Dealing with the pain a bunion can cause isn’t something taken for granted. That’s why taking care of it and considering bunion surgery is the right move if you deal with this kind of problem. However, sleeping after bunion surgery is what you need to be prepared for – knowing what to expect and how to manage the discomfort and foot pain in the best possible way.
What to Expect When Sleeping After Bunion Surgery
The kind of surgery you had for your bunion will determine what to expect and how to prepare for sleeping afterward. Minimally invasive procedures are almost painless, and they heal quickly. There are often less adverse effects from this surgery than from conventional bunion procedures because it only requires a minor incision. Although you should be able to sleep normally if you suffer any discomfort or minor pain, resting on your back and taking over-the-counter pain relievers may be helpful.
Higher pain levels are frequently associated with traditional bunion operations that require anesthetic, significant incisions, and sedation. According to your surgeon’s recommendations, you will probably need casts, crutches, and rigid footgear following surgery. It can be challenging to fall asleep, therefore, it’s crucial to start taking painkillers as soon as you notice discomfort and pain on top of your foot after bunion surgery. To preserve your foot, it’s also crucial to rest on your back and wear sturdy shoes.
You Should Stay Comfortable
Swelling can be more severe after traditional bunion surgery, but it is typically relatively gentle with minimally invasive surgery. After standard bunion surgery, elevating your foot with a cushion or resting the leg against the wall is essential for minimizing pain and swelling. Another method for reducing pain or discomfort while sleeping is wearing a boot or other rigid footgear. Use cool towels or a fan if you are hot while sleeping with boots on.
Don’t Forget the Pain Medication
Your greatest option for controlling pain and discomfort following surgery is medication. Take the medication doctors prescribed a few hours before bedtime for standard surgery in order to sleep peacefully. With over-the-counter pain relievers, patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery frequently effectively control their pain. Treatments for foot discomfort, like wraps and pads, could offer short-term relief, but the best course of action is to follow your doctor’s advice. For assistance, if the pain is intense or incapacitating, speak with your doctor.
Should You Wear the Bunion Boot at Night?
When they are awake, active, and performing their daily activities, patients usually understand why wearing a boot is needed, but one of the most frequent inquiries we get about bunion boots is whether or not the patient may remove it when they are sleeping. After all, sleeping in a boot isn’t the most comfortable situation, but you surely don’t want to go through all this pain for nothing, especially when you know the cost of bunion surgery. Luckily, there are some things you need to be aware of why it’s good to wear a booth even at night:
- Short-term vs. long-term – You can give up some long-term stability by removing your boot at night in exchange for a little extra comfort. Patients who need a secondary bunion procedure (whether the first one has gone wrong or it’s just required) frequently wish they had done more to stop a recurrence, which is precisely what an overnight splint and boot can stop.
- The joint is fragile – The repaired joint is in a fragile condition from the perspective of flexibility. The joint is protected and kept in the right position while you sleep if you wear a boot for at least eight hours at night.
- The recovery results will depend on the effort you put in – If you’re only partially dedicated to wearing your boot, you shouldn’t expect the best results of bunion surgery recovery. By not wearing a boot as instructed, you are merely deceiving yourself and your health. Hence, dedicate yourself to long-term health by wearing the boot as instructed.
- It’s not that bad – Although it might be uncomfortable at first, you’ll gradually discover that wearing the boot makes it simpler to get to sleep. But if you can get over that minor discomfort, you can find consolation in the knowledge that by wearing the boot while you sleep, you are actively supporting your foot. Do so, and you’ll wake up each morning with six to eight hours of corrective pressure on the healing toe joint. Simply said, advantages outweigh disadvantages.
What Is the Best Way to Sleep After the Surgery?
You’ll spend the majority of your time in bed following bunion surgery. You will experience hardship and suffering during these extended hours of sleep. And keep in mind some people endure more discomfort than others. The whole experience is different for each person.
A full recovery following bunion surgery often takes six to eight weeks and calls for careful attention, a healthy diet, and adequate rest. You can be kept awake by the worry that you’ll wake up with sore feet or that you’ll be uncomfortable in bed. These simple yet effective adjustments will help you sleep soundly after the operation.
Sleeping On Your Back
Your sleeping position is the first thing to be considered before getting into bed. A poor sleeping posture can jeopardize your operation because each incorrect movement can result in excruciating foot pain. Any sleeping posture that could cause your thumb to come into contact with the bed is harmful since it will affect it. The only sleeping position that provides security and comfort for your feet is on your back. After a few days of sleeping on your back, your body will adjust.
Use Toe Spacer
Any external pressure shouldn’t be applied day or night while your toe is healing after this medical procedure. Your doctor might advise wearing a gentle bunion splint the entire day after two to three weeks. Sleeping wearing these splints is not a problem because they are soft and comfy. And if you’d rather keep your feet both comfortable and secure, wear a shoe over the splint.
Consult With a Surgeon About the Sleeping Habits
Scheduling surgery like this surely isn’t the easiest thing to do. However, when you have a reliable doctor who will answer all of your questions, there’s nothing to worry about. No wonder why our Luxe Foot Surgery medical center is the best solution for you – we have a team of professionals who will make sure your experience is pain and stress-free. So, contact us and get the appointment, whether you prefer it online or by calling us directly.
FAQ
Do I Have to Sleep in My Boot After Bunion Surgery?
Once four weeks have passed since your operation, you can sleep without your boot. You can put as much weight on the foot as is tolerable in your boot after surgery. This might alter as a result of additional operations or skin healing. After surgery, you should spend four weeks on crutches, a walker, or a knee scooter.
How Should I Sleep After Foot Surgery?
Sleeping on your back may be most comfortable, with your arms by your sides and your toes pointing upward. When in doubt, consider sleeping on your back because it keeps your body naturally positioned.
How Long Should You Keep Your Foot Elevated After Bunion Surgery?
To reduce swelling for the first three to five days, adhere to all of your surgeon’s instructions and ensure that you keep your foot elevated.
How Long Do You Wear Boot After Bunion Surgery?
You’ll need to protect and ensure your foot for the first two weeks after surgery by wearing a surgical boot or cast. Avoid getting water on your stitches.
