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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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Ontario, Canada

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Fla.

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New York

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Memphis, TN

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Scotland

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(location unknown)

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Redondo Beach, CA

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LH

(location unknown)

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Joe

(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Madison, Alabama

Thanks for replying so quickly. I was a bit concerned. I think your website is great, and chock full of info.....

Carol

Denison, TX

Dr. Marc, Thank you so much for your reply which seemed to be right on. I have researched many sites but you put me on the right path to the possible answer. My foot pain may not rule the rest of my life after all! I believe I'll make a sign that reads, "THE END IS NEAR!" Thanks Very Much,

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West lafayette, IN

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Tampa, Florida 33624

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Texas

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Tampa, Florida 33624

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Dear Dr.Mitnick

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Regards,

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Edmonton,Canada

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South Africa

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. My foot feels better than it has in months.

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Unknown location

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Pacific Grove, CA

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Alameda, California

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Anonymous

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New Zealand

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Sincerely

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Arizona

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Thanks, Kathy

Florida

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Anna

Poland

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South Carolina

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unknown location

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Arlington, VA

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San Clemente, CA

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Pam

location unknown

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Glen

location unknown

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Bre

location unknown

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

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

anonymous

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Poland

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Seattle, WA

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location unknown

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Bill

New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

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Chrissy

location unknown

Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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Russ W.

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-Sunny.

location unknown

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Jackie

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!

Rivi,

Albany, NY

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Jill S.

location unknown

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS, YOU ARE SO VERY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

Like others have stated...This site is amazing and I am so thankful that it was created.

....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

Michelle

Colorado

Thanks again for the information provided on your site. It's easy for non-medical folk to understand your writing, and helps provide better communication between patient and doctor.

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

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

Bonnie

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Nancie

Wisconsin

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

Julie

location unknown

Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

Renae

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

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

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

I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC

Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

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