Surgery and plastic How long does it take to walk again after bunion surgery?
In mild to moderate cases of bunions, patients are allowed to be weight bearing immediately with the help of a knee scooter or surgical boot. They are also allowed to walk in a surgical boot /shoe. The time it takes for bones to set/mend in the corrected position generally takes six weeks.
What is the fastest way to recover from bunion surgery?
Recovery after the procedure
- rest and elevate their foot and leg to keep it from moving.
- take pain medications for discomfort and antibiotics to prevent infection.
- use ice packs on the foot and toe to bring down swelling.
- wear a surgical boot for several weeks.
- use crutches or a knee walker for a few weeks.
What can I expect after bunion surgery?
Your Recovery
You had bunion surgery to remove a lump of bone (bunion) from the joint where your big toe joins your foot, and to straighten your big toe. You will have pain and swelling that slowly improves in the 6 weeks after surgery. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year.
How long after bunion surgery can I wear normal shoes?
After those first two weeks, the recovery time will depend on the surgery that was done. Most commonly, you would not be allowed to walk fully on the foot for two to six weeks. Most people are able to start wearing a regular shoe approximately two months after surgery as it takes time for the swelling to resolve.
Does your shoe size change after bunion surgery?
The vast majority of patients who undergo bunion surgery experience a dramatic reduction of foot pain after surgery, along with a significant improvement in the alignment of their big toe. Bunion surgery will not allow you to wear a smaller shoe size or narrow-pointed shoes.
Do screws stay in after bunion surgery?
The screw can also remain in the foot for life, and only needs to be removed in very rare cases if it becomes painful or prominent. This can be done in a straightforward outpatient procedure performed long after the bone has healed.
Is bunion surgery worth having?
The majority of patients, having bunion surgery for the right reasons, end up with a good to excellent outcome and would tell you that bunion surgery is definitely worth it!
Do they put you to sleep for bunion surgery?
Most bunion surgery is performed under ankle block anesthesia, in which your foot is numb, but you are awake. Occasionally, general or spinal anesthesia is used.
What happens at 6 weeks after bunion surgery?
About 6 weeks after surgery it is important to exercise or mobilise the toe to reduce the risk of the toe remaining stiff. You will be advised of the exercises and when to begin them at your out-patient appointment. On average, you should expect to spend six weeks using the post-operative shoe.
Can I take my boot off to sleep after bunion surgery?
You must not walk on the operated foot unless you are wearing the post-operative shoe. Some people sleep with the shoe on for the first few days after surgery because it gives them a sense of more security, but you do not have to keep it on unless you are walking.
Do they break your toe in bunion surgery?
Bunion surgery usually involves breaking the toe bone (metatarsal) to correct the alignment problem that caused the bunion to form, this part of the procedure is called an osteotomy.
How painful is a Bunionectomy?
The actual surgery takes less than an hour. Patients do not experience pain during surgery because a general anesthesia is used. Patients experience minimal pain for the first 24-48 hours post-surgery due to advanced, long lasting, local pain blocks.
How long do you have to wear a walking boot after bunion surgery?
While recovery after bunion surgery takes about six to eight weeks, full recovery from bunion removal surgery can take an average of four to six months. For the first two weeks following your surgery, you’ll wear a surgical boot or cast to protect your foot. You should avoid getting your stitches wet.
How long after bunion surgery can I get my feet wet?
9) Keep the foot dry when showering or bathing during the first 2 weeks. After that the bandage/bunion splint can be removed when showering/bathing. 10) The bandages and sutures will be removed at two weeks. You will receive a soft bunion splint that you should use 23 hours a day.