Can You Walk After Bunion Surgery?

Bunions are an extremely common medical condition, with more than 20% of Americans reporting that they experience this issue each year. A bunion is a bony lump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe as a result of an imbalance of pressure being placed on the foot. Bunions can be caused by genetics and the natural shape of one’s foot, as well as sports injuries, various medical conditions, and wearing ill-fitting or improper footwear. Regardless of the cause, bunions can be painful and can hinder one’s ability to walk, exercise, and participate in other daily activities and routines. Once diagnosed, it is essential to treat bunions right away in order to alleviate pain and prevent further medical complications in the future. While there are many products on the market intended to help treat bunion pain at home or without the assistance of a medical professional, the only way to treat bunions at their source and alleviate pain once and for all is to have them removed surgically.  

Bunion surgery is frequently misrepresented and misunderstood by many patients. Unfortunately, many individuals confuse traditional bunion surgery with new, minimally invasive techniques, and, as such, they either forgo bunion surgery entirely or put it off much longer than they should due to a reluctance to undergo a major surgical procedure. It is essential to understand the advancements in medical procedures that have introduced less invasive options and the benefits they provide to patients, including quicker recovery times and reduced postoperative discomfort or pain. When it comes to the topic of bunionectomy procedures, many individuals have questions like, “can you walk after bunion surgery?” Today, we will be answering this question and more as we explore the differences between traditional and minimally invasive bunion surgery.

Bunion Surgery Recovery Times

One big reason why a person may choose to deal with bunion pain is that they don’t want to (or can’t afford to) spend weeks or months off their feet following a procedure. This is totally understandable, as most parents, laborers, or anyone who needs to be active regularly may feel they can’t commit to months of intense bunion surgery recovery.

Traditional bunion surgery can be an effective way to remove bunions and provide long-term relief from pain; however, this treatment method often requires a very long recovery time. In many instances, patients have to stay off their feet for a full two weeks immediately after the surgery (during which time they are often in a great deal of pain). After this two-week post-operative period, patients may need to wear a protective cast or use crutches for the next six months –– or longer. And, once the foot finally heals, patients may still experience some pain and significant amounts of scarring. With all of this in mind, it is easy to understand why so many patients deal with the pain and discomfort of bunions due to a reluctance to undergo traditional surgery.

Minimally invasive bunion surgery, on the other hand, allows patients to walk out of the operating room under their own volition and drive home immediately after the procedure is complete! Patients who undergo minimally invasive foot surgery may have to wear a small postoperative shoe for a few weeks after their surgery, but most can return to regular daily activities. Many patients can walk after bunion surgery and return to work immediately.Total recovery time is unlikely to last beyond 1-5 weeks, and residual scarring and pain is minimal.

Minimally invasive surgery is an innovation in the field of medicine that makes it possible for those looking for a safe, fast, and effective treatment for bunions to find relief with little to no pain and without a restrictive or uncomfortable post-operative recovery period.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Methodology

The secret to short recovery time after bunion surgery is down to the highly advanced minimally invasive techniques used by healthcare providers at facilities like Northwest Surgery Center. As opposed to traditional surgery, minimally invasive surgery is just as effective without causing the collateral damage associated with a traditional bunionectomy. So, how does it work? 

During a traditional open-foot surgery, the surgeon will make a large incision on the side or top of the foot. They’ll remove the bunion and then hold the new alignment of the foot together using metal screws or pins. This contributes to lots of pain, scar tissue, and damage. Due to the nature of the surgery, patients are restricted in their ability to move their feet and resume daily activities after surgery and often have to wear a cast or brace and care for stitches. 

Minimally invasive surgery provides a safe and virtually painless alternative to traditional bunionectomy procedures. During minimally invasive bunion surgery, patients are administered local anesthesia. Then, a small incision is made in the foot, and a specially designed surgical instrument is inserted into this incision. The entire procedure is performed through this tiny opening. After surgery, a small bandage is used to protect the microsurgery area from infections or scarring. The entire procedure – including pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery – takes less than 90 minutes. Patients can walk after bunion surgery, drive themselves home after a procedure, and are usually able to return to work right away. Following minimally invasive surgery, most patients will have to wear a special, post-operative shoe for about 3-4 weeks, however, in most cases, patients can resume their regular activities such as walking, exercising, and more. This procedure treats bunion pain once and for all, permanently removing bunions at the source. Minimally invasive bunion removal procedures are a great option for those who want to ease pain quickly and return to work, school, or other activities without having to worry about a long and strenuous recovery period after undergoing a procedure to treat painful bunions.

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Traditional bunion surgery has a well-earned bad reputation. Thankfully, our team at Northwest Surgery Center are experts in minimally invasive bunion surgery. We’re dedicated to helping our patients overcome bunion pain and get back to living their lives to the fullest by making minimally invasive bunion removal surgery accessible to as many patients as possible.

Contact Northwest Surgery Center

Suffering from bunion pain? Dealing with a painful bump or lump on your foot that you fear could be a bunion? If so, don’t wait to contact a medical professional to get a proper diagnosis and discuss your options for treatment. If left untreated over time, bunions can lead to further medical complications, such as hammertoes, heel spurs, and more, which can cause even more pain and require additional treatments. Minimally invasive surgery is a safe and effective way to treat bunion pain once and for all without a restrictive or uncomfortable recovery period. If you are looking to treat bunions and can walk after bunion surgery, return to work or school, and resume your daily tasks and responsibilities without a hassle, minimally invasive treatments from Northwest Surgery Center are the perfect option.

NWSC is proud to be a pioneer in the field of orthopedic medicine and minimally invasive surgery. If you are tired of dealing with painful bunions, don’t wait – get in touch with a member of our team. Contact us here to learn more about the treatments and services we offer or to schedule a consultation today!