Never thought I’d be joining a foot group but here I am looking for some opinions!

Never thought I’d be joining a foot group but here I am looking for some opinions! I’m 25 years old with 2 young kids (2&5) with very flat feet and a very sore bunion!! I’ve always been flat footed but the bunion along with the pain has been increasing in the past 5 years. I saw a podiatrist a little over a year ago who, after doing X-rays, recommended custom orthotics (which I couldn’t afford at the time) and toe cushions, exercises and a brace to wear at night. I’ve been doing that for the past 18 months pretty much every day. The cramps I get in the sole of my feet after removing the space savers at the end of the day are insane. I use a tennis ball to roll out the cramps but I’m not sure how much more I can handle. Since it has been over a year I need a new referral to see the podiatrist again, however I’m going to ask for a second opinion. Long story short my question is, if it’s recommended, should I have the surgery sooner rather than later (or at all)? I do have a job where I am required to be on my feet for %80 of a normal work day, however they have already told me I would be accommodated for. See less

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Community comment#1

My advice would be the sooner the better, I put it off for years and ended up getting arthritis in my big toe...I had my bunion surgery this morning

Community comment#2

I agree with Cori Weiner.. Invest in good shoes. I would skip the spacers, but massage and stretch stretch your feet. I think the spacers are doing more harm than good. I've had bunions almost all my life and put off surgery until now. ( I'm 72) I had a child to raise and was an art teacher for 40 years.. always on my feet.. It never seemed to be a good time. You have 2 young children and a job that need you. I think you can buy time by buying good quality shoes that fit you correctly. It made the world of difference for me. See if you can find a store near you that caters to people with problem feet. They will measure you correctly and make recommendations. Google " shoes for bunions" that will give you an idea of brands, styles and prices. I waited for years and finally had minimally invasive percutaneous bunion and hammertoe surgery last week. Good luck to you!