Shoes are only part of the problem

Do you find yourself worried about wearing high heels because you’ve heard the stories about hammertoes and bunions being caused by them?  Well, there is more to the story than just shoes.  The reason for deformities in the foot is not just limited to one cause.  Most of these conditions are “multi-factorial”, meaning there is a list of things that worked together to cause the problem.

In the case of bunions and hammertoes, high heeled shoes aren’t the only reason you get them.  The individual usually has a genetic predisposition to this kind of foot structure.  They also have factors in their childhood activity that further contributed to the development of the bunion.  So wearing the high heeled shoes plays a role in the overall development of a bunion but it’s not the only reason.

This is why if you are wearing high heeled shoes for work everyday, or just in comfortable tennis shoes, you should consider a consultation with your foot surgeon if you notice slight deviation of the first metatarsal joint (bunion area) or a minor “bump” in that region.

Early intervention usually means less work needed to prevent irreversible damage to the joint and the need for more complex surgical procedures.

  1. Deborah Sanders says:

    Hi
    Are you able to give me an estimation of hoe much it would cost for toe shortening.

    Kind regards

  2. Dr. Sadrieh says:

    Hi Deborah, absolutely. The procedure is usually covered by insurance. We need to evaluate your toe first to determine that with an xray to look at the actual bone and the structure inside. However, if the procedure were not covered and patient were to pay cash, it would range from $1500 to $2000 depending on the fixation hardware (implant to hold the correction while it heals) we decided to use.

    The best option is to consider having a one-on-one consultation and that way we could diagnose and determine the exact costs. Shu Shu (our office administrator) will further assist you when you speak with the office staff, and answer more of your questions.

  3. Nicole says:

    Hello, I was wondering if you could give me some information. I have two previous bunion foot surgeries (aug 07, april 08). Both on the same foot and both did not work out too well. I am still in extreme pain and can’t walk normal (without a limp). My foot still swells. The first surgery was a lapidus bunion surgery. The second was a revision, she lengthened the first toe, shortened the second, removed on sesamoid bone, shaved off bone on the 5th metatarsal, and did a heel osteotomy (heel slide). I now feel like my heel is in the wrong place, and I am still having the exact same pain as before under the first toe, like I am walking on rocks. Is there anything else that can be done to fix my foot or am I out of luck. I am only 28 and don’t want to live like this anymore. Please any advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks.

  4. Dr. Sadrieh says:

    Hello Nicole,
    Your case is interesting. I would love to see some pictures and xrays if possible. Since you have such a complicated case, I think it would be prudent to consider a one on one consultation with your xrays and previous records. The procedures that were performed on your foot are not out of the ordinary, however they may not have been the procedures that best resolved your original foot problems. Based on the brief history you gave me, we might be able to “undo” a lot of the work you had done.

    I would love to meet with you and personally evaluate your foot and hopefully have a solution for you. When you call the office, explain to them that I spoke with you on the web site and requested that you get priority scheduling.

  5. Eudoxie Tullio says:

    I have had bunyon surgery in may 2008. I did the exercises but my toe is still stiff. I still can not wear a structured shoe much less my loved summer heels. Can I start theropy at this time. Or am I stuck with sneakers the rest of my life. Also, do bunyon slings work? I really don’t want to go through this again?

  6. Dr. Sadrieh says:

    Hello Eudoxie,
    Having a stiff toe after this amount of time is not normal. The goal of a bunion correction is to eliminate pain, realign the joint and provide better range of motion (ROM) or track for the joint to operate in. Usually a stiff joint can develop during the first 4-6 months after surgery because of inflammatory issues after surgery or thickening of what is called the “capsule” or the ligament that surrounds the joint. In my practice, if this is still stiff after 12 weeks, I will consider alternative treatments like Physical Therapy to increase the ROM and get the joint functioning. Ultimately, like with any foot problem secondary to surgery, evaluating an XRay would be necessary for me to give you a definitive answer.

  7. Zubaida says:

    Hello,
    Im actually just finding out about your website. I wanted to just ask about the kind of surgeries you do? I had a minor accident when i was 8 leaving my left toe bone broken. I have size 11 feet. and I dont feel comfy wearing Open shoes.Can you please give me more information about what you do?

  8. Cindy Richardson says:

    I have prominent veins on my feet. They are not small spider veins that can be removed. Can fat injections be done to minimize the veins? I cover them up with the type of shoes I wear, but would love to wear ballet slippers and thongs again. Thank you.

  9. Lisa Aracena says:

    Hi,

    I saw Dr. Sadrieh and the “Cinderella” foot surgery on The DR’s show today. I have foot pain near my big toe after I wear high heels and somtimes just flats. I guess I have bunions. So, I am interested in finding out more about this, but I live in New York. I liked the fact that the recovery time fast.

    I was wondering if Dr. Ali Sadrieh ever did surgery near NY? Do you have patients that maybe fly to Beverly Hills to do just the surgery? How would that work? Or if you have references for other doctors in or near CT or NY.

  10. kim says:

    Hi i just saw the cinderella procedure done on the the Dr. show and was wondering if you could recommend anyone in the area of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I have the same situation as the women on todays show with a bunion on both sides of each of my feet, but only being 21 i really am interested in this procedure.

  11. Lena says:

    Hello Dr Sadrieh,

    I was so excited when I watched “The Doctors Show” this afternoon here in Virginia to see that there is a procedure out there for me and my situation with my bunions. I am experiencing THE EXACT same problem as the patient on the show today. However, I live in Chesapeake, VA and would like to know from you if you could refer me to someone that does the “CINDERELLA” procedure in my area. I am 37 years old and I have been experiencing this pain for 3 years now. HEEEEEEEELP! I have had x-rays on my feet and they offered to do cortizone shots. This was 3 years ago but i never got the shot and the problem has gotten worse. My husband got a good laugh today because he aslo rubs my feet and has to hear me scream or tear up because of the sharp pains that run through my big toes (mainly the left foot).

  12. Elise says:

    Hello Dr. Sadrieh, 2 questions. If your bunions are caused by genetics and how your built, what are the chances the bunions will just come back? Do you take Military insurance? (Tricare) Thanks!!

  13. grace glinska says:

    hello dr.Sadrieh,I’m 60 years old ,can you fix mine bunions in mine age?Do you have price list? thanks!

  14. MARIT GALINDO says:

    Hi. I’m from Mexico City and today I saw Dr. Sadrieh on The DR’s show. Are you able to give an estimation of how much it would cost for bunion correction and fat pad augmentation. Thank you very much.

  15. Dr. Sadrieh says:

    Hello Zubaida,

    Thank you for inquiring about surgery and correction of your feet on my site. There are many options for reconstruction of problems that are secondary to trauma like your situation.

    The bet solution at this juncture is to call (310 691 5411) or email (footsurgery@mac.com) the office and speak with ShuShu (my office manager) and plan on getting XRays and photos of your feet sent over to us, and then I can give a more reasonable answer to what options you have, and what services I can provide.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

  16. Dr. Sadrieh says:

    Hello Cindy,

    This is very interesting question. If I am correct, I think you are asking about the actual veins on the top of the foot, not varicose or spider veins?

    The answer (and idea) of injecting fat is a valid one. It can and will help. However there is always the issue with the fat transplant not being a permanent solution. This is the case with a percentage of the fat transfers we perform. Ultimately, this risk of failure must be assessed in relation to the result and whether it is worth it. The risk is low being that we will be injecting the fat so the entry point is small and the risk for infection is low. So then the cost becomes a factor.

    I would love to see your foot. I ask most patients to either send a photo or come in for a consult so I can give them a better initial impression so they get the most accurate assessment given geography. Please call (310 691 5411) or email (footsurgery@mac.com) the office and speak with Shu Shu (my office manager) about your email and we can plan on further discussion.

  17. Dr. Sadrieh says:

    Hello Elise,

    Yes, bunions are caused by genetics, but if the procedure addresses the deformity correctly, it will not come back being that you are fully grown and the genetic disposition to develop the deformity has already expressed itself.

    As for TriCare, the answer is yes. I love to take care of military and their families :-)

  18. Dr. Sadrieh says:

    Hello Lisa, Kim, Lena, Grace & Marit!

    Thank you very much for watching the show and your comments and questions. It makes me happy to see that I am helping people from such diverse regions of the country. I will answer most of your questions in this post.

    For starters, age is not a limit to this procedure given that there are no medical risks or hazards due to your age. An example of this is weak bones (osteoporosis) or heart conditions that would preclude you from getting surgery. if there are no issues that would prevent us from correcting a bunion with surgery, then we go for it! The reason is that any time, is a good time to fix a bunion. If you intervene when you are young, it is good because you are preventing the problem from damaging the joint. But even if you are intervening at an older age, you are still preventing further damage and degeneration of the joint surface.

    I corrected my own father’s bunions when he was 68 years old, and he is walking happy and pain free.

    The “Cinderella Procedure” addresses this common problem in a pain free, and short recovery way. You can read a little bit more about the procedure on the procedures section of the site.

    I appreciate the requests to refer patients to doctors in their own areas, however, most of the procedures I perform are unique to my practice and it would impossible for me to recommend another doctor in your area being that I am not familiar with their approach to surgery, other than the traditional methods that I was trained to do as well.

    The best way to approach your individual questions is personal consultations. For patients that are out of state I often will look at Xrays and digital photos of your feet to give you my initial impression. But for every patient, I encourage you to either call (310 691 5411) or email (footsurgery@mac.com) the office and speak with Shu Shu (my office manager) about your concern and we can plan on further discussion in person.

    Thank you again for your questions… I look forward to answering everyone of them in person.

  19. Bonnie Erickson says:

    I watced the Doctor, and saw you patient who did this procedure. I am very interedte, Is there anyone in the Mpls MN. area that does this procedure? Do you recommend anyone closer? Is it possible to come to you and have my insurance cover the procedure? I am very interested in knowing more about the quick recovery and what the success rate is. I do not havae the time to be laid up for 2 months.

    Thank you,
    Bonnie Erickson

  20. nancy says:

    Can you please give me a rough estimate on the cost of this bunion procedure?

    Thanks.

  21. Nancy W says:

    At 14, is my daughter too old to have the implant surgery that corrects flat feet?

  22. Ood Stalcup says:

    I am so thankful to have found this site. Please help!

    I had a bunion surgery nine years ago on my left foot. My foot was never heal completely and was always sore at the ball of the foot. Last September an orthopedic surgeon removes tibial sesamoid to relieve the pain. I wear an orthopedic support all the time. I enjoy ballroom dancing but took off from practicing for 4 months because the pain was quite severe when I put the weight on that foot. Now the pain is getting to be too much even 1 hour of practice. My foot can be sore for 2 or 3 days. I had juvaderm injection in February but it only last 3 months and it took almost 2 months after the injection to heal up. I can not walk barefoot longer than 30 minutes at home before the pain get worse.

    Ballroom dancing is what keep me healthy. My over all health is so much better now since I started dancing. I do not want to give that up. I am 54 years old female.

    My question is. Is the fat injection procedure is right for me and what does involve in this procedure? I would appreciate any information you may have.

    Sincerely,
    Ood Stalcup

  23. Paula says:

    Hi Dr. Sadrieh

    I am a 42 year old female and have recently undergone a hammer toe correction procedure (Sept 09). The procedure being a PIP joint fusion of right 2nd toe with Weil’s osteotomy and extensor tenotomy, which I feel unfortunately hasn’t settled down as much as I would have liked. I have been left with a floating toe, which is extremely uncomfortable when walking as I can feel the pull along the top of my foot and I am now walking with a limp that I never had before. My toe appears only slightly shorter than the others when my foot is off the floor, but on weightbearing or putting my foot to the floor, the toe retracts back, appears shorter and is left floating. I’m unsure as to the reason for this, but am worried that the Weil’s osteotomy has been too aggressive and the bone in the top of my foot shortened too much. I am due to go back to the hospital but am reluctant to allow any further surgery as I have little faith in the sugeon who performed the original op. Would I be a suitable candidate for toe-lengthening? I live in the UK so it would be helpful if you could give me an idea of the costs involved for this procedure and the length of recovery time.

    Many thanks, Paula Griffiths.

  24. Ana A. says:

    Hello i have what is termed morton’s toe and was wondering if you know of any professionals that do this procedure in the Montreal Quebec area….I would love to have my second toe shortened, I don’t really have pain other than the occasional toe cramping or pain underneath the ball of the first toe….

  25. Lindsay says:

    Hi Doctor!

    My name is Lindsay and I have been struggling with the look of my feet ever since I was little! My second toe is quite a bit longer than the first and I hate not being able to wear all the cute designer shoes! I was just wondering the price, recovery, and any adverse effects from the procedure (will my feet ache in the future…etc.). Also, can you get both feet done at the same time? I live in Alberta Canada so I would want to fly down and have it done all at once.

    Thanks!