hopeful bump...

Minniebeck, these are all valid questions that you should be asking all three of the surgeons you're consulting. Don't expect the shin splint issue to be resolved with the bunion surgery though. The shin splints and bunions are both the result of a similar biomechanical issue - namely excessive late stance phase pronation. Unless you address that biomechanical issue, your shin splints are not likely to disappear. If your foot pronates excessively in the late stance phase of gait as you're pushing off, it has a tendency to push the great toe to the lateral side - setting the stage for the misalignment and resulting bunion. Addressing the bunion only addresses a RESULT, not a cause. In addition to the podiatrists you're consulting you may want to search for an orthopedist who specializes in foot and ankle issues. You can do a search for one in your area through the AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society) web page at http://www.aofas.org[/URL" target="_blank">
best of luck to you!

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Treat the cause, not just the symptom... http://www.runningstrong.com[/URL" target="_blank">

I am currently a week out from a bunionectomy on my left foot and I had my right foot done in August.

1.My Dr. says the bunions should not come back with the type of surgery I had.( Lapidus bunionectomy)

2. I also have two children (ages six and seven). It is hard and you will need help for awhile. I was back to running in six weeks-sooner than I originally thought.

3.I have no clue about shin splints.

4.I tried to stretch and as soon as I could bear full weight on my foot I was moving -I wanted to do more but in the end I did gain 5 pounds.

5. I knew for years I needed surgery but waited until the pain started to become unbearable -especially after longer runs 10+ miles.Also my Dr. said eventually my toes would turn in more and shoes were starting to not fit. I think the younger the better as far as recovery goes.

I took it slow in the first two weeks back running-but eventually got to an 8 mile run with my average run 5 miles-before I had to have my other foot done. Now the wait is on to heal so I can start all over again!

It is a tough decision to make-I struggled with it for years. I was told in my twenties I would need surgery and I am now 35. I hope this helped you some. Good luck.

Minnebeck,

It would probably be a good idea to line up as much help as possible for two weeks.My first surgery went really well and I was able to lose my crutches after a week. My recovery this time is going a bit slower. It is not fun but I was so glad I had it done because I have no pain in my right foot.

When I started running in between my surgery my left foot would ache and my repaired foot felt great. Which is why I got the other foot done right away. I do miss running so much.

My doctor is a podiatrist and I let him know I wanted to run as soon as possible and he was great about it.

Take care and I wish you the best.