Ask the Doctor: Bunion Surgery; Chemo & Vitamins; Pilates for Back Pain
Q: I’m considering surgery to remove a painful bunion on my foot—what would it involve?
A: While bunions may look like nothing more than a bony bump on the side of the big toe, they usually involve an angulation deformity between the first and second metatarsal bones (the bones that run from the base of your toes to the middle of your foot) as well. This makes surgery more complicated than simply removing the “bump.” If it is removed without correcting this angulation problem, the bunion will probably return.
The angulation correction involves cutting and shifting the first metatarsal bone into alignment and fixating it with a pin, screw, or plate. Additionally, the affected toe needs to be evaluated for arthritis. If you elect to proceed with the removal, your podiatric surgeon will take X-rays of your feet to assess what degree of deformity and/or arthritis you have in the big toe joint, and how he or she plans to surgically address it. You’ll be committing to approximately four to six weeks of aftercare, with a gradual return to normal activity. Typical risks include pain, swelling, stiffness, infection, and numbness, although the latter is usually transient.
Q: I’m scheduled to have chemotherapy. Why did my oncologist advise me to stop taking my usual daily vitamins while being treated?
A: There is evidence that antioxidant vitamins (including vitamins A, C and E) may interfere with both chemotherapy and radiation therapy, so this is likely why your doctor is recommending that you avoid them.
Chemo and radiation work by stimulating the body to produce free radicals—molecules that create oxidative damage in cells, including cancer cells. Antioxidants destroy free radicals, so taking antioxidant vitamins might impact your cancer treatment.
However, other research has found that vitamin supplements may help lessen the side effects that can accompany chemotherapy, so ask your doctor for clarification on exactly what vitamins are contraindicated. There may be some you can continue to take that might be of benefit.
Q: A friend said Pilates would help ease my back pain, but won’t the stretching involved strain my back even more?
A: Pilates is considered a good exercise for people suffering from lower back pain because it involves learning how to target and work on the core muscles that support the spine. Strengthening them effectively provides your back with an internal brace that can help relieve pain.
If you have a diagnosed medical condition that is causing your back pain, check with your doctor and ask if Pilates is appropriate.
If you try Pilates, before you begin, ensure that the instructor is fully qualified and has experience working with people with back issues.
—Editor-in-Chief Orli R. Etingin, MD
The post Ask the Doctor: Bunion Surgery; Chemo & Vitamins; Pilates for Back Pain appeared first on University Health News.
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