If you're like most people who are scheduled for bunion surgery in the near future, you're probably experiencing a mixture of relief and trepidation. You're relieved, of course, because you're looking forward to a bunion-free life, but you may also be experiencing a bit of apprehension because you don't know what it's going to be like after the surgery — will you be able to walk right away, and if not, how much recovery time should you prepare for? You're probably also wondering if you'll feel any significant amount of pain and whether you'll be able to wear your normal shoes in the days following the surgery. Here's a list of dos and don'ts for the week after you have bunion surgery performed.
1. Do Expect to Wear a Surgical Boot
This answers the question of whether you'll be able to wear your own shoes shortly after surgery — you'll be wearing a surgical boot for at least two weeks following bunion surgery. After that, you'll probably wear a foot brace and possibly use crutches. You'll be able to wear your normal shoes then as long as they have ample room to accommodate any swelling. Avoid high heels for at least six months.
2. Don't Expect to Be Able to Drive Right Away
It'll be at least a week after your surgery before you'll be able to safely handle a motor vehicle. Don't rush yourself, especially if the surgery was performed on the foot which you use to operate the gas pedal. To be on the safe side, plan on lining up alternative transportation for at least a month after the surgery.
3. Do Be Patient
Your foot will be swollen for weeks following your bunion surgery. Icing your foot on a regular basis will help the swelling go down, and your doctor will probably prescribe some medication for this purpose as well. However, all bunion surgeries require time in order to heal — full recovery from bunion surgery may take as long as one year.
4. Don't Wear Footwear With Narrow Toes After Your Foot Is Healed
Narrow-toed footwear is the primary culprit when it comes to bunions, so avoid wearing this type of footwear even after your foot heals from the surgery. Otherwise, the chances are good that you'll find yourself right back in the doctor's office with another bunion. Be sure to ask your doctor for more advice on having a successful recovery from bunion surgery.
To learn more, contact a medical professional like Richard Moy DPM INC.