Bunion surgery is a common procedure that helps to correct the deformation of the big toe joint caused by the development of a bunion. While the surgery is effective in relieving pain and restoring normal foot function, it’s essential to follow proper post-operative care to avoid complications and ensure a successful recovery.
In this comprehensive guide, Stanstips’ll discuss “what not to do after Bunion Surgery?” to help speed up the healing process and avoid potential setbacks.
Contents
What is a Bunion?
Bunions are a common foot deformity that can cause pain and discomfort. It is a bony bump on the side of your big toe, which results from the misalignment of bones in your feet. Bunions can be caused by wearing high heels, ill-fitting shoes, or an inherited deformity in the foot structure.
Several surgeries are available when treating Tailor’s bunion, such as osteotomy, arthrodesis and exostectomy, to help relieve pain and improve function. Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery performed and lifestyle habits, such as not wearing high heels after surgery. It is important to follow post-operative instructions closely to ensure a successful recovery.
What Not to Do After Bunion Surgery?
After bunion surgery, there are certain activities that you should avoid for your foot to heal properly. If you don’t follow these guidelines, you may experience pain or complications that could further damage your foot.
Here are five things to avoid after bunion surgery which increase the risks of bunion surgery:
1. Putting Too Much Pressure on Your Foot
After bunion surgery, one of the most critical things to remember is to avoid putting too much pressure on your foot. This is because the affected area’s bones, muscles, and soft tissues need time to heal properly. Walking too soon or putting too much weight on your foot can cause pain, delay healing, and increase the risk of complications.
2. Ignoring the Signs of Infection
Infection is a common concern after bunion surgery, and it’s essential to monitor your surgical site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and pain. If you suspect that you have an infection, it’s crucial to contact your surgeon immediately. Ignoring the signs of infection can lead to serious complications and delay your recovery.
3. Neglecting Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process after bunion surgery, and it’s essential to attend all scheduled therapy sessions and follow the exercises prescribed by your therapist. Physical therapy helps to improve the range of motion, strengthen the muscles, and reduce pain and swelling. Neglecting physical therapy can delay healing and increase the risk of developing complications.
4. Returning to High-Impact Activities Too Soon
It’s important to avoid high-impact activities, such as running, jumping, or playing sports, for several months after bunion surgery. These activities put too much pressure on the foot and can damage the surgical site, delay healing, and increase the risk of complications. Instead, focus on low-impact activities like swimming, walking, and yoga to help improve mobility and support healing.
5. Skipping Follow-Up Appointments
Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are an important part of the recovery process after bunion surgery, and attending all scheduled appointments is essential. Your surgeon will monitor your progress, check for any signs of complications, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Skipping follow-up appointments can delay the healing process and increase the risk of developing complications.
5 Things to Do After Bunion Surgery to heal properly
Depending on the type of bunion surgery performed, some tips should be followed to ensure a successful recovery. Aftercare for bunions is especially important because it involves the affected foot and the entire body.
Here are the 5 Fastest Way To Recover From Bunion Surgery:
1. Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
One of the most important things to do after bunion surgery is to follow your surgeon’s instructions. Your surgeon will provide you with a detailed post-operative care plan, such as activity level, that includes instructions on how to care for your surgical site, when to start physical therapy, and when you can return to normal activities.
Following your surgeon’s instructions is crucial to avoid complications and ensure a successful recovery.
2. Use Proper Footwear
Wearing shoes protect your surgical site and supports recovery. Your surgeon will likely provide you with a special shoe or boot after surgery, and it’s important to wear these 25 Best Shoes After Bunion Surgery as directed. Avoid wearing tight or uncomfortable shoes, which can cause pain and delay healing.
3. Take Pain Medications as Prescribed
Your surgeon may prescribe pain medications to help manage discomfort after bunion surgery. It’s important to take these pain medicines as directed to help manage the pain foot elevated and reduce the risk of complications.
Additionally, applying ice to the foot helps minimize swelling and reduce pain during recovery. Gently wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply it to the affected area on your foot two or three times each day for 10-15 minutes throughout your post-op recovery period.
4. Wear Socks For Pain Relief
Bunion surgery is a common and effective way to treat a bunion. However, it’s important to understand how to heal after the procedure for optimal results properly. Wearing bunion socks can be an effective part of post-surgery recovery, helping reduce pain and inflammation.
This sock helps keep your toes in position and allows airflow for proper healing and reducing the likelihood of infection. On the other hand, these 15 Best Socks For Bunions Pain Relief are generally recommended if you underwent a closed technique because they provide support while limiting swelling around the area where the scarring occurred.
5. Wear the Bunion Correctors
Bunion correctors are specialized medical equipment used to help shape and align the bones into a healthy position during recovery. They also provide support to help reduce swelling and pain while keeping your foot and ankle in the proper position for healing.
Wearing these hallux valgus correctors can dramatically improve recovery time, allowing you to get back on your feet sooner rather than later. Additionally, the 10 Best Bunion Correctors make it easier to stay active during your recovery period, which can also lead to improved healing rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long should you stay off your feet after bunion surgery?
After bunion surgery, it is recommended to avoid putting weight on the affected foot for several weeks. The exact length of time will depend on the severity of your surgery and the pace of your recovery, but most people are advised to stay off their feet for 6-8 weeks.
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your case, so it’s important to follow their advice closely.
Can I walk 2 weeks after bunion surgery?
Walking after bunion surgery will depend on the severity of your surgery and the pace of your recovery. Generally, it’s recommended to avoid putting weight on the affected foot for 6-8 weeks after surgery, so walking 14 days after surgery may not be advisable.
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your case and recovery, so it’s important to follow their advice closely and wait until your surgeon has cleared you before attempting to walk.
Is walking barefoot good for bunions?
Walking barefoot may not be the best option for individuals with bunions. Walking barefoot can put additional pressure on the feet and exacerbate bunion pain.
It’s recommended to wear supportive, well-fitted shoes with ample room for the toes to help reduce pressure on the bunion and alleviate discomfort.
If you have concerns about the best footwear for your bunion, it’s best to consult your doctor or a podiatrist.
Can I bend my toes after bunion surgery?
The ability to bend your toes after bunion surgery depends on the extent of your procedure and the pace of your recovery. Generally, it’s common to have limited mobility and range of motion in the affected foot after bunion surgery, and bending the toes may be restricted for several weeks.
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your case and recovery, so it’s important to follow their advice closely and wait until you have been cleared to bend your toes before attempting to do so.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bunion surgery is an effective treatment option for relieving pain and restoring normal foot function. Still, following proper post-operative care is essential to avoid complications and ensure a successful recovery.
Avoiding the things discussed in this article can help speed up the healing process and avoid potential setbacks. If you have any concerns or questions about your recovery, speak with your surgeon.