There are many types of bunion surgery, and some of them involve placing surgical screws into the foot. Of course, this comes with some level of pain – so how to deal with pain after bunion surgery with screws? There are a few methods you can try.
Is There Pain After Bunion Surgery With Screws?
Unfortunately, patients experience pain after bunion surgery – no matter which kind of procedure you had. Cutting into the foot means damage to the soft tissues, and that will hurt a little bit until it heals. When we’re talking about types of bunion surgery that involve placing surgical screws, there’s also maneuvering of the bones, and that will be painful as well.
It’s crucial to understand that pain is an integral part of every post-op period, but that doesn’t mean you will have to suffer. There are many pain management methods available, so you’ll get through this without a fuss.
What Are Normal and Abnormal Pain Levels After the Surgery?
Pain levels can vary from person to person. Some don’t feel anything besides slight discomfort, while others have high levels of pain. It’s completely normal to take pain medication if you can’t manage on your own. Still, there’s also a chance that the pain you feel is abnormal and a sign of an infection.
Infection after placing surgical screws is rare, but you should watch out for the signs nevertheless. If the pain is suddenly getting stronger, or you notice redness, warmness, or pus in the area incisions were made, contact your doctor.
Medication and Pain Relief Techniques
Your foot doctor will recommend an over-the-counter medication after the surgery – be sure to consult with them about the doses. In addition to that, you should make sure to rest and not put weight on your foot in the first weeks of bunion surgery recovery.
Ice Therapy Is Good for Lowering the Pain
You can use ice packs to keep the pain under control. It’s very important to note that you should never put ice directly on the skin. Instead, use a clean cloth or a towel and wrap ice in it. Your incision needs to be kept clean and dry, so putting ice directly on it may cause an infection. Ice packs can be applied several times a day, but keep in mind that you should never keep ice on the skin for longer than 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
Elevate the Foot
Elevating your foot above the level of your heart will help reduce swelling (one of the common side effects you can expect after bunion surgery). When swelling is reduced, pain levels will be lowered as well.
Should You Communicate With Your Surgeon About the Pain Levels?
Yes, it’s absolutely necessary to talk to your doctor about the pain and other unpleasant side effects that you may experience during the recovery period. Your doctor needs to know what’s going on, so they can catch a complication on time if it occurs.
How Long Will the Recovery Last?
The initial recovery after bunion surgery is usually about 6 weeks, but it takes up to 12 weeks for your bones to fully heal. Some patients may experience slight pain and swelling up to 6 months or even a year after the procedure, but these cases are rare.
Discuss the Pain Levels With the Surgeon in Miami Before the Procedure
Before you go in for your surgery, it’s wise to get informed on everything you can expect afterward. If you reach out to our Luxe Foot Surgery clinic and entrust your care to our team, you will be sure to get all the answers to your questions. Contact us to book your appointment!
References
- Luxe Foot Surgery – Problems With Screws After Bunion Surgery
- Luxe Foot Surgery – Pain on Top of Foot After Bunion Surgery
