Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Possible Alternatives To Tailor's Bunion Surgery

Hi, my name is Anna Frye.  I am currently living with bunions.  My left foot has a bunion and a tailor's bunion.  My right foot had a tailor's bunion removed surgically.

A tailor's Bunion or Bunionette is similar to a bunion.  The name tailor's Bunion hails from decades ago, at a time when tailors would sit cross-legged all day, and the outside of their feet would rub on the ground.  This is how the bony enlargement of the fifth toe came to pass.  On the other hand, a bunion is a bump at the base of the big toe.

There are probable causes for the progression of a tailor's bunion. Genes can play a role in the handing down of malformations or deformities in the structure of the foot.  Additional changes in the foot occur because of age, health, physical activity, etc.   

Most of the time, footwear that is too constricting will cause the bunion or tailor's bunion to grow.  As we mature the foot expands.  If the foot is regularly compressed into a tapered or pointy shoe or shoes with a restricting toe box, this will cause a bunion on the big toe and a tailor's bunion on the fifth toe.

Most issues dealing with bunions are caused by inadequate shoes, especially if there are already bunions present on the foot.  Over time, the stress and rubbing from the shoes causes the foot pain and inflammation, which creates a hard callus.  The fastest way to decrease the pressure and friction is by a modification in footwear.  If necessary, the pressure can be treated from within by medical procedures to the tailor's bunion.

If you are hesitant about bunion surgery as I was, I have listed below some ideas to help relieve pain and pressure.  

1. Bunion Splint.  I purchased the AlphaOrthotics Bunion Aid, which helps to realign the big toe on mild to moderate bunions.  Please note, this item is for bunions, not tailor's bunions.


2. Toe Spreading Gel Bunion Shield.  This is another preventative method for bunions (not tailor's bunions).  It is comfortable and soft.  I tend to use this product the most. It can be worn in a shoe or at night while sleeping.


3. YogaToes.  According to their website they guarantee a one step natural program to relieve foot pain caused by tight shoes and high heels, and being on your feet all day.  They are said to help improve and prevent several foot problems, one being bunions.


4. Shoes. Choose shoes that have a wide toe box, and avoid shoes with a constrictive/narrow area for the toes (toe box) or high heels.


5. Bunion pads help relieve pressure and reduce pain.


6. Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen can help with pain and inflammation.


7. Cortisone injections treat inflamed tissue around the joint.


8. Orthotics help to support and disperse your weight over the entire surface of the foot.


9. Another option are toe exercises, such as:
  • Picking up marbles.  Lay 20 marbles on the floor in front of you and pick them up one by one and place them in a bowl.
  • Big toe pulls.  Wrap a thick rubber band around both big toes and pull them away from each other.  Hold each repetition for two to three seconds.
  • Toe stretches.  Point your toes straight ahead for 5 seconds and then curl them under for 5 seconds.  Repeat these stretches 10 times.
If none of the above help in relieving the pain and pressure of a bunion or tailor's bunion, you may need to seek the opinion of a professional.  In which case you will want to contact your local foot and ankle doctor/podiatrist.  The doctor will be able to examine your feet, take X-rays, and further advise on how to proceed with treatment.  If that is the case, com checkout what I went through after my Tailor's Bunion surgery. Go to http://www.mytailorsbunion.com to find out my discovery, surgery and recovery of my Tailors Bunion.

    2 comments:

    1. Hi Anne,

      I had surgery to remove a bunion and tailor's bunion on my right foot 3 months ago today. I'm concerned with the way my foot looks where the tailor's bunion used to be, because there is still a small bump there. My surgeon says it's because my foot is still swollen, and that the bump is just soft tissue and will go away. The area is still a bit tender so I understand it's still healing. I'm still worried the bump is here to stay. Did you have a similar experience??

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    2. Hi Kay,

      I am not a doctor, but I can definitely share my experience.

      I thought the same thing when my foot was at that stage. I did notice it still bowed out just past the fifth toe and my doctor convinced me it was fine.

      I had surgery about 6 1/2 months ago. If I hold my foot up in the air, it does slightly bow out where the tailor's bunion used to be. But when I am standing on it, you would never know there was a tailor's bunion there (other then the scar).

      It still looks swollen on the side, compared to my other foot. According to my research, it does take about a year after surgery until the foot is fully healed.

      All in all, the foot looks much better compared to my other foot, which still has a tailor’s bunion and it doesn’t have pain anymore.

      Also, you can always talk to your doctor down the road if it still seems to be a concern. I hope that helps.

      Gook luck,

      Anne

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