Recovery from hammertoe and bunion surgery isn’t a very painful process, but it requires a lot of patience and the proper treatment. After the surgery, your doctor will show you how to wrap your foot, which medications to take, and probably give you more information about physical therapy and exercise you should take after the surgery.
How Long Does the Recovery From Hammertoe Surgery Last?
If you recently had this procedure done or plan to do it, you are probably wondering how long is the recovery from bunion and hammertoe surgery. Recovery time from bunion and hammertoe surgery usually takes about six weeks, while a full recovery sometimes takes up to a year. The time differences might expand depending on your general health and other medical conditions. For example, if your general health isn’t very good and you suffer from some chronic medical problems, this usually means a longer recovery time.
What Activities Can You Partake In?
It is recommended that you keep your foot dry and don’t stand up on it for 3 to 5 days after the medical procedure is done. During this period, you can use a cane, walker, crutches, or knee scooter to get around your home. If you find this complicated, make sure you have someone around to assist you with daily chores, at least for the first couple of days after the surgery.
After this period, you can slowly start participating in some other activities and start doing light toe exercises following the doctor’s recommendations without putting too much pressure on the operated foot. This will help your recovery process – you just have to be careful not to overdo it before the foot heals completely.
Should You Take Some Meds?
Your doctor should prescribe you the meds you are allowed to take after the surgery. These are usually painkillers. You’ll get the name and dose of the medicine, and the doctor will let you know how frequently you are allowed to take it. Painkillers are usually needed for the first week after the surgery. If the pain doesn’t go away after this period, this might be a symptom of an infection or some other complication after bunion surgery, so you should consult with an expert on what to do next. If you’re suffering from an infection, your doctor will probably prescribe you some antibiotics.
How Long Does the Recovery From Bunion Surgery Last?
After bunion surgery, there is a specific recovery period that depends on many factors, but in most cases, it lasts from 6 to 8 weeks. The first two weeks are the period when you should stay off your feet, and after that, you can slowly start participating in some light activities and exercises.
What Activities Can You Partake In?
Aside from standing on your feet after two weeks, you can also do some exercise. For example, you are allowed to start doing the following:
- Toe bends,
- Toe lifts,
- Toe pulls.
Should You Take Some Meds?
Similarly to hammertoe surgery, you will be prescribed some painkillers that will help you deal with pain during the first couple of days after the bunion surgery. Once this period passes, you should be experiencing less pain with each passing day and slowly get off the meds. If you notice that the pain is prolonged and feel like you need to take painkillers continuously to deal with it, this might be a sign of some recovery complications, such as infection, so you should definitely let our doctor examine you.
How Can You Tell That the Surgery Was a Success?
Hammertoe surgery is successful 90% of the time. Besides the corrected deformity, some of the most important signs that the surgery was a success include less pain and the ability to wear shoes you previously couldn’t. Also, if the surgery is properly done, the risk of infection will be lower, and you’ll recover in a shorter time.
Consult Your Surgeon in Miami About the Recovery From Hammertoe and Bunion Surgery
The best thing you can do for yourself if you have any doubts or concerns about this procedure is to book an appointment at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic in Miami. You can talk to our doctor and learn all about this procedure and recovery process. Contact us or fill out an inquiry form – our center is open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.
FAQ
How Long Does Pain Last After Bunion and Hammertoe Surgery?
Pain is the worst in the first 48 hours after the surgery and can last for the first week or two, although you should gradually start feeling better with each passing day. If you notice that paint doesn’t come away as expected, this might be a sign of some problem during recovery from bunion and hammertoe surgery.
Can You Have Hammertoe and Bunion Surgery at the Same Time?
It is not unusual for patients who have bunions and hammertoe on the same foot to have this procedure done at the same time. On the other hand, if you have these deformities on different feet, the process might be more complex, so you should consult with your doctor and find the best solution for your specific case.
How Painful Is Bunion and Hammertoe Surgery?
Considering the fact that this is a minimally invasive surgery, the pain and swelling shouldn’t be very bad, and they usually go away within six weeks after the surgery. Only some minor pain can be prolonged after this period and last for up to a year.
How Long Does It Take to Recuperate From Hammertoe Surgery?
Hammertoe surgery recovery time is up to 3 to 4 weeks, but this process can last longer in case of some complications.
