DR HILARY...DR HILARY...DR HILARY...DR HILARY...

DR HILARY'S DIAGNOSIS

“Carol has developed the ultimate fashion injury – a bunion.

This thickened lump on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe happens when a bone deformity forces the tip towards the other toes, leaving a ‘knuckle’ of joint exposed.

Pressure from tight shoes produces sore and swollen soft tissues over the lump.

Unfortunately, Carol’s bunion will get worse unless she does something about it.

First she should visit a good podiatrist who can supply her with special cushions to push the toe back into the right position and protect the lump from further pressure from her shoes.

However, if she wants a pain-free toe, she should consider surgery to shave off some of the bone and to realign and straighten it.

She won’t be able to walk on it for a while, but she should be back to normal in about six weeks.

It’s also possible she could still wear high heels for parties, but I don’t think her surgeon would be impressed if she started making a habit of it!”

‘My bunion stops me wearing sexy heels’

EVERY WEEK A CELEB ASKS OUR FABULOUS DOCTOR FOR DIAGNOSIS. THIS WEEK IT'S LOOSE WOMEN STAR CAROL MCGRIFFIN, 47

“I’ve had a bunion by the big toe on my left foot for years. I’m sure it’s from when I was younger and used to wear shoes that were a size too small.

In my teens I’d wear ridiculously tight shoes all the time, but when I go shoe shopping now, I have to buy a sensible pair that cover my bunion and keep my feet comfortable.

I first noticed it when I was in my late 20s and although the swelling hasn’t got worse in the last 10 years, I do feel self-conscious about it.

I know Victoria Beckham has a bunion and it doesn’t seem to bother her, but I can’t get away with wearing the shoes she does without it looking horrible.

It sounds silly, but my bunion dictates my outfits – I have to think of what I’m wearing on my feet before I get dressed.

On a more physical level, it can hurt if I wear high heels for a while and I can’t dance for long before it starts to ache.

Friends and family have told me to get it removed, but I’ve heard horror stories about the procedure – just the thought of it gives me goosebumps.

I’ve also been told I might never wear high heels again and, on a more serious note, be bed-bound for three months and not able to walk properly for a year – something I just couldn’t put myself through.

Part of me wants to leave it well alone, but I worry about what will happen if I don’t get it done.

Could it get worse?”

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