How do I Swim After Bunion Surgery?

A bunion is a deformity in the first metatarsal that causes the big toe to point inward. This causes the weight on your foot to shift unnaturally and can result in serious pain as you get older. Some people decide to put off bunion surgery because they'll have to stay off their foot for a prolonged period of time to allow it to heal. Despite that, you may be able to engage in low-impact exercises, like swimming, sooner than you may think.

Things You'll Need

• Bunion sleeve

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Instructions

Swimming After Bunion Surgery

• 1

  Talk to your doctor before you begin swimming. Everybody's recovery time differs so there isn't any specific period you should wait before you begin swimming. You doctor can look at your foot and see if you're physically ready to take a swim.

• 2

  Place a bunion sleeve on your foot before you go swimming. This will help immobilize your foot.

• 3

  Slowly enter the water and see how it feels on your foot. You should step out if you feel any pain at all.

• 4

  Begin swimming lightly to see how your foot responds to the activity. You need to quit if you feel any pain while you're swimming. You can slow your recovery time or cause yourself a lot of pain if you continue to swim.

• 5

  Take off the bunion sleeve when you are done swimming and allow your foot to dry off.