If you’re struggling with a tailor bunion, also known as a bunionette, you most likely know how painful and irritating it can be. It won’t go away with conservative treatment, so you’ll require surgery – but what about tailor bunion surgery recovery? What can you expect after this procedure, and how long will it take you to get back to your feet?
What Does Bunion Surgery Involve?
Bunion surgery is the only way to get rid of a bunion – this common foot deformity doesn’t react to non-surgical treatment. Bunionectomy, as this procedure is called, is a term that includes a few types of bunion surgeries. Which one you’ll require depends on your particular case, the cause of your bunion, and its severity. The surgeon can perform osteotomy, arthrodesis, or exostectomy in order to fix your foot deformity.
How Long Is Tailor Bunion Surgery Recovery?
Bunion surgery recovery time depends on what kind of procedure you had – more specifically, what level of trauma to the soft tissue and bone you had. On average, it takes patients about six weeks to fully recover, but it can be up to twelve weeks in cases when the procedure includes osteotomy. However, the pain will go away after the first week, and you might be able to start walking short distances in your home after two weeks.
What Is the Recovery Process?
What can you expect after bunion surgery? This procedure is minimally invasive, which means that it’s performed as an outpatient surgery – you will be back home the same day after surgery. Still, don’t forget that you won’t be able to drive back home – you’ll have to schedule someone to pick you up from the clinic.
| Timeframe | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks | Rest and elevate your foot |
| 2-4 weeks | Wear a surgical shoe or boot |
| 4-6 weeks | Begin physical therapy |
| 6-8 weeks | Gradually return to normal activities |
| 8-12 weeks | Full recovery |
Immediately After Surgery
Once you wake up after the operation (it’s usually done under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything), you will be referred to a physiotherapist and provided with a surgical shoe and crutches. Your foot will still be numb from the anesthetic, but you will be provided with a prescription for pain medication since you will experience some level of pain once the anesthetic wears off.
During the First Few Weeks
What should you do in the first few weeks? The short answer would be nothing – you will have to rest the operated foot and take it easy. This means you’ll need some time off work – a few days or weeks depending on how physically demanding your job is. Keep in mind that you will have to stay off your leg. Since there will be some swelling at the beginning of your recovery, you should elevate the leg as much as you can – keep in mind that you have to elevate it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling more swiftly.
Follow-up Appointments
Of course, your doctor will talk with you about the follow-up appointments before surgery, considering that every case is different. Still, you can expect an appointment two weeks after surgery, when your doctor will remove the bandages. At six weeks post-op, you will come in again for an examination and an X-ray, and at twelve weeks, you can expect a final appointment.
Talk to Your Surgeon About Tailor Bunion Surgery Recovery Process
It’s always important to learn as much as you can about the surgery you’re about to have. While online research can help you, talking to your doctor will give you a more detailed insight into what you can expect during the procedure and recovery process. You can come in for a free first consultation with one of our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic. Don’t hesitate to contact us to book your appointment!
FAQ
How Long Does It Take to Walk Normally After Bunion Surgery?
It will take you about six weeks to recover from bunion surgery. However, in some cases, it can be up to twelve weeks (if you had an osteotomy). While you will be able to walk short distances in your home after about two weeks, it isn’t recommended to walk until six weeks have passed after surgery.
Why Are Tailor Bunions So Painful?
Tailor bunions usually cause pain, swelling, and redness when a person is wearing uncomfortable, tight shoes which put pressure on the bunion.
How Long Should You Stay Off Your Feet After Bunion Surgery?
It’s recommended to avoid weight-bearing for at least two weeks after bunion surgery – that’s when you can start walking short distances in your home.
References
- Schipper ON, Day J, Ray GS, Johnson AH. Percutaneous Techniques in Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery. Orthop Clin North Am. 2020;51(3):403-422. doi:10.1016/j.ocl.2020.02.004.
