what to expect 4 weeks after bunion surgery

Therapy such as ice, range of motion exercises, compression devices are all recommended during this time. My doc said we want to keep it elevated to avoid swelling, because that swelling is fluid and fluid stops the red blood cells getting to the site to heal it, or something like that Im not a doctor but it was definitely about draining away the fluid hindering the healing. A well-informed patient is usually a compliant patient. Arrrggh, My Bunion Came Back! Exostectomy: This procedure involves removing the bunion, the bony bump at the base of your big toe. The dressings and sutures are removed two weeks after surgery and by six weeks X-rays are done to check on the healing. If surgery was on your left foot, you can usually start driving if you drive an automatic car at this point, if advised by your consultant. Mobility commences slowly after 5-7 days. Worth a look. Your healthcare provider will advise you as to your postoperative This often resolves the problem. Can Nerve Surgery Help Patients with Neuropathy? Pain, soreness, and significant scarring of the foot after the surgery. Quick fix for Hammertoes: Back in Shoes in 3 Days! Lingering pain and discomfort. It is really important to stick to your exercise programme after bunion surgery, otherwise you are at risk of developing stiffness in the toe. I have been in bed with my foot elevated for most of the time, apart from bathroom breaks During the first couple of weeks, the most important parts of bunion surgery recovery are to keep your foot elevated, the wound and dressing dry and to keep walking to a minimum. Thankfully, there is a viable alternative! 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. This can also be called a chevron bunionectomy, Kalish bunionectomy or even a modified Scarf bunionectomy. Supplements you may want to check out to help lower your blood sugar. A simple bandage and a special postoperative shoe are all that is needed. Northwest Surgery Centers are the only podiatric surgeons in Colorado offering this unique alternative to traditional, long recovery time bunionectomy surgery. During the surgery, the surgeon will make a large incision along the side of the foot, remove the bunion, and place metal screws, metal plates, or other devices to hold the foots new alignment in place. After your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and Now my foot is like a puffer fish, all red & inflamed. However, this is only the start of the recovery process. Most patients who undergo traditional bunion surgery will have to take at least some time off work as a result. Your range of motion should mostly be restored by the three-month mark, but the swelling could persist for as long as nine months after your surgery. If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should the procedure. Symptoms you might have if these problems occur are: 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. Unstable medical condition. Surgery might be your only solution for severe pain and discomfort caused by hallux rigidus, but there are some expenses to take into account if, If you suffer from arthritis, stem cell injections can be used as a form of treatment in addition to the common orthopedic care. Wires, pins, and absorbable fixation can also be used. Its now just over 4 weeks since I had my bones realigned in my right foot to remove my bunion and fix my foot. 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. Hope your ankle is all good again! I will separate bunionectomies into three basic categories. FYI Theres a silicone gel product sold under the name Kelokote (and possibly Scarcote) that works to reduce scars. While choosing surgery is always a risk, a minimally invasive technique is the least disruptive. All told, full recovery may take 1-5 weeks with the help of a protective shoe, but you will be able to walk out of surgery. We will answer all of these questions and more, but first, lets look at exactly what occurs during a bunion or hammertoe surgery: When it comes to bunion surgery, there are. , splints, cushions, and other devices may provide short-term relief. In the immediate aftermath of bunion surgery avoid all of the following: Operating heavy machinery. Then I stupidly cooked scones & dinner. with platform heals and very comfy. to learn more about minimally invasive surgery or to schedule a consultation today. There is no need to worry if your movements are restricted with the bandage even the slightest movements will progressively lead to improvement. It should not delay or The incisions may not be entirely healed. I can walk short distances, but am a bit slow. How long it takes depends on the amount of soft tissue and bone affected. This is why you should be extra careful during the recovery process and strictly follow your doctors recommendations. On the other hand, laborers who are required to perform more strenuous activity for their profession may need to take a few weeks off to allow their foot to heal. This is the most common type of bunionectomy performed in younger patient with severe deformities and hypermobility (super flexible feet). The surgery may also result in overcorrection of the The entire recovery process for either bunions or hammertoe can take anywhere between several weeks to several months or more, depending on various factors. The problem. It is important to take your painkillers regularly to stay on top of the pain. I NEVER thought that stretching my calf would relieve the excruciating pain at the top of my foot. Your doctor might also recommend that you receive physical therapy during your recovery. The x-ray on the left shows a mild bunion bump before exostectomy. foot-pain-explored.com 2013-2023Updated 1st March 2023, Foot-Pain-Explored.com is a trading name of Wilson Health Ltd. All rights reserved. So far the pain is not too bad taking pills every 4 hours and my DH has been brilliant Visit the ice treatmentsection to find out how to use ice safely and effectively to aid bunion surgery recovery. Required fields are marked *. My bandages and stitches were removed after two weeks and after that I wore a sock under the surgical boot. If you notice a bunion or notice bunion pain, its key to speak to a doctor about it ASAP. Is there a Cure for Chronic, Degenerative Heel Pain? My husband has nicknamed me Clompy as when I walk around the house you can hear me coming (there is definitely no sneaking up on people). If the pain in your, Monday Thursday: 9AM 7PM Friday Saturday: 9AM 7PM Sunday: Closed, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the, How Much Does Hallux Rigidus Surgery Cost, How Long Is the Stem Cell Therapy Recovery Process, Which Is Better, PRP or Stem Cell Therapy, What to Expect After Hallux Rigidus Surgery. Surgery for a bunion can involve cutting and realigning bone, repositioning muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the foot; and fusing or replacing a joint. After all, choosing to undergo surgery can be a big decision. Stitches are removed after 7 to 21 days. Because the sedative may make you drowsy, you will need to arrange Bunion surgery fixes a bony outgrowth at the base of the big toe. Medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories are a good idea at this stage. This is also when you can remove the walking boot and start with light exercises that will help your recovery. For one, minimally invasive bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure. However, they will not act to reduce or remove the bunion. What are the Long Term Effects of Ankle Sprains? 4. They said it's either too. For the first two weeks following your . "Jennifer, UK, "I have suffered these symptoms for over a year, seen two doctors and a physio. What is the Difference Between a Bunion and Hallux Valgus. Hope this is healpful to someone. I feel like I have a new lease on life. Im just one week post op. I can move my toes and no discolouration. "Cindy, US, "3 days ago I thought I was going to need foot surgery. The dressing is often left on during this time as well. is a trading name of Wilson Health Ltd. All rights reserved. I had a bunionectomy and double weils osteotomy. The ice pack should be carefully positioned so as not to put pressure through the operated area. As such, minimally invasive procedures are significantly less painful and produce less scarring as well. Bunions may also result from arthritis. Drill Sergeant's Experience with Heel Pain Video, Electrical Signal Therapy and your Neuropathy, Everything You Need to Know About Bunion Surgery, Fall Prevention Improve Balance & Stability with a Balance Device, Five Critical Steps for the Successful Treatment of Heel Pain, Freibergs Disease: Rare Second Toe Breakdown. Swimming or any activity that will get your bandages wet. These procedures require large incisions along the feet to correctly realign the muscles and joints. My left foot is not nearly as bad, so it I dont see me doing this again in the foreseeable future. How long is the recovery process? My foot is now properly elevated, iced & i realised how stupidly much I have done the last 3 days. Your healthcare Once your dressings are removed, you can slowly start getting back to wearing shoes. In an osteotomy, your surgeon will make an incision in the joint of your big toe and realign the joint to a more comfortable position. Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. Far less pain than traditional bunionectomy. The usual recovery period after bunion surgery is 6 weeks to 6 months. The entire process (prep and all) lasts around 2 hours, and only local anesthesia is used. I have a good trainer with a wide fitting from a Danish company called Woden Once You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission Recovery time for bunion surgery can vary but if you follow your doctors' instructions, healing will take place in no . site, Swelling in lower leg of the affected foot. Best of all, most of our patients are able to walk out of the operating room and drive themselves home after the surgery. Advanced Wound Healing Technology now available at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic. Because bunions tend to only get worse over time, the sooner you seek treatment for one, the better off youll be in the long run. If youre suffering from a hammertoe, your surgeon can either perform a surgical release and/or removal of part of the joint bone. Im on my 4th week trying to gain motion in my big toe the feeling feels good but werid im getting there. Please complete the form below and we will be in touch with you within 3 business days. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Traditional, or open-foot surgeries for conditions like hammertoes and bunions can be very painful and force an individual to spend at least a day in the hospital. Vitamin D, Calcium, Vitamin C, Protein ect). What do Diabetics Need to Know about Foot Health? Its the nerves that have been cut in the process that are very tender and sensitive, so there is lots of tingling and not the most pleasant sensations going on in my foot. Thankfully, minimally invasive techniques now allow surgeons to operate using only local anesthesia. It will depend what your occupation is as to when you can return to work following a bunion operation. Im just 6 days after surgery. I have to go back to work soon, I am an educator. Walking my dogs, sleeping, everything. This one is called a "bunionette" or "tailor's bunion." The circulation and sensation of the foot will be monitored. Thursday I went on the train to the city to buy some shoes at Peter Sheppard sale, that will be good when I am properly back at work in February(they are really cute rose gold & white lace up sneakers) . Refrain from putting weight on your affected foot. You may receive a sedative before the procedure to help you relax. Heres what to expect with bunion surgery: Its important to note here that once a bunion forms, the only way to get rid of it is through surgery. I have been fanatical in elevation. You can expect some mild pain, for which your doctor may prescribe OTC painkillers. (This means you wont have to go under, during the surgery.). None of them diagnosed this." However, full recovery can take weeks to months. In many cases, patients are weight-bearing within a few days of their surgery instead of bearing no weight for 7 - 9 weeks that comes with traditional bunion surgery.