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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

Bunionette Surgery

I am scheduled to receive bunionette surgery at the end of the month March 28th and I'm scared to death!! My case is extremely mild, however, the protusion on my foot is very painful and also makes it difficult to walk in flats at times, as well as, heels. My recovery time is expected to be a month maximum. Also, I'm told that the procedure will be to simply shave down the bone and not have to reallign my toe or anything that serious. Now, I'm only 25 and I'm an athlete. I play softball and actively work out in the gym. I enjoy wearing 5-inch heels and throwing on my cleats to get down and dirty on field at 2nd base. I've read and heard all kinds of horror stories about bunion surgery and I would be absolutely mortified of this "simple" procedure changed my entire lifestyle. Will I honestly be able to return to playing softball by May since he said i should be good to go in a month? Will I be able to continue to wear 5-inch heels and go out? Will my recovery really be that short? If I choose not to get it now, is it a possibility that it could get worse?

Hi,
"The best laid plans of mice and men.......", meaning there are no guarantees when it comes to surgery, any kind of surgery. Most procedures work out well; just having the "bump" removed is generally a straight forward, relatively simple procedure, but having said that, complications can and do happen.
Has your doctor tried any conservative treatment for your foot pain? If not, that should be tried first. Sometimes a cortisone shot, for example, can be very helpful, so much so that it takes care of the problem.
Different types of shoes can be helpful, but based on your description, it is not likely that you are going to change the shoes that you like to wear, so that is not an option.
If you really have concerns about your upcoming surgery you should seek a second opinion by a foot specialist in your area.
Read my section on Surgical Consideration.

Marc Mitnick DPM

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Unknown location

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New Zealand

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Arizona

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Poland

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location unknown

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location unknown

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Bre

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Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

anonymous

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New Jersey

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

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Albany, NY

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Jill S.

location unknown

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Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

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Colorado

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annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown

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Canada

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location unknown

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Wisconsin

Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

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North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

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Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown

Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown

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Lenoir, NC

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Bellevue, WA

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Jodi

location unknown

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