All told, full recovery may take 1-5 weeks with the help of a protective shoe, but you will be able to walk out of surgery. Exercises or physical therapy may be recommended to help the foot recover What can I expect after bunion surgery? To ensure successful bunion surgery recovery: Complications are rare with 85% of people reporting successful bunion surgery recovery. Make a list and ask your surgeon about the specifics of your post-operative course. You might want to ask your doctor about it. Elevation is still recommended but not to the degree required during the first 2 weeks. Twice a day I'm rubbing in a moisturiser - both Vitamin E cream and some bio oil to help the scars heal nicely and to minimise scar tissue. The problem. At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: Masks are required inside all of our care facilities, COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov. Skip to topic navigation . after the procedure, depending on your particular situation. There is a reason why the elevation of your foot is recommended after bunion surgery. All good information. It may be necessary for you to stop these medicines before the Finally, an arthrodesis involves the replacement of the deformed joint with plates and screws to ensure a more normal alignment. Im able to wash it and massage with aloe gel. Insurance Plans Accepted by Next Step Foot and Ankle Clinic. Fortunately, Abraham Woods, MD, can help. He May Have Severs Disease, and Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic Can Help, L Arginine: Supplement to Help Relieve Neuropathy Symptoms Video, Learn More About Your Foot and Ankle Pain and How We Treat It Here, Leg Cramps and Bad Circulation in the Legs, EpiFix Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcers. For one, minimally invasive bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure. Yes lots of pain slow rehabilitation you need to stretch them pull the toe out and stretch upwards lots every day a couple of times a day. The stitches will You may also be prescribed antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection. If youre suffering from a hammertoe, your surgeon can either perform a surgical release and/or removal of part of the joint bone. I feel like I have a new lease on life. After all, choosing to undergo surgery can be a big decision. (This means you wont have to go under, during the surgery.). I will be keeping my bunions on the other foot. This may cause a brief stinging Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding A surgical release allows the tendons and ligaments that are causing the hammertoe to lengthen, thus allowing the toe to straighten to its former position. Im into my 4th week bunion surgery. How long is the recovery process? Will you need a sedative? However, it takes about six to 12 weeks for your bones to heal. My foot is very swollen and I cant fully feel the surface of the skin on my big toe which Im guessing is due to swelling. My doc said we want to keep it elevated to avoid swelling, because that swelling is fluid and fluid stops the red blood cells getting to the site to heal it, or something like that Im not a doctor but it was definitely about draining away the fluid hindering the healing. So, if youre tired of dealing with bunion pain but arent sure about going under the knife then this blog is for you. tests or other diagnostic tests. In many cases, patients are weight-bearing within a few days of their surgery instead of bearing no weight for 7 - 9 weeks that comes with traditional bunion surgery. You are more than ready to get them fixed! Because the sedative may make you drowsy, you will need to arrange Notify your healthcare provider to report any of the following: Fever of 100.4F (38C) or higher, or as directed by your Bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day of the surgery. The surgery is not cosmetic and is not meant to improve the appearance of the foot. Arrrggh, My Bunion Came Back! Week 8:Usually there are no further restrictions in activity by week 8. You may experience pain and swelling after the surgery for the first few weeks, but it will subside. Wires, pins, and absorbable fixation can also be used. week or more after surgery. Lean protein, fruit and vegetables are particularly important to include in your diet in the weeks following your surgery. COVID-19 Update from Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas. During the surgery, the surgeon will make a large incision along the side of the foot, remove the bunion, and place metal screws, metal plates, or other devices to hold the foot's new alignment in place. I'm currently stuck in the ICU after an emergency surgery to get my gallbladder out, & had my first scan while in the Emergency Room. Swimming or any activity that will get your bandages wet. My foot is constantly swollen. Thankfully, there is a viable alternative! Our board . Click below to schedule your free consultation with our team. Im 4 weeks tomorrow and this is my second. Because bunions tend to only get worse over time, the sooner you seek treatment for one, the better off youll be in the long run. During this healing period, you won't be able to put all of your weight on your foot. Usually the patient feels very good and wants to start doing things. of bleeding. Swelling reduces slowly from 2 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3-4 months, and 6 months. Your doctor will prescribed you with appropriate medications to help with your bunion surgery recovery. New!!! All bunion surgeries are not the same; just like every patient is not the same. Failure to do this will adversely affect your bunion surgery recovery time. This often resolves the problem. Staying off your feet for at least 3 to 5 days is highly recommended. healthcare provider, Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the incision The wound and dressings must be kept completely dry so take care with washing. Knee extensor mechanism problems, such as a patella (kneecap) fracture or patella tendon tear. Northwest Surgery Centers are the only podiatric surgeons in Colorado offering this unique alternative to traditional, long recovery time bunionectomy surgery. If youre suffering from a hammertoe, your surgeon can either perform a surgical release and/or removal of part of the joint bone. Your surgeon will choose the best fixation for your fusion during your surgery. Verify here. After surgery, you will need to wear a cast or a special type of shoe to protect your toe and to keep it in the right position for at least 3 to 6 weeks. In addition to a complete medical history, your healthcare provider If I found something I like & didnt cripple me after two day, that wasnt the equivalent of a mortgage payment, I got a second pair. Are You Suffering From Athletes Foot? stay in a hospital. complications may include: Stiffness Numbness Swelling Delayed healing Infection Other complications may include recurrence of the bunion, nerve damage, and continued pain. The rest of the time Ive been Ubering around when I have to go out and no one is around to help. I had a bunionectomy and double weils osteotomy. If you have a sedentary job where you can keep your foot elevated, you may be able to return at around six weeks if your bunion surgery recovery is going well. 4.7K views 2 years ago. To prevent a recurrence, you'll need to wear proper shoes after recovery. You may be asked to fast for 8 hours before the procedure, disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) Once the dressing are removed you can start to wear normal shoes. sensation. Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. after surgery. Bunion surgery recovery takes about six to eight weekssix weeks to return to work and eight weeks to return to playing sports. I NEVER thought that stretching my calf would relieve the excruciating pain at the top of my foot. If you have an urgent need, please call us at 817-416-6155. Im 4 weeks into recover after bunion surgery. An infected knee joint (current or within the last year) A current infection elsewhere in the body. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and Week 5: More activity is tolerated and allowed. For bunions caused by arthritis, medicines may help reduce pain and swelling. Minimally invasive foot surgeries are generally much less painful, produce less. If the pain in your, Monday Thursday: 9AM 7PM Friday Saturday: 9AM 7PM Sunday: Closed, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the, How Much Does Hallux Rigidus Surgery Cost, How Long Is the Stem Cell Therapy Recovery Process, Which Is Better, PRP or Stem Cell Therapy, What to Expect After Hallux Rigidus Surgery. health information. It is important to keep the dressing clean and dry. provider may also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection following Patients who undergo minimally invasive foot surgery to address bunions or hammertoes can expect to return to work almost immediately with minimal scarring or soreness. The first couple of weeks after the surgery will be the most challenging ones. If these treatments don't help, your healthcare provider may suggest surgery. I feel so nervous to use my foot at all. It's possible that you'll be able to walk on your foot right after a bunion procedure. its strength and range of motion after surgery. may perform a complete physical exam to make sure that you are in medicines, aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. Week 2:This is probably the most difficult time after footsurgery. Heres a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect during a traditional bunionectomy: In short, traditional bunion surgery is far from an ideal solution to bunion pain. Rich, US, This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy Not being able to drive is the thing thats making my life most difficult. Week 3:During this week your sutures will be removed. It is good to stay informed and know what to expect during this period in order to recover effectively. I still wrap it for support. Week 4:During this week the patient its a little more freedom and is usually able to go to the store for short periods of time and gradually increase the time on the foot. Your healthcare The dressing is often left on during this time as well. Bunion Surgery 2 Week Post-Operation Update, What to Wear After a Foot Operation When You Have to Wear a Post-Operative Shoe or Moonboot. Its 15 months since I had bunion surgery involving pinning my big toe. Right now I have been able to stand without the boot and walk around fine in the boot but he wants me to put a sock and shoe on every morning the second I wake up to keep down the swelling throughout the day but if it starts hurting after 30 minutes to put the Ace bandage and boot back on for the rest of the day. To learn more about minimally invasive bunion surgery, download our free Guide to Minimally Invasive Foot & Ankle Surgery! When walking, you should always wear the special shoe you were given to protect the foot, and ensure you are putting all the weight through the heel, not the front of your foot. Wearing comfortable shoes might be able to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort, but it wont do anything to get rid of the underlying condition. The skin over the bunion will be cleansed with an antiseptic During the first couple of weeks, the most important parts of bunion surgery recovery are to keep your foot elevated, the wound and dressing dry and to keep walking to a minimum. Your healthcare provider may Peroneal Tendon Dislocation: Sliding in the Ankle Stabilizers, Physical Therapy: The Key to Complete Healing, QuadraStep System Pre-fabricated Foot Orthotics. Elevate your foot. The growth is called a "bunion" or hallux valgus , and it forces the toe inward. continued pain. Walking should be kept to a minimum in the early stages of bunion surgery recovery as foot swelling increases when the foot is down. Anyway, Im starting to breathe more calmly & think maybe I dont need a trip to the clinic. Your physical therapist will give youexercisesto do to help improve the movement, flexibility and strength of your foot and toes. The patient generally experiences swelling and pain when the foot is placed on the floor for any length of time. When you take a shower or bath, the foot must be kept covered to keep the stitches dry. Surgeons pair an exosteotomy with an osteotomy, which can realign the toe joint. I can walk short distances, but am a bit slow. These procedures require large incisions along the feet to correctly realign the muscles and joints. Continued elevation is recommended during this time. with platform heals and very comfy. during the procedure, which often delays your release from the hospital. Again, the good news here is that minimally invasive foot surgery dramatically shortens recovery time when compared to traditional methodologies. Keep your feet up as much as possible too as it does reduce the swelling along with ice. I have really related to everything you have said. The following exercise modes are the easiest to return to: Low impact exercise More strenuous activities, such as running or dancing, may take 10-14 weeks to return fully. Surgery usually takes up to an hour and afterwards, you will be taken to the recovery room and monitored until your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing as well as the sensation and circulation in your foot are back to normal. Indeed, it takes . However, you can often begin putting a little weight on the affected foot within 24 hours. Some medical teams have the option of offering, Having hallux rigidus, also known as a stiff big toe, can make standing or walking difficult because of the pain. Recovery time for bunion surgery can vary but if you follow your doctors' instructions, healing will take place in no . This is why you should be extra careful during the recovery process and strictly follow your doctors recommendations. You may be I can move my toes and no discolouration. My foot is now properly elevated, iced & i realised how stupidly much I have done the last 3 days. Choose Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic Video, How Acetyl L Carnitine Helps Treat Neuropathy Video, How Dietary Supplements Can Help with Neuropathy Video, How Surgery Provided Relief for Ankle Pain, How to Fix an Ingrown Toenail at Home | Tutorial, How to Heal a Pressure Ulcer or Diabetic Wound, How to refer a Worker's Compensation Patient to Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic, How to Relieve Pain in the Ball of the Foot aka Neuroma Video, How to Remove Corns Safely and Permanently Video, How to Speed Up Healing of a Painful Diabetic Ulcer, How to Split a Surgical Bandage to Relieve Pressure and Pain, How to Strengthen Foot Muscles with Towel Stretch Video, Hyfrecator Used for Ingrown Toenail Treatment, HyProCure: Effective Treatment for Flat Feet. Video, Is Your Child Suffering From Heel Pain? A well-informed patient is usually a compliant patient. You should cover the Im on my 4th week trying to gain motion in my big toe the feeling feels good but werid im getting there.