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Bunionectomy Healing

Undergoing a bunionectomy means that you will be off your feet and your activity level will be reduced. You will need to deal with some post-surgical pain, swelling and adjusting to recovery from surgery.

  1. After the Surgery

    • Immediately after your surgery, expect the recovery room staff to monitor your foot for excess swelling and bleeding. You will be kept in the recovery room for a few hours until the effects of your anesthesia have worn off. Staff will give you crackers and either water or ginger ale to eat and drink. They need to see how you tolerate food after being given anesthesia. You may feel nauseated and/or become physically ill. Arrange for a friend or family member to take you home, as you will not be allowed to drive for at least one day.

    At Home Care

    • After your surgery, when you are at home, you will have to prop your foot higher than your heart in order to reduce any post-surgical swelling. You will have to stay off of your foot for as long as your surgeon instructs you to so that you do not put the healing process at risk. You will also probably have to take prescribed painkiller medication. Your doctor will advise you to look for any abnormal symptoms, including fever and chills, swelling of your calf above your foot, redness and warmth in and around the area under your surgical dressing and ongoing pain.

    Activity Level

    • Your doctor will specify how long he wants you to wait to return to normal activities. This includes walking and putting your full weight on your foot, climbing, jumping, running and exercising. Normally, surgeons specify a six- to eight-week period in which your activity level is lower than what you are accustomed to. Your ability to bear weight on your foot depends on the extent of the surgery and how much tissue (bone) was removed during surgery. You will be given a special shoe or boot to wear over your surgical dressing for the six- to eight-week period after surgery. This boot helps to support your foot and gives you room for the bandage you are supposed to wear. After the eight-week period has passed, you will be allowed to wear comfortable shoes, but expect swelling to continue for a few months. You may be given crutches or a walker to help you get around just after your surgery. Expect your foot to be stiff as you try to walk. You will return to the doctor periodically for X-rays, the removal of your sutures, dressing changes and removal of any pins which may have been put in your foot during surgery.

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