Stretching Could Halt Bunion Development



Dear Dr. Donohue: I decided not to have a bunion operation because so many people told me that there is a long, painful recovery. Someone told me about a procedure called minimal-incision therapy. Is this less painful? -- S.J.

Dear S.J.: Bunions are marble-sized lumps at the base of the big toes. In addition to having the lump, the big toe turns inward toward the other toes and can, in time, completely overlap the second toe.

For every man with a bunion, 16 women have one. Genes are partly to blame, but fashionable shoes that squeeze the toes are major bunion contributors.

Not every bunion calls for surgical correction. Padding, shoe inserts, soft leather or canvas shoes, and low-heel shoes take pressure off the big toe.

Simple stretches can sometimes arrest bunion progression. Grab the big toe with thumb and index finger, pulling the toe away from the other toes. Hold in that position for four seconds, and repeat 15 times in a row. The second exercise is a variation of the first, with the added maneuver of pulling the big toe upward as it is pulled to the side. Hold that position for four seconds, and repeat the exercise 15 times. It takes at least six weeks to see any progress.

Minimal-incision surgery is one where the doctor removes the bunion with instruments inserted through a tiny slit in the skin. Many doctors shun the procedure because they think they cannot adequately see what they are doing. Others are experts at it. The recovery time is much less than with the standard bunion operation.

Ask your friend for the name of her doctor. Then get another name from your local podiatry or medical society. The input of two doctors gives you a better idea of the suitability of this surgery for you.

Dear Dr. Donohue: Please write about human Growth Hormone. Will it make me feel great in three months, as the advertisement says? -- N.S.

Dear N.S.: Human Growth Hormone -- hGH -- is the body's growth tonic. It permits growing children to reach the height programmed by their genes.

Some years back, a few studies indicated that synthetic hGH used by adults rejuvenated their bodies. It increased muscle size and got rid of body fat. Strangely, the larger muscles did not make people stronger.

Athletes, always looking for ways to pump up their bodies, gravitated to hGH. The results are anything but clear, and as of this writing, hGH has not proven to be an elixir of youth.


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