We know it’s the No. 1 thing people ask, so we’ll lead with the bottom line: bunion surgery recovery takes time.
We know that’s not what you want to hear with another gorgeous Cincinnati spring right on the horizon, but trust us when we say it’s worth it—9 in 10 patients experience full recovery without any problems, and a few months off your feet is a small price to pay for the elimination of chronic pain.
In many cases, it’ll be a couple of months before you can gradually resume many of your normal, daily activities, and perhaps five months (give or take) before full recovery. Those numbers can vary, but in any case the best advice for successful bunion surgery recovery is patience.
Patience isn’t the only good advice, though. The duration and ultimate success of bunion surgery recovery also depends a lot on how well you follow your doctor’s instructions and the choices you make.
Keep your foot clean and dry during the first few weeks (to avoid infection), until the stitches come out. After that you’ll probably need a brace, walking boot, or crutches for a time. The more you can stay off your feet and avoid bearing weight on your healing foot, the better the healing process will go. Use ice and elevate your foot as much as possible to control the swelling and get a handicap pass for your car—it’ll shorten those walks when you absolutely need to be out and about.
Your foot may be swollen—at least to some extent—for several months after surgery. So, even if you’ve gotten the go-ahead to go back to sneakers, make sure you choose shoes that offer enough space and plenty of cushioning and support. Definitely avoid heels or other styles that put undue pressure on the forefoot.
Lastly, we’ll repeat it one more time: be patient and stay positive! It’s easy to get down in the dumps when a cast or a swollen foot is keeping you from enjoying the weather and staying active, but you won’t regret your decision once the healing is over and you finally have freedom from chronic pain.
Bunion troubles have you hobbled? Have conservative treatments all failed? Call Family Foot and Ankle Center. Whether or not you need surgery, trust Cincinnati’s foot care specialists to find the best way forward. You can set up an appointment online, or call us today at (513) 728-4800 or (859) 282-1572.
