Originally Posted by
noglider
Thank you, @
FBinNY. I've tried all kinds of cleat positions, saddle heights, saddle fore/aft positions, handlebar positions, and cleat less pedals. I might find better positions, but that avoids the problem but doesn't undo the damage, and there is definitely damage. I am going to see someone whose specialty is called Hanna Somatics, and maybe I'll also see a physiatrist. I agree that avoiding surgery may be possible. The podiatrist said corrective devices such as orthotics won't help me, but I know that advice might be wrong for me.
Tom, you missed the point of my post, which was that I suspect the shoes themselves, not the bike or position. The only reason I suggested standard pedals was so you could ride in wide comfortable shoes.
Bunions are usually not bothered by direct vertical pressure on the bottom of the foot, and yours don't seem to be either since you can walk OK. SO, I suspect the side pressure directly on the bunion or the deflection of the big toe from the shoes you are riding in.
BTW- if you still know an old time shoemaker, he might be able to help. Many of them have experience stretching shoes in critical areas to relieve pressure there.
So, don't fret over your position, and focus on shoe fit. If you have an old pair destined for the trash soon, consider cutting away the area where the bunion is and seeing if that makes a difference. If so, you know the direction where a solution lies, and the rest is the details.