Painful bunion

If you do come to surgery, post-operatively you will have to consider wearing wide-toed shoes that fit comfortably and allow the foot to maintain...


I have been diagnosed with a bunion on my left foot.

My GP has referred me to a specialist, but my appointment isn't for a few months.

In the meantime, I was wondering if I could do anything (other than changing my footwear) to alleviate this problem.

It is now becoming extremely painful and I'd really like to find something to help me between now and seeing the specialist.

Are there any exercises that I can do?

I was also wondering if it would be feasible for me to have the operation done privately and would it be worth it?


From your question, it sounds as if your GP feels that surgery is the best course of action for your bunion.

This condition is also referred to as hallux valgus.

Hallux is the technical term for the big toe, and when it has been gradually forced into a position where it is growing towards your other toes, and is beginning to overlap them, it is termed hallux valgus.

You are correct in thinking that generally speaking, exercise is advisable to keeping the foot muscles in good condition, but I am afraid that there are no specific exercises I can recommend that will alleviate the problem.

As you also suggest, most of the advice does tend to revolve around footwear, as this usually relates to the underlying cause. Although occasionally there is a family history of weak toe joints which increases one's risk of developing the problem.

Narrow toed, high heeled shoes are not to be recommended, but I guess that's not what you want to hear right now!

If you do come to surgery, post-operatively you will have to consider wearing wide-toed shoes that fit comfortably and allow the foot to maintain its natural position, so as to ensure a good cosmetic result and reduce the risk of recurrence in the future.

It would be helpful for you to get some orthopaedic foam rubber from the pharmacist and place it between your big toe and the others before going to bed at night.

Also, wearing an adhesive pad around the toe over the bunion to protect it from pressure from footwear will reduce the risk of infection.

When a bunion becomes infected it is most painful and often requires antibiotic therapy by mouth, so it¹s worth doing your best to prevent this from happening.

Arch supports from shoe shops and medical appliance stores can help to take the pressure off the vulnerable area.

As for having the operation done privately, this is something you may wish to consider depending on how much priority you give your foot problem over other things and whether having given it some thought you feel able to afford the surgery if you are not insured.

If you do decide to see the consultant privately, then simply ask your general practitioner to change the original NHS referral to a private one on your behalf and make sure that your NHS appointment is cancelled and can be utilised by someone else.

Yours sincerely

The NetDoctor Medical Team

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