What are /r/bunions' favorite Products & Services?

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I got advice that the pillow idea didn’t work well, so I bought the below wedge prior to my surgery. It helps to keep your foot elevated and upright. You get sick and tired of always laying on your back with it, so you eventually welcome laying on your side. When I was sick and tired of it, I switched to the bunched up blanket.

https://www.amazon.com/LightEase-Memory-Post-Surgery-Support-Elevation/dp/B07ZNPL5HZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=lightease+memory+foam&qid=1594528356&sr=8-4

I used gauze and self stick tape. The self stick was more manageable than the ace wrap in my opinion because I could change it out and keep it clean. Plus you don’t need to worry about it sticking to you. It only sticks to itself.

https://www.amazon.com/Breathable-Adherent-Wrap，Self-Adhesive-Pets，Athletic/dp/B08PCW7YLS/ref=asc_df_B08PCW7YLS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=507467652717&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8869321237907332995&hvpone=&hvptwo=&...

She recommended a simple in between tor 1 and 2. No wrap around either toe. I ordered these off of Amazon (begrudgingly lol I do not like Amazon)

https://www.amazon.ca/NatraCure-Gel-Toe-Separators-Spacers/dp/B076C2CQ2R

New balance has some nice slide in shoes that are like their 990 sneakers. Amazon link

I've not tried them but they also have some newer model slip on running shoes.

Torrid’s and Walmart have wide and extra wide shoes… I am also wide with a bunion since one was corrected thank God 😂

I also invested in good quality shoe stretchers with bunion attachments from Amazon. I usually stretch shoes for about 2 days before the first wear and it really makes a huge difference…

Shoe Stretcher Women Shoe Tree... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QB2168F?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I got this pillow

LightEase Memory Foam Leg, Knee, Ankle Support and Elevation Leg Pillow for Surgery https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07GF9FTBV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CY2GQSRDQ16B4CCMVC8M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

BTW I really liked this pillow for elevating: Zen Bamboo Wedge Pillows for Sleeping - Luxury Foam Leg Elevation Pillow for Leg & Back Discomfort w/ Removable Cover https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B073DK9B83/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Y978YKZRYA4ABTF4ZZRY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I haven’t even had surgery yet on mine, but I do wear them. They come in a few lengths. The higher up you go, the more full body circulation you get.

You can wear regular socks over them, depending on the thickness. They’re typically very thin, but I have a few pairs of the Copper Fit ones that I use for skiing and wearing dress shoes (they’re black, and the copper woven fabric is antimicrobial=won’t smell). I use them like normal socks.

They can be pricey, so shop around.

• they go on pretty tight immediately behind the ball of the foot. I’d suspect this could be an issue post op, so maybe look into a sock helper like this one.

All separators r not the same! I use thicker separator’s which I found on Amazon and they have not given out on me. A quick rinse under hot water keeps them in good condition. Others that I have tried get smooshed and turn black over time. I have not had that problem with these.

Povihome 10 Pack Toe Spacers Separators(1/2'' Thick), Bunion Corrector Gel Orthotics for Bunion, Overlapping Toes - L Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0734KRL5N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_2BTK0EXR8TPWRJHB0VY2

Bunion Corrector & Bunion Relief Protector Sleeves Kit - Treat Pain in Hallux Valgus, Big Toe Joint, Hammer Toe, Toe Separators Spacers Straighteners Splint Aid Surgery Treatment https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M5E0Q0T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_S657X28N9YJ1KGCCE379?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

this one seems to be helping so far, but my bunions are minor

I used to have this gel insert to put between toes but obviously it’s wasn’t holding it up straight. I’d suggest really good insoles, I had similar to these - Insoles

Massage ball and some sort of pain relief anti inflammatory gel to rub in. Good luck x

The best relief I had before surgery was from wearing a toe-kini

PROFOOT Toe-Kini, Ball of Foot Protectors, (Pack of 2), Pads Metatarsal and Separates Toes for Greater Comfort When Walking, Great for High Heels, Relief from Burning Pain in the Forefoot https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B005436YKI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_86EAW09C5AKCN16PS8AJ

Get one of those water proof plastic bag type things that goes over the foot for showering. For the first two weeks-ish, he won't be able to get that foot wet. Similar to this.

He will need to elevate his foot, too. So have something for that.

For your sanity, put things he'll want or need frequently close to him.

I had minimally invasive chevron-akin and am in a surgical boot & able to walk! I had my surgery like 36 hours ago and my pain is a 0/10 right now, but I’m not on my foot and have just taken my meds about an hour ago (taking norco for the first few days). It’s a 5/10 when I walk on it. Probably would be a 6-7/10 without pain meds at rest. Ive had migraines more painful than this lol I’m very thankful it’s not been anywhere near as bad as I expected!! If you have traditional surgery, I think you can’t bear weight for a few weeks, so that’s a huge part of the reason I wanted MIS (not sure if you are getting MIS or traditional? traditional is one large incision whereas MIS is 3 very small incisions). Either way, I’m sure you’ll be good! I posted some links of helpful items i got on amazon on another thread, but the most important one for me has been the angled pillow designed for leg elevation. Also got these awesome ice packs to strap around my foot and ankle ☺️

pillow link

ice packs link

I like that one! I got this one. It's only for 1 leg. I'm a side sleeper too, and hoping the cup will keep me on one place. Once I have it and try it out, I'll let y'all know how it does.

Zen Bamboo Wedge Pillows for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073DK9B83?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is the one I got. My decision was mostly influenced by shipping speeds because I didn't have the foresight to get it before surgery, but I'm happy with it.

Make sure your shoes have a good toe box. That they do not push on the sides of your feet. It's really best to try on shoes later in the day or after walking for a while. Personally, I try on ALL shoes, including dress shoes, with a pair of thick, winter type socks on, to be 100% sure they are big enough.

There are "corrector" kits you can use, they do help to relieve some of the pain. Like this.

Once the incisions were healed and I still use it for scar massage. You only need a tiny amount and it smells so good 🥰 and the scar is already fading

https://www.amazon.com/Bio-Oil-200ml-Multiuse-Skincare-6-7oz/dp/B00AREGVUM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=OFH5CV5K5M58&dchild=1&keywords=bio+oil&qid=1630406764&sprefix=bio+&sr=8-3

Povihome 10 Pack Toe Spacers Separators, Bunion Corrector Gel Orthotics (Updated Soft Version) for Bunion, Overlapping Toes - L Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0734KRL5N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_nZjtxbiv3IBG4

I broke down about a week post op and bought this: DryCorp Waterproof Vacuum Sealed... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007KOFV8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share. It’s a little bit of a struggle to get it on over my boot but it works like a charm!

Welnove - 10 Pack Toe Separators Gel Toe Spacers Bunion Corrector（1st/2nd Toe) and Spreader for Bunions, Overlapping Toes and Drift Pain Relief Pads - Clear https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07QZQ6Y8B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MC9JW19B2SJ24809FGYJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

These are the ones I got and they are really comfortable! also, the clear makes it barely noticeable! It took like one or two days to get used to but now I don’t notice them at all. I wear them 24/7 (even when sleeping). I wash them in the shower and since they come with 10 sets it’s easy to rotate through.

I don’t do any toe excersies or anything. If you are able to wear a pair of comfortable sneakers for most of your daily activities, that is your best bet. I really recommend my Vionic Relax slippers too- Oprah has a pair! I put them on as soon as i’m home from work. My mom thinks they are hideous but they are slippers so I don’t care!

Let me know if you have any other questions! I was so stressed for months deciding about surgery and all along I could’ve just gotten orthodics! -___-

I got a pair of rose gold Madden Girl Birkenstock style sandals last summer and lived in them the past two summers, they’re so comfy and cute! I hot another rose gold pair earlier this summer but haven’t worn them yet. Here’s a link to the same style on amazon but in different colors (looks like rose gold is all sold out but there are a lot of other cute colors):

Madden Girl Women's Brando Flat Sandal, Gold Paris, 6.5 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HI91Y3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3c3sDb8PPTCZH

(Sorry for the formatting, I’m on mobile)

The only thing is I noticed the inside of the straps was rubbing my feet uncomfortably at first so I cut some moleskin and stuck it on the underside where I was being rubbed, and I haven’t had any issues!

Days after my surgery, because I’m impatient and sitting around drives me crazy. They gave me a terrible surgery shoe as well, so was just not having it. This time around I got an air cast/boot that I wear a lot more.

These are the ones I bought. They’re nice and pliable, I increased the cold time by having another ice pack on the underside of my foot and then ace wrapped it and got a good 1-2 hours of icing out of them. Much less swelling on round 2.

Before surgery, I would definitely try a bunion corrector to help straighten and relieve the pain. I just now released my product on Amazon :) Feel free to give it a try! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J62NM85 .

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