Having surgery isn’t pleasant, so it’s natural that you want to know what to expect after bunion and hammertoe surgery. How long is the surgery going to last, what are the possible complications and risks, and how long will it take you to recover? You are also probably worried if you’ll be able to participate in some usual activities after the surgery and how long you’ll need to wrap your wound, take medicines and stay off your feet. We’ll help you understand this whole process better, so you can feel more certain about having this procedure done.
What Is Hammertoe Surgery Like?
Hammertoe surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that can be done in less than an hour. It isn’t a very risky procedure, and with the right treatment, you should heal from it in about six weeks. Considering the fact that this is still a surgery, there are some possible complications, but those are really rare, especially if your general health is in good condition.
What Should You Expect From the Recovery?
What to expect after hammertoe and bunion surgery? The recovery process after both of these procedures is relatively fast. In about 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery, you should be able to get back to your usual activities. Before you come to that point, there are some other things you should consider if you want to ensure a safe and quick recovery process.
For starters, in the first couple of days after the surgery, you should keep your wound dry and wrapped according to the doctor’s instructions. If you feel any pain or discomfort, you can take some painkillers that the doctor prescribed you. This is also a period when you are supposed to wear special medical shoes. After about two weeks, you should slowly start using your foot again, but don’t put too much pressure on it and start doing light exercises.
Are There Some Side Effects When It Comes to Hammertoe Surgery?
As with any other surgical procedure, there are some risks you can expect if you’re having a hammertoe surgery, as well as negative side effects, including:
- Pain,
- Nerve injury,
- Infection,
- Limited range of motion,
- Recurrence of operated deformity.
You have to understand that these side effects might appear even if the surgery is successful, so feel free to talk to your doctor about solving problems that appear.
What Is Bunion Surgery Like?
This procedure is also a minimally invasive surgery, so there is no need to worry much about potential complications. In most cases, your surgeon will make a small incision alongside your big toe joint. After the toe is realigned properly, the surgery is done. Your surgeon might need to use metal screws, plates, or wires in order to properly reposition the bones.
What Should You Expect From the Recovery?
The recovery process for bunion surgery can be slightly longer than hammertoe surgery recovery, but differences are in about two weeks maximum. You are going to experience pain and swelling immediately after the surgery and in the first 48 to 72 hours, but these symptoms will slowly fade away as time passes.
Your doctor will also prescribe some painkillers you can take if you experience any pain, so you shouldn’t worry about it much. The first two weeks are the period where you are supposed to wear medical shoes and keep the pressure off your feet. You should be able to get back to everyday activities in 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery.
Are There Some Side Effects When It Comes to Bunion Surgery?
Obviously, as for any surgery, there are always some negative side effects that might show up after the surgery and complicate your recovery process. After bunion surgery, negative side effects include:
- Redness,
- Stiffness,
- Pain,
- Bleeding,
- Swelling.
Consult Your Surgeon in Miami About What to Expect After Bunion and Hammertoe Surgery
If you’re having second thoughts and wonder if having this procedure is the right choice for you, you should definitely book an appointment at the Luxe Foot Surgery clinic in Miami and talk to our expert about your situation. They can answer all the other questions you might have, give you the best advice about the recovery process, and estimate the costs of bunion and hammertoe surgery. Contact us to book your consultation – the first one is completely off-charge.
FAQ
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Hammertoe and Bunion Surgery?
This depends on many factors, and one of the most important ones is your general health. If your general health is alright and you don’t suffer from some chronic diseases, you should be able to recover from bunion and hammertoe surgery in 6 to 8 weeks. This period might get prolonged if you don’t follow recovery instructions, pressure your feet too much or experience infection and some other potential complication that might disrupt the healing process.
Can You Have Hammertoe and Bunion Surgery at the Same Time?
It is possible to have hammertoe and bunion surgery done at the same time, and this is convenient to do if you have both of these deformities on the same foot. If, on the other hand, you have a bunion on one foot and a hammertoe on the other, it is good to talk to a specialist and check your options and priorities about the surgery. The healing process can be more frustrating if you can’t step on both of your feet at the same time.
How Soon Can You Walk After Hammertoe Surgery?
After a hammertoe surgery, you should be able to walk again in about 4 to 6 weeks. In case some unexpected complications occur, this period might be longer.
How Long Does It Take To Walk Normally After Bunion Surgery?
After bunion surgery, you should be able to walk again in about 6 to 8 weeks. However, the recovery process might last longer if your general health is poor.
