Imagine that you’ve done it. After months of painfully enduring the bunion growths on the side of your foot, you’ve finally gotten bunion removal surgery! So, now what?
If you opt for traditional surgery, you’ll likely be unable to walk for two weeks then you’ll be wearing a boot or cast for the next six to eight weeks. But the full road to recovery will take even longer than that–anywhere from four to six months! That can be a long time to wait.
If you opt for minimally invasive surgery like Northwest Surgery Center offers, you’ll be looking forward to wearing a postoperative shoe for 1-5 weeks. During that time, you’ll still be able to resume normal daily practices like walking around and other light activities almost immediately.
So whether you’ll be looking at long-term recovery with traditional surgery or short-term recovery with minimally invasive surgery, here are some of the top bunion surgery recovery tips to ensure the best possible recuperation period for yourself.
Making the proper arrangements for your post-surgery arrival back home will save you the hassle of needlessly stumbling around your house. Meal-prepping in advance could keep you from having to stand in the kitchen for a few days, which is critical for the continued healing of your foot. It’s also a good idea to clear any potential tripping hazards in your home, such as cords, messy floors, or rugs that easily catch–anything that could make maneuvering around your house more difficult. Also if you’re having traditional surgery that will require time off your feet, having a grabbing extender near your favorite resting spot will make it easier to reach objects without having to stand up and put pressure on your foot. Another good rule of thumb is to think about your bathing arrangements. With a post-operative shoe and minimally invasive surgery, you’ll likely be removing your shoe and showering with the recommended shower shoe. However with a cast and non weight bearing restrictions from traditional surgery, you will need to purchase a shower chair and put plastic around your boot. Ultimately, chat with your surgeon before the procedure and make these arrangements before your surgery.
If you only take away one of the many bunion surgery recovery tips, taking proper care of your foot is perhaps the most crucial. There is nothing worse you can do after your surgery than putting unnecessary strain on the foot that was just worked on. With minimally invasive surgery, you can walk and drive, but it’s still important to be kind to your feet. Refrain from doing any heavy exercising or heavy lifting for a few weeks until your doctor gives you the green light. With traditional surgery, do your best to stay off your foot by keeping seated or in bed, and if you have to walk then be sure to use crutches for those first several weeks or as long as your physician requires you to be non weight bearing. Avoid getting the foot wet while the stitches are healing, too, and keeping it elevated or applying ice will help to reduce any potential swelling. If you don’t have a boot, cast, or special shoe that you’re required to wear, make wise choices when putting on your footwear; put on wide, comfortable shoes that won’t agitate your wound, and avoid anything narrow like heels or tight sneakers.
We have all heard the saying, “patience is a virtue.” Well, in this case, that is positively true. Coming to the realization that your foot isn’t going to heal overnight will save you some frustration. The long recovery of traditional surgery can be a grueling process, and the feeling of helplessness may dampen your mood, but taking things slow and practicing caution is the best thing. No matter what type of surgery you have, you should listen to what your doctor has to say and follow their instructions to maintain a steady healing process. Ask them if they have any of their own bunion surgery recovery tips to share with you; it might be enlightening! The more patient you are, the faster you’ll be getting back to the activities you want to do. Whatever the case, just don’t push yourself too hard.
These are among the most helpful bunion surgery recovery tips. Implementing each of them is vital to the improvement of your foot after surgery. Northwest Surgery Center has trained and experienced medical professionals that provide quality treatment at affordable costs. If you are currently experiencing bunions, or have questions regarding them, it’s important to contact a professional. Find out more by reaching out or calling us at 800-873-1060 (toll-free) or 414-246-9419.
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