ChatterBank1 min ago
Bunions
80 Answers
Ouch!!! For the last 2 years or so, I've really suffered with a bunion on my right foot. Probably years of wearing stupidly ridiculous (but very lovely) shoes. Just bought one of those splints. No idea if they work.
Anyone else suffer? What's been your solution?
Anyone else suffer? What's been your solution?
Answers
Islay....
18:02 Mon 23rd Oct 2017
Have you tried the gel toe separators with the little flap that covers the bunion? They are designed to try and straighten the toe as well as cushioning the bunion.
I bought mine on ebay, really quite cheaply and they are, I'm sure, just as good as paying a fortune for Scholl.
They took a bit of getting used to - a little uncomfortable at first and I found it easier to wear them whilst sleeping at first. You need thinner socks at first, too or those little 'footsie' "socks", like tights just for your feet till you get used to them.
I bought mine on ebay, really quite cheaply and they are, I'm sure, just as good as paying a fortune for Scholl.
They took a bit of getting used to - a little uncomfortable at first and I found it easier to wear them whilst sleeping at first. You need thinner socks at first, too or those little 'footsie' "socks", like tights just for your feet till you get used to them.
Not a sufferer but I know a bit from my job. No the splints don't work to heal or reverse the bunion but may offer pain relief. Padding to protect the joint and skin can ease discomfort, anti inflammatories can help in flare up and general analgesia for chronic pain...... and better shaped shoes of course.... I googled this to check but it seems like the NHS treatments are the same as when I retired. They don't mention trauma as a cause. My late DH had one cause by kicking an iron bar as a child.
Had them all my life, but in last 2 years have had both corrected via surgery, 6 months apart. Each operation took about 90 minutes. Then several weeks in bandages and not weight bearing, walking in crutches. Up and down stairs was fun! Took 18 months after each op for each foot to return to normal, but that was exactly what surgeon said. Surgeon was brilliant and came recommended.
I'll try the gel things. I have to say, this splint is effective for pain relief. I hadnt realised that it was constantly painful (although at a fairly low level) until I put the splint on and instant relief! Perhaps we get a little de-sensitised to pain over a long term. I can probably live with it if I can keep the pain down (when it does flare up, its excrutiating), because surgery makes me want to pee my pants.......
I can only speak from personal experience, but whilst the surgeon warned there can be pain, I hardly had any pain at all. The operations themselves were nothing to worry about. I walked down to operating theatre, anesthetic given, then next thing I know I’m being wheeled back to my room on my bed and feeling very thirsty. I would definitely recommend the surgery.
