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

Pain after Bunionectomy on April 4, 2008

by Patty Mercurio
(Rome, New York, USA)

I have been having persistant pain in the ball of foot for well over a year when I had surgery on April 4, 2008. I had an Austin/Akin procedure with a shortening of the 2nd metatarsal. When the podiatrist went in to do the surgery he shaved the bunion and there was a cystic area not found on the x-ray. He had to put a staple in the bone that was larger than normally put in the foot. I am still having pain dispite going to physical therapy for 2 months and wearing prescription orthotics that the podiatrist made for me after all the swelling in the foot was gone. I went to another doctor for a 2nd opinion. The first words out of his mouth when he looked at the x-rays were "you have to go back to the operating room, this is not good." He said the staple was reducing my range of motion and I should have the hardware removed as soon as possible if I was to obtain optimal range of motion. I am having the hardware removed (all but the screw in the big toe for the Austin) on October 10. Please give me your opinion of all this. I am worried that the wrong procedure was chosen and that is the reason for the pain and not the hardware. I am only 48 and was VERY active prior to this and this pain is ruining my life! Plus, I have foot number 2 to worry about! I have heredity bunions from my mother. Please help!


Hi Patty,
Not to pass the buck, but unless I could actually examine you I do not know if I can offer you specific advice. I would actually have to see where the hardware is sitting, see if the head of the metatarsal bone is positioned correctly, palpate where your exact pain is, etc. etc.
I think a third opinion is necessary based on your obvious concern.
If the third doctor agrees with the second then you will have some comfort in knowing you are probably making the correct decision.
It would seem to me, in broad terms, that if you have orthotics and have had physical therapy and are still having pain, then some sort of invasive procedure will be necessary.
Good luck.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for Pain after Bunionectomy on April 4, 2008

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Oct 15, 2008
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by: Patty

Hi,I read your comment and have had the hardware removed last Friday, Oct 10. I have a big staple, screw and a smaller staple removed. Only a small staple is in the big toe. Stitches come out in 1 week. I am in the velcro shoe. The podiatrist said the screw was irritating the tendon. I will keep you posted as to whether pain goes away after I am in my sneaker again.

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Penn State Medical Center

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Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

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University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

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If you happen to live in the New York - New Jersey area and would like to visit our office

Dr. Marc Mitnick

151 Summit Ave.
Summit, NJ 07901
908-522-0761


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DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this site is purely informational in nature. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. This information is not a substitute for advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The information presented here may be subject to errors and omissions.


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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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UK

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Unknown location

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Anonymous



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New Zealand

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Sincerely

Josette

Yes I want both pair of orthotics. You don't have an option of ordering 2 at one time so I had to place the order twice. Thanks. My husband likes these and wants to put them in all of his shoes. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

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Arizona
I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

Thanks, Kathy

Florida
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Poland
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South Carolina
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Natalie

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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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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Bonnie

location unknown



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Bill

New Jersey



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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!

Tracy

Evansville, IA



Dear Marc

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Russ W.

location unknown



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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



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Jackie

Whichita, KS



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mark

Boston, MA



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Colorado



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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
Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

Barb D.

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

location unknown
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Nancie

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

Julie

location unknown
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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!!

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Lenoir, NC


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Bellevue, WA


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Jodi

location unknown

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