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Conditions

Bunion

A bunion on the side of a foot

Even the perfectly polished Posh Spice has suffered with a bunion. In fact, the ‘size zero’ fashionista had two of them – one on each foot – that were almost as enormous as her legendary shades! Affecting women more frequently than men, bunions are a common foot problem that can cause the big toe to be angled inwards, towards the second toe. Some of these bony outcrops can be painless, but there may be some discomfort if the skin and tissue on the bunion’s bump becomes inflamed, swollen and painful, making walking difficult. Shoes can also feel uncomfortable, especially if they’re high-heeled, tight or pointed (and are often the cause of bunions). The other toes can be affected too as they get pushed tightly together, occasionally resulting in ingrown toenails and infection. Other than corrective surgery, bunions can’t be cured. However, there are a number of treatments available…and you can always wear comfortable shoes, rather than something crippling and expensive!

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments

Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out the Channel 4 Health site or NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

I am 16 and hate my feet. I have bunios on both feet an got them because my mum put me in really tight shoes when I was young. I dont get pain from them but just really hate the look of them is it really worth getting an operation jut fo the look?

I am 18 and have just had a bunion on each foot removed. As i had them seen to at an early stage the operation and recovery has not been very painful and i would advise people to have bunions removed early as iv heard that it can be a really painful op if you leave them.

I had bunions since age 8, had worst one cut out in my 20's and was careful after wearing sensible shoes but it came back anyway. Wish I had been told this could happen. I hate my feet and am self conscious but now wear high heels anyway ! seems nothing makes any difference if they are hereditary so you might as well wear what you want.

Am 17 and I've got bunions in both of my feet outside by the big toe. I love wearing trainers but when I wear them I get in so much pain because of the bunions I can barely walk properly , people think that I buy tight shoes but I actually buy a size above mine and sometimes even 2. am desperate I don't know what else to do… can you help me please?

I have one on my right foot, and I find it really embarrassing. I'm only 15 and I can never go bear foot anywhere. I'm definatly going to try all the other methods like creams. I think I'm too young/squeamish for surgery really..

hello, im 16 and i have bunnions ive had them for about 5 years now and ive never had shoe problems but my great nan and my autie had them. im going to have an operation to get rid of them because they are really embarissing. :(
they really hurt .. at winter i cannot go out because i find it difficult to walk as i get cramps in my big toes and around the sides of my feet. is there anything but surgery that can get rid of them

i hatee itt…mind aer not that nbad but i hear you can get a bunion regulator. type it in on google

Im 23 and have just had both of my bunions removed and my feet look fab, I am still off my feet (5 weeks in) but I would never go back.
However becuase my right bunion was so big there is a high risk it will grow back however the docs have given me toe splints so hopefully they don't. Def worth doing.

I have had a bunion since I can remember(noticed it in my teens) and think it was hereditery as I have never worn bad shoes. I put up with it for years but then decided to see the doctor as it became painful, as well as looking ugly and ruining all my shoes. I had to wait about a year but had it removed in Aug 06 and haven't looked back. It has really improved my confidence and within 6 weeks I was driving & back in normal shoes. The toe was pinned and I have had no problems. Would definitely recommend seeing your GP as the problem will only get worse : )

My Friend had the operation done and yes it's painful and you are left with scars, but she isnt in pain anymore.

I also have bunions but there not that bad that I will have to do something about them.

Nothing works but the operations unless you prevent them at the early stages.




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Videos

  1. Verruca consultaion

    Consultation: Verrucas

    Dr McKenna examines two patients with severe outbreaks of verrucas

  2. Bunions on the feet

    Consultation: Bunions

    A few particularly painful bunions are examined by Dr McKenna

  3. Athlete's foot

    Quick Health Advice - Athlete's Foot

    Dr Harper gives out some advice on how to avoid getting the particulary nasty athlete's foot

  4. A verruca on the sole of a foot

    Quick Health Advice - Warts and Verrucas

    Dr McKenna looks at the causes of warts and verrucas and some of the treatments available.


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