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

Bunion and bone spur removal

by Trish
(Kansas)

Hello, I need to have both a bunion and a large spur on my big toe removed from my left foot. I also have to have the arthritis cleaned out. I've put this off due to my job and have received cortisone shots to help with the pain. My podiatrist told me it's only a four week healing in just a surgical shoe, then he said , maybe 6 weeks. Then he said I could start running again around 8 weeks. With the last injection I had, he said he was going to cut the bones, re-aligjn , and within 2 weeks I could be back at work. I'm worried about the recovery time, Im reading online that it takes forever. I travel for work. Which procedure will allow the fastest recovery? he did not mention pins or hardware. I see so many procedures but the only address either just the bunion, or bone spur, not both. I'm 48, no smoking, drink wine and I am fit. Thanks

RESPONSE

Hi Trish,

The problem here is if you are going to bother putting yourself through this, you want the procedure performed that gives you the best chance of success.

Keep in mind there is an element of risk having this type of elective surgery. One of the risks is that you end up no better or possibly even worse off then you are now.

If you read your narrative, it appears you are going through the "long creep". First you are having a quick procedure and will be better in two weeks. This transcends

to a procedure where the surgeon now wants to break and realign one or both of the bones involved in the bunion formation. In order to do this, you will end up with either temporary hardware or permanent hardware.

I am looking at this from the other side of the internet but if you have bones cut and realigned and you were my patient you would not be running in eight weeks and this is assuming no complications. Having said that, in order to potentially have the best surgical result you may need your bone(s) realigned and that should trump the time it takes to get back to running.

I cannot help you beyond this, but I am concerned about the information your podiatrist is giving you. It seems to keep changing. Any well trained podiatrist should be able to examine you, look at a set of x-rays and determine a procedure without continually changing his mind.

I think your best bet would be to get a second opinion by another podiatrist in your area. This way the second opinion will either agree with the simpler procedure or agree you need your bones broken and realigned.

Once the actual procedure is decided upon then you will have a better idea of how long you may be out of work and how long until you can start running again. Additionally, returning to work on a certain date may be without wearing dress shoes. Keep in mind these will only be estimates and there are many variables which can delay your healing.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center

MY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS(items I prescribe in the office)

Orthotics for multiple types of foot pain best buy in a pre-made orthotic click link below

Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes click link below

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Fla.

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Denison, TX

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Texas

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Tampa, Florida 33624

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Dear Dr.Mitnick

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I thank you for putting together this incredible website.

Regards,

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South Africa

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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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Pacific Grove, CA

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All the best,

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Alameda, California

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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

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Thanks, Kathy

Florida

1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......

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Poland

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South Carolina

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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!

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Poland

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Seattle, WA

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location unknown

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New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM. Excellent information and help to improve One's life.

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

I just want to say thank you for the quick response and the good info. I find it amazing and a super nice thing that you do here by answering medical questions at no charge.

Russ W.

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location unknown

Thank you very much for the information, I will consider it. Excellent web site.

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

Thank you so much for all of your advice. In searching the web for people dealing with this same issue i can tell you that you are a Knight In shining Armor! If I lived in Jersey I would gladly be your Spokesperson. Hopefully next time you hear from me it will be good news. God Bless,

Jill S.

location unknown

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Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

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....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

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Colorado

Thanks again for the information provided on your site. It's easy for non-medical folk to understand your writing, and helps provide better communication between patient and doctor.

annielou

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.

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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......

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location unknown

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Wisconsin

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

Julie

location unknown

Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

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

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Lenoir, NC

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Rustam

Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

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