5 Important Instructions For Bunion Removal Recovery

Bunions can be super painful. They are more often found on women than men, probably because of those beautiful but tight high heels, but both men and women can have them, and it usually requires foot surgery to fix it. That bony bump at the base of your big toe causes it to point excessively toward your second toe, which in turn causes a deformity of your bone and soft tissue.

Having a bunion removed corrects this deformity and is necessary if other treatments haven't eliminated your pain. Once you've had surgery, there are several things you can do to make recovery easier.

Have Patience

Full recovery from bunion surgery takes about 4-6 months, varying from person to person. During this time, it's very important to listen to your body. Take it easy, follow every post-op instruction, and don't push yourself.

You shouldn't make plans for the two weeks following surgery. The only thing on your schedule should be resting and elevating that foot.

Wear Your Protection

This post-op instruction cannot be emphasized enough. For two weeks you'll be wearing a boot. Don't let it get wet unless you've opted for a waterproof cast, but even then be cautious. Once the boot or cast comes off, you'll have to wear a brace. While you have the brace you'll be using crutches to get around.

Ice Your Foot

In addition to staying off of your feet for the first couple of weeks, it's also important to ice it. In addition to helping with pain, icing it will reduce inflammation and help it heal faster.

Take Your Meds

Post-surgery is not the time to be a martyr. Take your pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. When your body is in too much pain it tenses up, thus slowing recovery. You need to be able to relax so listen to your doctor and take your pain medicine.

Call Your Doctor

There are a few warning signs to look for post-op. Call your doctor or head over to the Emergency Room if you experience severe chest pain or calf pain, fever, shortness of breath, or severe foot pain that is not relieved by ice, elevation, and pain medication.

Bunion removal brings great relief for those suffering with bunion pain. After surgery, just remember to have patience, wear the prescribed protection, ice your foot, take your meds, and look out for those warning signs. Follow these instructions and you'll be wondering why you didn't have the surgery sooner.