1:33 pm
You always had your Dad’s wide feet. I don’t know whether it’s genetic or not, but the two older boys had narrow feet like mine. Dale had a low arch, too, and could wear only certain shoes. Donna and Don’s feet were normal, thank goodness., until Don stepped on the glass in–was it the Salt River? The three of you older ones had expensive feet. Is it any wonder both Dad and I had to work to keep the family shod?
Comment by Mom — September 8, 2013 @ 1:08 pm
I’m glad you are getting surgery before I have to. Then I will know how much it really hurts!
Comment by Dale — September 11, 2013 @ 3:48 pm
Good luck tomorrow, Daryl!
Comment by Donna — September 15, 2013 @ 5:48 pm