Bunion Surgery Recovery Time

Planning For Tailor's Bunion Surgery Recovery | Splint Brace

Posted By Admin on June 1, 2011

If surgery is deemed necessary, there will usually be the need to remove part of the bone, reconstruct the joint of the small toe, or to shave off excess bone growth. The procedure is unpleasant and therefore a general anaesthetic is usually the best option. Once the anaesthetic has worn off patients are signed out and can return home, and do not require an overnight stay in hospital. Following the operation, the toe joint and sometimes even the whole foot can be painful and sore, and will require often require pain medication during the first few days of recovery .

In order to allow the bone and muscles time to heal, it is best to plan for a couple of days off the feet. The foot should be raised and extra care should be taken to avoid accidental knocks to the newly set toe. Surgery often involves the repositioning of ligaments and muscles so these will need a little time to heal before the weight can be put back on the foot. Whilst less severe and less painful than full bunion surgery due to the size of the bunion and lower level of manipulation, it may be possible to avoid using crutches, however in the majority of cases, using a crutch is the best option. It will prevent weight from being put on the toes and the joint and will give the best chance of full recovery.

After a couple of weeks, healing is usually sufficient to allow the weight to be returned to the foot again. Care should still be taken. Bone takes a long time to heal properly, so recovering patients should not undergo any sports which could see the toe damaged until healing is sufficient. Light walking is fine, and if a suitable shoe with the correct support is used there is usually no further problem.

It is a good option to continue bunion treatment for some time following surgery with a product that helps keep the toes straight in the shoes and gives the correct support for the feet. The use of an orthotic sole is a wise choice. Tailor’s bunions can form due to foot deformities such as flat feet, and getting the correct amount of support will help the bones to heal correctly. Orthotic soles give the correct support to the foot arches and help to keep the toes aligned properly.  Toe straighteners worn in the shoes are a good choice for the day, with bunion night splints excellent for a long treatment session throughout the night.

In order to protect the tender area on the outside of the foot following surgery, extra cushioning in the shoes is a good option, with bunion pads offering extra protection to the toes and joint. These are very cheap and a good way of ensuring that no further damage occurs.

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