You may have prepared for the bunion surgery itself, but have you thought about what comes after? What will the recovery be like? To help you navigate this process, we’ve prepared a few bunion surgery recovery tips that will speed up your recovery time and help you get back to your feet in no time.
| Tips for Bunion Surgery Recovery |
|---|
| Follow the surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care |
| Keep the surgical dressing and bandage clean and dry |
| Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling |
| Apply ice packs to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling |
| Take prescribed medications as directed by the surgeon |
| Avoid putting weight on the affected foot until cleared by the surgeon |
| Wear supportive and comfortable shoes as recommended by the surgeon |
| Use crutches or a walker as directed by the surgeon |
| Start physical therapy as soon as recommended by the surgeon |
| Keep all follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process |
Keep Your Foot Dry While You Have Bandages On
After your bunion surgery, one of the most important things is keeping the operated foot dry. You will have bandages on, and you need to keep them dry during showering – if you get them wet, you risk the infection of the incision. Before you hop in the shower, place a plastic bag over your foot – this should help keep it dry.
Wash Your Foot But Avoid Scrubbing It
Your bandages will be removed a few days after the surgery. Once that happens, and your incision is healed, you can wash the foot as you normally would, but we must note that scrubbing the operated area isn’t recommended. Just let the water wash off the dried blood, if there is any, and then pat the skin dry – this is more than enough. Also, we recommend using non-perfumed products on the skin of the foot in the first few weeks to avoid irritation.
Follow Up With Exercise That Your Doctor Recommended
| Recovery Stages | Tips |
|---|---|
| First Week | Follow the surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care. Keep the surgical dressing and bandage clean and dry. Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling. Apply ice packs to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling. Take prescribed medications as directed by the surgeon. Avoid putting weight on the affected foot. |
| Second Week | Continue to elevate the foot and apply ice packs as needed. Start physical therapy as directed by the surgeon. Gradually begin to put weight on the affected foot as tolerated. Wear supportive and comfortable shoes as recommended by the surgeon. |
| Third Week | Continue physical therapy. Gradually increase weight-bearing activities as directed by the surgeon. Start to resume normal activities as tolerated. |
| Fourth Week and Beyond | Continue physical therapy. Gradually increase weight-bearing activities and return to normal activities as directed by the surgeon. Keep all follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process. Continue to wear supportive and comfortable shoes. |
Physical therapy after bunion surgery might seem boring, but it’s important to keep up with the exercises if your doctor has recommended them. It won’t be for nothing – physical therapy is essential for preserving the motion in the big toe joint and preventing stiffness. It can also help you with pain after a bunionectomy.
Ensure Your House Is Easy to Navigate
Considering that you will feel some pain and discomfort, getting around the house might be a bit of an issue – especially if you have many stairs. To ensure you don’t put additional pressure on the operated foot, it’s best to simply gather everything you’ll need during recovery on the ground floor.
Create the Recovery Zone
Having a spot in your home where you can rest comfortably is of utmost importance when it comes to recovery. Set up a recovery area for yourself – prepare some pillows and blankets, and don’t forget to choose a book, a magazine, or a movie to occupy your mind.
Avoid Stress
Of course, stress is never welcomed after surgery, no matter what kind of procedure you’re considering. You need to take it easy in the first few days and weeks. This also means taking some time off work – don’t forget to schedule that before you come in for surgery.
Eat Healthily and Stay Hydrated
To speed up your recovery, you have to hydrate well and eat healthy food. Yes, hydration is always important, but even more so when you’re recovering from surgery. When it comes to food, be sure to avoid sweets and processed food. Also, you must avoid alcohol.
Get Appropriate Footwear
Although you will wear a surgical shoe in the first few weeks after surgery (probably for about six weeks), you will still need to get comfortable footwear for the period after that. Try to stick to supportive shoes that will distribute the weight evenly, with proper arch and heel support. Avoid high heels and choose something with a wide shoe box. Preferably, you should wear leather shoes because they are the most comfortable and the material is the most breathable.
Consult With Your Surgeon About Additional Bunion Surgery Recovery Tips
If you have any questions or need tips for bunion surgery recovery, our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic will be more than happy to address your concerns and explain what you can expect after the surgery. Contact us to book your appointment – you can reach us by calling our office, or you can fill out an inquiry form on our website.
FAQ
What Is the Fastest Way to Recover From Bunion Surgery?
If you want to recover quickly, the best thing you can do is simply rest and follow your doctor’s instructions for post-op care.
How Long Should You Stay Off Your Feet After Bunion Surgery?
The time you need to stay off your foot after bunionectomy depends on the severity of your case and the type of procedure that you had. Some patients can bear the weight the same day after surgery with the help of a surgical boot, while some will need about six weeks to recover before putting pressure on the operated foot.
