Bunion help please!

My sister has very bad bunions - toes actually crossed - and has to have shoes specially made.
I have one too - not so bad but I wear only Skechers now.
I tried toe separators once but it meant wearing wider shoes.
May be try them just at night?

I use soft toe separators since my big toe and the next started rubbing. I also find shoe inserts that support the arch helps. Other than that comfortable wide shoes- trainers are best but if I need to dress up and look smarter I find wide flat smart Hotter shoes are fairly comfortable. I have some short Hotter boots too which are fine (and have been admired). Given up on heels. In summer I find wide ‘walking’ sandals are best. And again, cream coloured Hotter shoes for smart.

A friend of mine had bad bunions and her toes cross over, almost to the horizontal. She had op, on one foot - meant several weeks not being able to drive, etc. Surgeon had promised her 'pretty feet', but as time went on within a few months of the surgery her feet were very little different than previously,. She decided not to have an op, on the other foot.
I decided not to have this surgery some years back, as I did not want to be off work for so long. Glad I made that decision, have learned to live with bunions, and do wear wide-fitting shoes for comfort.

I have hereditary bunions, with me since childhood. Surgery on one foot 9 years ago is still very successful. The other foot has begun to be painful now, partly from the bunion also from gait issues because of osteoarthritis in a knee. I use a slim, gel filled bunion protector (sometimes called a corrector, in my experience it doesn’t correct at all), it’s lightweight, fits into shoes, is held in place by a toe loop and stops most of the painful pressure. It was recommended to me by a chiropodist and works well. I think most chemists sell them, not expensive. My most comfortable shoes and boots are soft with a deep upper and soles which provide some protection from stones and hard pavements. Take your time with the shoes flaxseed, Comfortable feet are so important

Calla shoes are a bunion specialist brand that are supposed to be very good .

callashoes.co.uk/

Just had a look at Callashoes. They are lovely, bit pricey but would be worth it. I don't need them yet but probably will in the future. Thanks for the link NotAGran.

Thanks for all of your messages.
I will definitely invest in wide fitting shoes, but will also try the gel pad recommended by cornergran

Have you tried Van Dal, they have a good range of fittings, and are less frumpy than most wide fitting brands?

I had my bunion operated on 4 years ago. It was a bigger operation than usual as it had been left too long and damaged my metatarsals and tendons which also had to be repaired. For seven years my GP said it wasn’t bad enough to refer. My consultant wasn’t impressed by this as it would have been much easier to sort out if seen earlier. It was also affecting my gait causing knee and hip pain. I am so glad I had the operation. It’s the best thing I did. My foot looks normal. No pain at all. Knee and hip back to normal. It was done through the NHS on NHS choices so I could do my research and choose the right surgeon for me. If your bunion is causing a lot of problems I would see your GP to consider your options. The splints won’t improve it. Yes it’s a long recovery but I don’t regret it. I chose a surgeon who specialises in forefoot surgery and have had an excellent outcome. However not everyone will be the same so do look carefully at your options.

DiddyNan I think that you are very fortunate that it has worked out well, I know of several people who have had this op and really wished they hadn't bothered sadly ....

@casdon - I’ll look - Thank you

@Diddynan Thanks for your positive post. Our GP’s are not doing any face to face appointments at the moment, so I feel a bit stupid asking for a video call for a bunion .
Interestingly, I have felt hip twinges and a painful knee on that side.

I had bunions on both feet operated on at once, through the NHS. I was on the waiting list for four years, but it was well worth waiting for. One General Anaesthetic and one recovery time made the decision easy. It was definitely worth doing. Pain has gone and I am walking miles every day.

My doctor has seen only a photo of my feet (bunions) since lockdown but agreed to refer me to a Orthopaedic consultant for him to decide if an op is the best way to go.
I’m having X-rays next week, and have been told to expect to “wait weeks“ for an appointment with the Consultant.
Allegretto I was also told Nhs don’t do both feet at the same time in my area but if one bunion is removed
I will get an invitation to have the other one done approx 12 months later.
Flaxseed I hope you find some appliances that help your painful feet through the winter when you need to wear enclosed footwear.

www.clarks.co.uk/c/Georgia/p/00254793

I have had 2 lots of foot surgery which has left me with scars and splayed feet. Juts bought these from Clarks - lovely and soft and I think stylish.

www.clarks.co.uk/c/Un-Adorn-Walk/p/26145154
and these lovely blue suede boots.
The loafers and the boots are in wide fit.
I'm really looking forward to wearing them.