What to Expect after Bunion Surgery

When you had your bunion surgery, a lump of bone was removed from the joint that connects your big toe to your foot to straighten that big toe. You can expect that there will be some swelling and it will be  tender but that will slowly improve in the next six weeks following your surgery. However, there are some patients who experience minor swelling and  tenderness that lasts up to six months.

Right after your surgery, you will have to wear a special shoe that will protect your toe and ensure that it stays in the right position in the coming weeks. The sutures or stitches will be removed by your  podiatrist in  two weeks post-surgery.

The length of recovery period varies from patient to patient. Still, there are things that you can do to get better  as quickly as possible. Here are some helpful tips:

Get Some Rest

You probably already know this but  we will tell you again – you should get some rest so you can recover faster. Avoid standing too long or walking too much. However, you should also ask your  podiatrist about rehabilitation exercises that you can do to strengthen your foot. Make sure to follow the instructions of your  podiatrist to avoid  problems.

Take Your Medicine

Your  podiatrist will let you know if you have to take medicine for the pain. If antibiotics are also prescribed you should also follow exactly what your  podiatrist says and take them for as long as needed. You shouldn’t just stop when you feel you’re already feeling better.

Take Care of the Incision Properly

After your surgery, you’ll have bandages to hold your toe in the correct position. You may  be allowed by your  podiatrist to remove the bandages on your own at home, but if you do, make sure your  podiatrist says it’s okay to get your foot soaked before you do.

Keep It Cool

To alleviate pain and swelling, you can apply a cold pack or ice on your foot for 10 minutes or so every hour. Have a piece of cloth between your skin and the ice. You should also prop up your leg on a pillow when you’re sitting or lying down for the next three days or so to reduce swelling.

Go to All Your Post-Surgery Appointments

You need to go to all the appointments set by your  podiatrist. If you experience any extreme discomfort or pain, do contact your  podiatrist, especially if you notice any symptoms that your  podiatrist has asked you to watch out for.

If you have a bunion that is bothering you, setup an appointment with Sheldon H. Nadal, DPM to find out if surgery is the best option for you.