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Bunion Questions

I am a 55 year old male that has been very active with backpacking and jogging all of my life. About a year ago while hiking I overextended my back toe and it was bent back while I was climbing a rock with a heavy pack. I felt some minor pain for about 7 months and then I noticed the beginning of a bunion on that foot. Eventually the pain increased and I quit exercising and consulted a podiatrist. After x-rays he found what appeared to be a small crack on one of the small button bones on the bottom of the big toe joint. I was in a cast for 6 weeks and it appears that the crack has moved closer together. The bunion is still obvious and gives me minor discomfort, but I am afraid if I return to my activities that it will be a problem. My doctor said that the surgery should be a last resort due to the possibility of arthritis. Can bunion surgery for a moderate bunion and possible tendon damage return my to something near my formal mobility?
Is arthritis something to consider? Thank you.

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1 Comment found

    Vivian Abrams DPM

    9 10

    A custom orthotic might be helpful and possibly changing the style of shoe also. I can not realistically answer your question about surgery, as I have not seen your foot or your x-rays. I think your doctor has been conservative and up front with you. I think you might have misunderstood the part about arthritis though. Surgery is often done on an arthritic joint to relieve pain and restore function. In fact, by definition, a bunion is an arthritic joint.

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