Dec 29, 2008 1:00 pm US/Central
Surgeon Shares Tips To Beat Bunions
Over the holidays you're probably on your feet non-stop.
For the 28 percent of Americans who have from bunions, it's a painful time.
A bunion is a common foot deformity that affects millions.
"Bunions are quite common," said Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Judy Baumhauer. "They're actually a leaning of the great toe over towards the second toe."
Though genetics plays a role, shoe choices play an even bigger one.
"The shoes that are pointy, high heeled shoes can sort of mold your toes into that position where they lean over towards the second toe," said Dr. Baumhauer.
The bony bump can be accommodated with common sense solutions, like using an arch support, and buying the right shoes.
"That doesn't mean you have to wear those big grandma shoes or anything, or the orthopedic shoes. You just need shoes that are not narrow and pointy," said Dr. Baumhauer.
Living with a bunion is this doctor's first choice, because surgery can cause more problems than it fixes.
"So don't fall for the, 'If I get it fixed now it won't be such a problem later.' Because if you get it fixed now, you could have an infection, you could have a recurrence of your bunion. You can have a nerve injury," said Dr. Baumhauer.
But when does surgery make sense?
"I can't fit in the shoes, I can't do the things I want to do and I've tried all the non-operative, that's when it's appropriate to have some surgery," said Dr. Baumhauer.
Dr. Baumhauer isn't totally opposed to chic shoes.
She says you can wear them for special occasions, but as soon as you get home, kick them off and put on your comfortable ones.
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