How long does it take to walk normally after bunion surgery?

13) Normal walking will not be a part of your routine for at least 8 weeks after surgery. Expect mild pain and restriction of movement (bending) of the toes for 8 weeks or more. Normal shoes may not be possible for 8-16 weeks after surgery depending on swelling.

How long do you have to stay off your feet after bunion surgery?

You should keep your foot dry and stay off your feet for 3 to 5 days after your surgery. You should use a walker, cane, knee scooter or crutches to get around. Follow your doctor’s recommendations exactly for any medications you have been given after surgery. You should expect swelling and some pain after surgery.

What is the fastest way to recover from bunion surgery?

Bunion Surgery Recovery Tips

1. Buy ice packs to prevent leaking onto bandage from using plastic bags.
2. Cook a few days worth of meals before surgery.
3. Have extra pillows for easy elevation of the leg.
4. Practice with crutches if you will be using them.
5. Buy compressive wrap to help decrease swelling after surgery.

What happens if you walk too soon after bunion surgery?

In MacGill’s clinical experience, patients who put weight on the foot too early can increase postoperative pain and swelling, as well as risk loss of correction and possible delayed bone healing, he said.

What can you not do after bunion surgery?

What happens after bunion surgery?

• Avoid putting weight on your big toe.
• Elevate your foot to reduce swelling.
• Keep your wound and bandages dry.
• Take pain medicines as prescribed. (Antibiotics would rarely be required for this type of surgery outside of the operating room setting.)

How painful is a Bunionectomy?

Is the surgery painful? The amount of pain experienced after bunion surgery is different from one person to the next. Most patients will experience discomfort for three to five days. If you closely follow your foot and ankle surgeon’s instructions, you can help minimize pain and swelling after your bunion surgery.

Why is bunion surgery so painful?

Many times this pain happens after bunion surgery because the bone for the great toe was shortened a little too much during the correction of the bunion. The shape of the foot is changed and the patient’s weight moves over to the next toes during walking.

How should I sleep after bunion surgery?

Elevating your foot with a pillow or by resting your leg against a wall is key for reducing swelling and pain following traditional bunion surgery. Wearing a boot or rigid footgear while sleeping can also help manage pain or discomfort. If you get hot wearing a boot while sleeping, using a fan or cool towels can help.

Should I wiggle my toes after bunion surgery?

It is important to move the big toe joint after surgery to prevent the joint from becoming stiff. You should start performing exercises of the big toe joint on the first postoperative day, and this involves simply wiggling the big toe and discomfort is normal.

Is it OK to wiggle your toes after bunion surgery?

o If you had surgery on your toes, don’t wiggle them. It’s fine to move your ankle back and forth as long as it doesn’t hurt. Don’t worry about wiggling your toes. We’ve bandaged your toes in a specific position for alignment during recovery.

When can I drive after bunion surgery?

You may resume driving in 1 to 2 weeks if surgery treated the left foot. You may resume driving after about 6 weeks if surgery treated the right foot. You may wear tennis shoes after about 8 weeks of recovery. Full recovery (no more residual pain or swelling) takes 3 to 4 months.

What is considered a severe bunion?

In general, the severity of the bunion is determined by a radiographic measurement called the intermetatarsal angle (or metatarsal angle). An angle is created between the 1st metatarsal bone and the 2nd metatarsal bone. The wider the angle the worse the bunion. Severe: 18+ degrees.