bunions & shoes

sharann, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2001

I can't believe that no one responded to your post. I don't have bunions but assume they are not fun. I do however, have horrible feet that hurt often. If you are having troubles now, then I reccommend going to a podiatrist ASAP. Also,I have found that it often pays in the long run to really invest in a good pair of shoes.Not nursing shoes,just plain old (white if you must) athletic shoes. Easy Spirits and Ecco's cost alot but are worth the $$ when you think about a 12 hour shift on your feet.

Good luck!

JennieBSN · Jul 3, 2001

I didn't see your post until today!!

I had a HUGE bunion on my rt. foot. It hurt like H**L. Of course, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

ANYWAY, stick with the good (translation: expensive) athletic shoes. Don't get clogs until you have your bunions removed!! (that is, if you're going to do it).

I had my bunion 'done' the day after my last day of clinical my senior year of school. I graduated on crutches. I sponge bathed for 6 weeks. I had a lovely chafe pattern under my arms. I had pins in my toe. When they took off the cast, my leg hair had grown so long I needed a machete. BUT...it was WORTH EVERY STINKING MINUTE of those 6 weeks for the pain free life I lead now!! The surgery itself isn't bad at all. They slice out a section of the bone in your foot, re-align the remaining unaffected segments, put pins in, and cement it back together. I had a rx for demerol and phenergan, but never took it ONCE. No post op pain what so ever until the cast came off and I had to WALK again (ouch!).

A nurse I work with had both of hers done at the same time. It was a looooooong 12 week recovery, but she says the same thing....WORTH IT...TOTALLY. I would definitely recommend surgery, but make sure you go to a GOOD surgeon. Get recommendations, etc.. And make sure the doc isn't just going to cut off the 'bump.' The bones need to be RE-ALIGNED, and that is only accomplished by cutting out part of your metatarsal. I suggest you see an ortho surgeon who specializes in feet. Good luck!!!

eventsnyc · Jul 3, 2001

Dear Sharann & Kday, Thank you both for your kind replies and good advice.

Kday, when you had the cast off, & began to walk, you had an ouching experience, how long did it last? And with the pin, are there limitations on what you can do with your foot? Example: dancing, running, exercising, etc.

Thank you for sharing your experience. It is very appreciated!

Best wishes, Christina

JennieBSN · Jul 3, 2001

Christina-

It hurt to walk for about a week or two after the cast came off. I made my poor husband go on 15-20 minute walks with me around the neighborhood while I grimaced and cried. After about the first 3 times, it got better, then after a couple of weeks I was where it didn't hurt, it just felt tight and a little inflexible. The pins came out of my foot about 2 weeks after the cast came off, so you don't have to worry about those. I forced myself to do a lot of flexing and stretching of my foot to help loosen the joint. I had the surgery at the end of April, and started my job in NICU that August. The only soreness I had in my feet was just getting used to being on them for 12 hours straight, which I think is hard for ANY new grad!

It's 4 years later, and my foot is totally normal (except the scar, which I could personally care less about). I have no activity restrictions at all in regards to my feet. No more of that horrible throbbing, shooting pain, either. You could probably resume ballet classes after about 3 months, with your MD's blessing of course. I can't see any reason why not, though. They gave me the go ahead to water ski that June, unfortunately, it hurt too much to do it at that point. I've water skied since, though, and it's just fine. You just have to keep stretching and flexing, and if something hurts, DON'T DO IT. After 6 months, you should be completely healed and pain free and able to perform all pre-op activities.

Hope this helps!

Nursz-R-Awsm · Jul 3, 2001

I am so glad to see this post. I have bunions and just started a new position after graduating...so no time off for a procedure for now. I shopped for shoes after a long day at work...so anything I tried on that felt comfy would surely be the right pair. I tried on many pairs and decided to go to a wide width. So far so good... no pain.

kday, thanks for sharing your experience and advice! I will seek out that ortho specialist if/when the time comes!

JennieBSN · Jul 3, 2001

BUNION SURGERY FOR EVERYONE!! LOL!!

Glad to be of assistance....I should get commission!! LOL!!

darby · Jul 3, 2001

Originally posted by eventsnyc
I will take clinicals in Spring. Please advice what type of shoes are good for people with bunions? Anyone had surgery for their bunion problems? How did it work out?

I have stopped ballet classes, which seemed to make my bunions hurt. I now wear sandals in summer, in winter I wear Reebok. Things are ok, no pain & no problem. Thinking ahead for the days when I would need to be on my feet all day, so I would appreciate to hear your words of wisdom.

Thank you,

Christina

hi,take it good advice,after 30 years,good old high top rebooks,or nike,getting hard to find,support hose,hanes,a little high but life saving,jcpenney sales frequently,no varicose veins....sandals are danger,fell last month,rehab,now.foot bruised,good shoes are a lifesaver,take care,darby.

BettyBoo · Jul 3, 2001

I am just finishing up my classes, I graduate on July 10. I also have been plagued with bunions. The type of shoes that were recommended to me were the S.A.S.'s and they lived up to their reputation. They are a little expensive but well worth it, I wore them throughout my clinical rotations and never needed another pair. They were wonderful. While others were complaining and changing out shoes, I never had any foot problems or pains. They are sold at any quality shoes shop or nursing shop. They are all white and just perfect for clinicals. I loved them.. I graduate soon and they are still in great condition for use during my carrer.:)

res260 · Oct 1, 2008

My bunion often hurt when I wear shoes. I really don't want to have surgery because my bunion is not that bad. I looked on the internet to see if I could find something that would help relieve the discomfort and I found a product called Therastep Gel Bunion Shield and it was from a company called Therawear. I ordered the product and it has worked out well. It helps relieve the discomfort I often feel when I wear shoes. If anyone else is interested the website is http://www.therawear.com/therastep_gel_bunion_shield.html. I hope this can help someone as much it has helped me!