What to expect 3 weeks after bunion surgery? Bunion surgery isn’t a very complex process, but some patients face struggles during the recovery period. It is good to stay informed and know what to expect during this period in order to recover effectively. The first three weeks are the most important in the recovery process. This is when you should reduce your foot movements to the minimum, keep your foot elevated and monitor all the symptoms that might seem problematic at the time.
What to Expect 3 Weeks After Bunion Surgery – You May Come Out of Walking Boots
The first couple of weeks after the surgery will be the most challenging ones. This period is also the most important for bunion surgery recovery. It is necessary that you keep your foot elevated and the wound dry and clean. Try keeping your walking to a minimum.
During the first couple of days after the surgery, you should keep your foot elevated and apply ice following your doctor’s recommendations. Staying off your feet for at least 3 to 5 days is highly recommended. If you need to get around on your own, using a walker, knee scooter, crutches, or a cane is a must. You should also take all the prescribed medications and follow your doctor’s orders. It is not unusual for you to feel pain or notice swelling in this area during the first couple of days. If you notice anything strange or the pain gets worse, you should immediately contact your doctor and follow the given instructions.
This is also the period where you can notice signs of infection, which is one of the potential problems that might occur after the surgery.
You May Increase Your Activity Levels
Once your dressings are removed, you can slowly start getting back to wearing shoes. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t do this without your doctor’s permission. In most cases, dressings are removed two to three weeks after the surgery, but in case of any complication, this can last longer. Every recovery period is different, so you should follow your natural body’s tempo when it comes to returning to regular activities. Start by building stability, and you’ll be able to slowly bear weight on your foot again. It will take longer than three weeks for your return to exercise, especially running activities, but this will be possible eventually as well.
Start With Motion Range Exercises
Once you remove the orthopedic shoe, you should keep the bandage over your wound and start with the motion range exercise. There is no need to worry if your movements are restricted with the bandage – even the slightest movements will progressively lead to improvement. Here are some exercises to follow:
- Toe lifts – Sit with your foot placed flat on the floor, raise your on as much as possible in the ceiling direction and return it down.
- Toe bends – Find a thick book and sit in the way that you keep your toes resting on the edge of the book, then bend your toes downward.
- Toe pulls – Keep pulling your toe up using your hand and hold it in that position for 3 seconds, then relax.
- Toe pushes – Imitating the ballerina position, point your ankle and toes down and push your toe down with your hand to discomfort. Keep it in that position for three seconds, then relax.
- Seated heel raises – Sit and place your foot flat on the floor with knees bent at ninety degrees (keeping toes on the floor,) raising your heel in order to limit the pain and return.
Repeat each exercise 20 times and repeat the whole process five times a day.
Start Wearing a Toe Spacer
Wearing a gel toe spacer in the six-week period after the surgery can help you maintain your toe in the proper position and improve your recovery. This will actually maximize the surgical alignment.
What Complications You May Face After the Surgery?
Every surgery carries some level of risk, so it is possible that you will face some complications after it. Some of these complications might include infection, nerve damage, recurrence of the bunion, distortion of bone healing, or overcorrection of the bunion, which leads to extending the big toe from the others. Symptoms you might have if these problems occur are:
- Prolonged pain,
- Swelling,
- Stiffness,
- Numbness,
- Redness.
Talk to Your Surgeon 3 Weeks After the Procedure and Schedule the Next Appointment
It is important that you monitor all the changes during the recovery process carefully and notify your doctor in case you experience some of the previously mentioned symptoms. You should definitely book a consultation with a doctor at the Luxe Foot Surgery clinic just to make sure your toe is healing properly and that you can remove the orthopedic shoe and start increasing your activities. If you notice some of the negative symptoms easier, feel free to contact us right away and book an immediate appointment. This way, we can help you prevent further complications and ensure you have a safe recovery.
FAQ
How Long Do You Have to Wear a Walking Boot After Bunion Surgery?
In most cases, patients wear walking shoes or a boot for about two to three weeks after the bunion surgery. After the consultation with your doctor at the end of this period, you might be able to remove it and start increasing your food activity,
How Long Does Foot Stay Swollen After Bunion Surgery?
Usually, the pain and swelling will last for about six weeks after the surgery, but it should slowly improve over time. Minor pain and swelling are sometimes noticed even six months or a year after the surgery. This is why you should be extra careful during the recovery process and strictly follow your doctor’s recommendations.
What Happens if You Walk Too Much After Bunion Surgery?
There is a reason why the elevation of your foot is recommended after bunion surgery. If you refuse to follow the doctor’s instructions and walk after the surgery, this might lead to many complications resulting in pain and swelling of your foot.
When Can You Put Weight on Foot After Bunion Surgery?
The typical period is about two to four weeks, depending on your specific recovery tempo. In most cases, you’ll be able to put a lightweight on your foot about three weeks after the surgery. This is also when you can remove the walking boot and start with light exercises that will help your recovery.
