In case you are considering bunion surgery, you probably have many questions on your mind – about the surgery itself and the recovery process. Talk to your doctor about having tailor bunion surgery and what to expect from it so that you can have peace of mind before making any big decisions.
What Does Tailor Bunion Surgery Involve?
The surgery entails gently removing the noticeable bulge on the side of the foot, followed by an electric saw cut to the bone (osteotomy), which successfully repositions the bones and narrows your foot. The osteotomy is then permanently secured in place using a tiny metal screw.
Why Might You Need It?
Why would I require surgery for my tailor’s bunion? If you have a tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, which develops on the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe, you may require tailor bunion surgery. It happens less commonly than a big toe bunion but is similar.
How Is the Surgery Carried Out?
The process entails gently eliminating the noticeable bulge on the side of the foot, and then the bone is sliced with an electric saw (osteotomy) to rearrange the bones and effectively narrow your foot. This is done in order to narrow your shoe size. After that, a tiny metal screw is implanted for the long term to hold the osteotomy in place.
What to Expect Immediately After the Tailor Bunion Surgery?
Usually, you will experience pain, swelling, and discomfort for the first two or three days after the surgery. During this period, the doctor will prescribe you painkillers that should reduce these symptoms to a minimum.
What to Expect During the Recovery Process
In the six weeks following surgery, you will have discomfort and edema that gradually goes away. Your slight discomfort and swelling could linger anywhere from six months to one year. For at least three to six weeks following surgery, you must keep your toe in the proper position and protect it by wearing a cast or a particular kind of shoe.
Recovery in First Few Weeks
By the conclusion of the week in which you had the surgery, you should notice that the discomfort in your foot has significantly subsided. You can start walking for shorter distances at home, but you should be using the shoe you were given at the hospital. After a period of two weeks, the bandages on your foot will be removed, and an examination will take place. After approximately six weeks have passed since your operation, you will be able to put full weight on your operated foot while wearing your own shoes.
When Can You Start Walking?
After around four to six weeks have passed, you can slowly start walking shorter distances and can go back to wearing regular shoes that are flat. It is essential that you keep in mind that your feet will still be swollen even at this point in the process. After approximately six weeks, you will be capable of moving your foot normally and resume participation in low-impact activities.
Talk to Your Surgeon About Having Tailor Bunion Surgery and What to Expect After It
If you don’t know what to expect from this surgery, have some other questions about the recovery process or simply want to get a professional opinion, feel free to contact us and book an appointment at Luxe Foot Surgery. Our experienced doctors and surgeons will give you the best advice regarding this medical problem and put all of your worries to an end.
FAQ
Does Tailor’s Bunion Surgery Hurt?
There are a lot of patients whose bone cuts heal and don’t experience any problems at all. On the other hand, individuals who do not recover properly from the bone cut may continue to experience discomfort, redness, and edema beyond six to eight weeks after surgery.
How Long Should You Stay Off Your Feet After Bunion Surgery?
You should try keeping your feet dry, especially when showering after the surgery and avoid walking for about three to five days. When moving around, you should always use some sort of medical tools, such as crutches, a special walker, a knee scooter, or a cane.
