How Long Does It Take to Recover from Bunion Surgery?
posted: May 31, 2022.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Bunion Surgery?
Clinicians define bunions, or hallux valgus, as a foot deformity that develops as a bony bump on the outside edge of the foot, more commonly near the joints of the big toe. Bunion surgery or bunionectomy is the surgical removal of these bony bumps when other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Who Needs Bunion Surgery?
Candidates for bunion removal are individuals that have functional problems like:
- Pain that does not go away with medications and affects daily activities like walking and sprinting,
- Toe deformity, especially when the big toe is rigid or drifts towards the smaller toes,
- Inflammation and swelling that persists for prolonged periods even after rest,
- Hereditary factors or medical conditions like arthritis.
What Does the Procedure Entail?
Bunionectomy is a simple outpatient procedure where the surgeon realigns and repositions the big toe and adjacent tendons using metal plates, screws, or wires. The surgery can last from two to three hours, depending on the severity.
What Is the Healing Time?
Recovery following surgery can take several months. Surgery can be performed in an office. Patients are instructed to keep their feet elevated and apply ice to help diminish the swelling.
The foot may require continuous support via special insoles called orthotics that improve healing significantly. Orthotics also help prevent a recurrence of bunions.
As the bone heals, physical therapy may be suggested for patients to restore the foot’s strength and mobility.
Some necessary precautions include:
- Regularly take medicines prescribed by the podiatrist,
- Keep the area around the surgery dry,
- Use canes or walkers to avoid putting weight on foot.
How Long After Bunion Surgery Can You Resume Walking?
Like any other foot surgery, bunion surgery requires the patients to minimize activities like standing or walking for at least two weeks post-surgery.
Depending on the type of bunionectomy, walking can be resumed anywhere. Nonetheless, foot specialists still advise patients to minimize walking for at least forty-eight hours before beginning to resume their regular daily activities.
Are There Any Alternatives to Bunion Surgery?
Specialists only recommend surgery when bunions are painful and other treatment methods have not worked. The main aim of surgery is to remove the bony bump and realign the toe.
Despite that, conservative pain management options include:
- Custom-made, wider spaced shoes with low or no extra heel,
- Regular foot care,
- OTC pain relief medicines.
Is Bunion Surgery Worth It? Outlook on Recovery
The post-surgery recovery phase can be anxiety-inducing for most people. Although the risk for complications is always there, the success rates for bunion surgery are far more significant.
Complications, including pain, joint stiffness, and recurrence, are infrequent and may occur when a patient does not commit to the healing and rehabilitation process.
Overall, patients are generally satisfied and happy with most bunion surgery outcomes.