By Karen Bakar
I can’t recall exactly when the bunion on my left foot started causing discomfort, but it was probably when I was about 40. I waited some time to get a referral to a podiatrist, and when I finally saw one, life with two kids and a full-time job stalled my pursuit of treatment for another three and half years.
The podiatrist diagnosed moderate hallux valgus–not the worst case scenario, but I was definitely a good candidate for surgery. He explained that, while the procedure would correct the problem, the decision to go that route was ultimately up to me, based on my willingness to tolerate the discomfort of doing nothing.
I knew people who had gone through the procedure, and their accounts of severe pain in the immediate aftermath, as well as weeks of inconvenience scared me off, so I opted to first try managing my pain with new footwear. My shoe budget expanded, and I found salvation in several pairs of clogs and other more sensible, but expensive, styles. Even so, eventually the moderate discomfort I was experiencing turned to excruciating pain that often kept me awake at night and disrupted my workouts.
On my next visit to the podiatrist, in June 2012, I was intent on scheduling a date for surgery. Anticipating about a month of major life disruption, I targeted January 2013 for the procedure, when the craziness of Thanksgiving and Christmas would be behind me, work would be reasonably slow, and family and travel commitments were minimal.
Healing the bone
Figure 1. The soft boot worn immediately after surgery.
On January 9, my podiatrist performed a bunionectomy with distal osteotomy. He prepared me well for the surgery and reviewed milestones and expectations for the first two months. As he described it, this period is about healing the bone. The progression is predictable–from five days with absolutely no pressure on the foot, to the resumption of modified activities in six to eight weeks. Nearly five months postsurgery, I’ve learned that “healing the bone” is only one part of the full recovery.
The initial pain was not as severe as I had expected based on my friends’ accounts, and I never felt the need to fill the Vicodin prescription the nurses gave me. I think my podiatrist’s advice was sound–to let the local anesthetic wear off, and then evaluate the pain level. In my case, over-the-counter relief was sufficient.
I found that during the first few critical days it was important to have lined up help. Friends had arranged meal deliveries every night for the first week, a lifesaver given my inability to get out of bed without crutches. Having a husband who works at home and kids old enough to be somewhat self-sufficient certainly didn’t hurt. The relatively manageable level of pain continued to surprise me, though knowing how fragile my foot was, I was petrified that someone would bump it or that I’d accidentally step on it. One wrong move could send the pain meter off the charts and me back to the operating room!
My biggest concern was sleeping, when things beyond my control could come into play–the dog could jump on the bed and onto my foot, I could get up in the middle of the night and forget I had just had foot surgery (thankfully, that never happened), or I could make involuntary movements while sleeping that might jostle my foot. I wore the soft boot the podiatrist gave me for moderate protection, and had to sleep on my back for several weeks with my foot elevated and outside the heavy covers. It didn’t make for a great night’s sleep, but it worked well enough.
Getting back into a routine
After four weeks, I returned to work, mainly sitting at a computer. I’m fortunate to have great health benefits, so I was able to maximize disability leave. I arranged parking inside my building during the first two weeks of my return, and, with swelling still an issue, I brought a pillow to prop up my foot. I also had my podiatrist provide me with a medical certificate so I could apply for a disabled parking placard from the State of California.
The walking boot I started using five days postsurgery was unattractive and clunky, but did the job and sure beat crutches. Because it didn’t go far past my ankle, it allowed me to walk with a somewhat normal gait. Wearing a flat but elevated shoe on the other foot helped keep my hips aligned and minimized the limp. I found that Dansko clogs were almost the perfect height (1.5-in heel) to match the boot’s elevation.
Once out of the walking boot, a little less than six weeks after surgery, it was time to venture into real footwear. (Even today, more than six months postsurgery, shoe selection is a bit of trial and error and one of the more unexpected frustrations of my recovery.) The podiatrist suggested soft tennis shoes as a first step, but I found the laces were too constricting, and I couldn’t fit the sneaker onto my foot. The best postsurgery shoes, for me, were shearling Ugg boots. Assuming the boot is not too snug to begin with, there’s generally enough room to accommodate some swelling. The soft, flexible material and internal padding were so comfortable I almost forgot I had just had foot surgery.
Figure 2. Examples of shoes the author still was unable to wear five months after surgery because they cut across the incision area.
By two months, I still hadn’t started working out even though my podiatrist said I could begin exercising after four weeks. Exercise means different things to different people, so when doctors have that discussion with patients, it’s wise to be specific about the types of exercise the patient enjoys and what their goals and expectations are.
My particular routine involves aerobic classes, yoga, and dance. All of these require a high degree of toe flexibility, and are thus harder to resume than activities with little to no strain on the toe, such as swimming or riding a bike. I waited three months after the surgery to resume working out, and even then, began at a modified level and pace. It took a good four months to ramp up to my preferred routine. Five months after surgery, I’m enjoying these activities with a lot less pain than I had presurgery; however, I’m not yet pain-free, and I continue to notice the difference in flexibility between my two feet.
Bumps in the road
By the two-month mark, the danger of complications related to the bone healing had passed, and up to that point, my recovery was pretty much textbook.
Figure 3. The author’s active lifestyle requires a high degree of toe flexibility.
Swelling and moderate pain continued to be issues, however, something I hadn’t expected at this stage of the game. I knew the recovery would be difficult, but I didn’t realize how prolonged it would be. Everything I had focused on up to this point was about healing the bone and keeping it safe. The milestones my doctor outlined so clearly were easy to define, and I understood exactly what I needed to do.
After the eight-week mark, though, as I was transitioning into normal activity levels, I realized my recovery would depend as much on me as it would on my doctor. The podiatrist had guided me successfully through the precarious first few weeks of healing, and while follow-up visits were still on the calendar, the homestretch to recovery–including the ability to do my normal workouts and wear halfway attractive shoes–would involve more time, effort, and some unexpected bumps in the road.
One day at work, two months after surgery, I noticed my foot had become unusually swollen and was turning a disturbing shade of purple. My calf started to throb unbearably with what could only be described as a warm sensation. I had developed a blood clot, and if a coworker hadn’t suggested the possibility, it never would have occurred to me. Sufficiently alarmed by my colleague’s observation, I did some amateur research and discovered that I had almost every symptom and risk factor one could have for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Blood clots: Rare but risky
Surgery is a general risk factor for DVT, but the condition is not common after a bunionectomy. Statistics about the risk of clotting after this procedure are hard to come by, and according to my hematologist, bunionectomy is not the type of high-risk procedure that typically causes clotting.
Figure 4. Physical therapy helped significantly improve forefoot range of motion in the operated foot.
Nevertheless, my surgical history combined with the facts that I was taking oral contraceptives, had been on a recent flight, and had been relatively immobile for so long after the surgery, seemed to have created a perfect storm. It’s unlikely the surgery caused the blood clot, but I’m convinced it played a role.
Doctors performing bunionectomies might do well to warn patients, especially women on birth control, about the possibility of DVT, despite the low risk. I might have opted not to fly when I did. I might have been more conscious of staying mobile, elevating my foot more frequently, and staying better hydrated to minimize the risk of DVT. I certainly would have stopped taking oral contraceptives, the most significant risk factor.
Recovery after healing
Five months after surgery, I’m on track to what I hope and expect will be a full recovery. Even though my foot has technically been healed for months, it’s not 100% recovered. I still experience minor swelling around the incision, and that keeps me from wearing about a third of my shoes–the ones that have the least flexibility and that cut across the surgical site. “Thickness or puffiness” is how my podiatrist describes this swelling, and I usually notice it at the end of the day, especially with tighter-fitting shoes. He explained that the bunionectomy procedure itself results in trauma to the toe joint capsule and surrounding soft tissue. Compared with bones, soft tissue is slow to remodel, which is why full recovery extends beyond the initial healing.
Figure 5. The additional forefoot flexibility has helped the author get back to favorite activities like yoga.
Toe joint mobility wasn’t something my podiatrist and I discussed in great detail during those early appointments, but it is a helpful conversation to have, if not early on, at least after the first critical six to eight weeks have passed. In my last and final appointment with my podiatrist, he explained that by six months, the flexibility in my toe should be “good to very good,” and that by a year, things should finally “look and feel normal.”
In my case, a month of physical therapy to mobilize the joint capsule has helped me regain some of that lost flexibility. My podiatrist did not initially discuss therapy as part of the longer-term recovery strategy, but I requested the referral because I was afraid that, without it, my foot would forever be stiff and inflexible, an unwelcome scenario given my level of activity.
My podiatrist and I were impressed with the results. After four visits, supported by a handful of home exercises to force greater joint mobility and break up scar tissue, I’ve achieved measurable improvement. From the first therapy session to the last, the flexion of my toe increased from 10° to 30°, and the extension from 52° to 70°.
Would it be enough for a ballerina on pointe shoes? Probably not, but for me, it’s what I need to finally kick up my heels and do the things I’m used to doing.
Karen Bakar is a freelance writer in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Thank you for sharing. This does help me since I had my bunion done 5 days today. I thought the pain would be less as time goes on but I had a lot of discomfort today. It feels like it’s from where the screw is. I’m wearing a boot and have crutches. I don’t use the crutches much just one to balance for shot distance. I got a knee scooter and it’s been a huge help. I was able to go one block away and sit at a park bench to get fresh air. If don’t have one get one.
My challenge is not being able to drive and trying to find people to take me to appointments. I will be checking out the Safeway meal delivery services and Uber to get around.
I also read up on pain meds and constipation issues. I read water, oak meal, honey, olive oil and prune juice are some things that help. I haven’t had issues at this point.
Hi all. Had my surgery 5 weeks ago. I’m in ballet since age of 4 and I’m 40 now. Recovery is going great, I’m already able (very carefully) to be on the tips of my toes…My biggest fear is real – my bunion is somewhat still there. I’m sure that every one of you can understand how big disappointment this is for me. I’m heartbroken. Every! time my podiatrist explains to me that’s normal and that tissue will restructure but it needs much more time. Each time which is all the time, I look at my foot and cry, but then I look at my first x-ray taken day after surgery where I can see my bones/joint perfectly aligned and straight (I have a pin which I wouldn’t know it’s there if not a X-ray to remind me). I don’t understand, I’m confused and in disbelief in Dr’s promise because of what I see. Does anyone had similar experience? Could anyone share please. Thank you.
It has been interesting reading all of your experiences. I had my severe bunion and hammertoe surgery on October 2. No pain meds because I can’t tolerate them. Ibuprophen worked well for a few days but I was not allowed to take it for over 1 week because it interferes with bone healing. One thing none of you mentioned. My Doctor prescribed Gabapenten for nerve pain. I used it for a month at night only and it really helped with the nerve pain and my sleep. I am a very active 74 year old and am anxious to get moving again. I will push for PT. Still walking on my heel boot and will use your advice when I graduate to a real shoe. Now off to the gym to do the arm bike☹️
Hello survivors! Everyone’s input is so helpful. It’s 11/15/19. Had bunionectomy/hammer toe repair 10/1. Been in a non-weight bearing cast and in a transport chair. Hippyhoppy from transport chair to toilet and back–the worst! Dignity-gone! Have nearly forgotten what 5’6″ is like. Hard hard time. Tears and pain, but got to ibuprofen only in 3 weeks. The magic words I want to hear at the docs tomorrow after cast off and xray are “Time for a boot walker.” Yes pleeze! So future readers–follow directions, do everything carefully, have friends/family/church fix meals for you, or Safeway delivery. HEAL! Rest! Foot up a lot! Elevate! Be patient. Be the turtle not the hare. I’m in the past, but you are in my future prayers. You’ll get through this!
I’ve had a bunionectomy and hammer toe repair (right foot) three weeks ago. Looking at all the postings and seeing all related YouTube videos made it all so clear that everybody’s experience is different and also all surgeons have different ideas and techniques. I marvel when I read that some of you are/were able to walk days or just a couple of weeks after surgery. As for me, I was told « no weight bearing at all ». Although the surgeon recommended fusion of my big toe, I didn’t go for that since I heard that that would render my foot stiff and unable to wear anything other than perfectly flat shoes. My doctor put a temporary pin through the second toe (formerly hammer toe) but no permanent hardware anywhere. At 2 weeks I had the stitches removed and that was quite painful, as it happened and some 24-36 hours after. In fact, the pain was quite severe. I was told that if I thought I could walk on my heel, I could, but I can’t. For the first two weeks I wore an Aircast, a rigid boot. Now I am in a rigid sole neoprene sandal. It says Procare on it. I keep it on most of the time. Underneath, I have an ace bandage and under that, layers of gauze bandage covering steri strips. I am in bed the majority of time, with my foot up. I sleep like that too. Quite uncomfortable. Since the surgery, I haven’t been able to sleep more than a few hours a night. Also, showering is a huge problem because the foot has to be isolated, covered and secured in a plastic bag and my foot outside of the tub. I sit on a bench in the tub while showering. I was told that I will only be allowed to get my foot wet 3 days after they take the pin out and that will be 6 weeks after surgery. I cannot wait.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR ME is the mobility aspect. I was given both crutches and a walker and told and shown how to hop. But hopping is very tiring. The walker was marginally better for me because I felt more secure. I hopped to and from the bathroom for 8 days and I was losing my mind. I ordered a knee scooter but it was impracticable since you need more space to turn and so, I had to return it. The best solution that I hit upon is to use a ROLLING 360 degrees OFFICE CHAIR. This works quite nicely. I wonder why nobody mentions this. It is simple and effective and I already had the chair. Still, it would be nice to walk. And I definitely will ask the doctor to give me a prescription for physical therapy. Good luck to everyone!
So great to read from someone who’s all the way past this. My bunion was severe. Pics make most people gasp. Hammertoe too. Shortened two toes next to big toe and released the tendon on 4th toe. Orthopedic surgeon performed all on 10/7/19. Non weight-bearing for 8 weeks. Start PT tomorrow. I can tell it’s going to be a really long road. I was prepared but it’s still incredibly hard. Knee scooter is both a God send and a curse. Pneumatic tires definitely the way to go and by all means the memory foam cover. The swelling is pretty unbelievable late in the day. A compression sock helps a bit. Doc did a fusion at the upper joint and a partial fusion closer to the toe. Hoping to get back the flexibility shown in your pic one day. Thanks again for sharing your story.
I’m going in this Thursday for my bunion hammer toe combo. Merry Christmas to me! I’m a bit nervous but I’m so over the pain of these toes not to mention the corns. I agree I’ve heard both how horrible and how great the removal was. That’s why I’m nervous. I love to walk on my treadmill and that’s going to be a hard activity to give up all those weeks. I plan to sleep in the extra bedroom so I’m not getting kicked or bumped by my husband or dog. He’s had two knee surgeries so luckily we have a shower chair and walker. Dr is talking scooter but the office chairs a great idea. And he’s giving me a local I’d rather be asleep than awake especially if it ends up being my only decent sleep. Wish me luck it’s all in Gods hands.
Hi, I just had chevron bunion surgery yesterday morning. Rough night and not much sleep. Needed to reach for the pain meds I didn’t think I’d even need.
Got a big rocker boot on my left foot now and go for post op recheck with my Dr. Tomorrow morning.
I’m 64 and had this bunion issue for more than a decade. All the Birkenstock’s and Dansko shoes ? in the world could no longer keep my on feet for more than a few hours anymore. I’m a big chicken on all things medical and surgical – but found the procedure itself was quick and done within 2 hours.
It’s the post op / recovery I’ve been reading about that scares me .
What are my chances for recovery in <90 days given my age and what type of PT am I going to need to correct my gait now.
Thanks so much for posting this, even though it was six years ago. My bunion/hammer toe surgery is scheduled for two weeks from now, just on one foot. The second foot won’t be until after complete healing of the first foot. My husband is in for a lot of work.
Helps reading everyone’s experience with post-surgery healing, I was worried I was being a wimp and needed to toughen up. I had surgery 18 days ago, returned to an active job 12 days after surgery where I’m on my feet a lot and don’t have a chance to elevate/ice. It is made somewhat easier with a knee scooter and a Cam boot.
The problem I’m having is my big toe, since surgery points up. The doctor told me to exercise it by gently move it up and down. Doing that didn’t stop it from pointing up. At my last visit he taped it in such a way it is forced to stay down, stretching the tendons. This is now causing my other toes to flair and causing more pain than I had before he did the taping. The first night after he did that was the first time since surgery that I woke up in the middle of the night needing ice and ibuprofen. Has anyone else had this problem and how was it corrected? My doctor says he doesn’t believe that he cut the muscle or tendon when he did the surgery but if the taping down doesn’t help, I’ll be heading for an MRI.
Had bunion and hammertoe surgery 8 weeks ago on right foot and just bunion surgery on left foot it is perfect but the right foot looks like a peace sign surgeon it is over corrected now what it didn’t heal like the left foot so diappointed.
Simona, I can relate to everything you said about mobility, stay in bed etc. I was so crazy,I figured I would be ruled unfit for future surgery. I could have written exact same words as you and can’t believe i had my other foot done too this year. The awful dread of not wanting to eat or drink so you don’t have to “hop”. I’m surprised, I didn’t break toilet. Lol! Thank you for sharing and don’t even try to tell someone who hasn’t done this as they think its cosmetic/elective. Knee scooters are painful torture devices too!! I really wanted a walker…
I would not have done another hammer toe and I didn’t have pin. Just no weight for 6 weeks. Your a warrior!!
I thought that non weight bearing was for the first few days while extremely painful. I thought as the pain subsided I could move around on it lightly. Come to my first post op appt and find out no weight except for the heal. But I want to avoid blood clots so I get up and walk around in the rocking boot. And the only way I feel too much pressure on it is if I stand up for too long without crutches. So is it bad to use the boot for non weight bearing walking resting when needed and just use the crutches to lean on? That works best for me with mobility. Esp since the crutches are 5.2 smallest and I’m 5 feet tall only.
You can shower safely and keep you surgical area PERFECTLY DRY …buy a CAST AND WOUND PROTECTOR at Walgreens, Amazon or any pharmacy. Great product!
I had bunion surgery Nov. 21,2019. My stitches were removed Nov. 26th. My stitches removed Dec. 3rd. I walked out of the office with just the wrap on my foot and a wide tennis shoe. Aw but this is real life. I am blessed no pain at bunion bone. I do experience pain in my big toe on and off throughout the day. I wear ugg slippers, Tory Burch slides, vionic thongs or Nike one size bigger than I actually am and also wide tennis shoes. Dec. 19th will be a month since my surgery. I now realize be careful wearing same shoe all the time or as the swelling goes down you will end up with permanent impression on your foot. I recommend mix it up every day and throughout the day. My big toe still swollen and top of foot. Pain is on and off and swelling is slow mo. Be patient is a must!!!! All in all I know I’m so blessed haven’t wore the boot since stitches removed. Little to no pain after two weeks. Definitely stretch your feet, toes up down round and round on your own. You don’t need PT to realize that’s just common sense. I absolutely get I’m in this for the long haul. Very very few shoes am I able to wear. Be prepared to spend some money to accommodate your new foot you’ve gotten after surgery!!!
Opps sorry Nov. 26th Doctor took off wrapping cleaned and rewrapped foot. Dec. 3rd stitches removed!
Hello all,
I just had both my feet operated on a week ago. Bunions and bunionettes. The pain was insane the second day after much of the anaesthetic wore off. I didn’t even try pain relief after having had both my boys by cesarean. I was so afraid they’d make me groggy and disoriented but this time, I took my friend, whose a nurses advice and don’t be a hero about it. Take them before the pain hits you. They were prescribed by the doctor and I was allowed to have them every two hours. Instead I have taken them every 4 hours. To be honest I am afraid of reality which is take too many and you also face constipation.
I came across this thread a day or two after the operation and can’t thank the contributors enough for their experience and tips, ESPECIALLY the tip on the OFFICE CHAIR!!! Poor hubby was carrying me to the toilet. You can lift yourself on and off easily. Sometimes you keep wondering why they don’t motorise the darn thing! To be fair hubby is doing great because he was carrying despite 45kgs, frequently because I literally need to go every 2 hours. With the office chair, we whizz around and I take my time. If it’s there, use it. If not, borrow or buy a cheap one. It’ll earn its keep. Armrests makes it hard for you to slip on and off but they’ll keep you on while being pushed around per say. I got no armrests on my chair and find is fine getting in and out of a tiny toilet.
We had most things sorted. Leave so that hubby could help kids, food and general house duties. I honestly would say to people before you decide to do surgery to be prepared for the frustrations of trying to do the basics for you and your personal situation. I know I’m lucky to have help but I have both feet wrapped in bandages and super tight sandals. So plan to be off your feet literally for 2-3 weeks as worse case scenario. Everyone is different and take the advice of being patient with the healing/recovery process. It’s hard that’s for sure. For a person whose always on their feet, I’m trying not to put the pressure on myself to walk yet. It’s been almost a week. I don’t care. I’m just feet up, on the couch or in bed. Surprisingly I find when my feet aches too much putting them down just to touch the ground helps for about five minutes. It’s only been a week and I’m sure next week the pain is less. Hope so.
Yes showering was never trickier. So what’s worked for me is plastic bags taped with electrical tape. Honestly looks and your sense of pride is out the window. I sit literally on the shower floor, legs out and hand held hose. I cover my feet with a towel for extra protection but you’ll find sitting with your legs straight out of the shower with the door open and shower hose aimed the opposite direction stops water running down and yes into possibly the bags with your feet in them. You’ll just need help down and off the shower floor. This isn’t going to help if you won’t get help.
Now one last tip with clothes. Get yourself extremely loose tracksuit pants that open wide at the ankles. At night I found getting up to sit up got cold. I have been getting decent sleep but honestly every now and then it’s aches at night and I do my touch the floor thing to ease the agony and it just got cold. We found old pjs snipped them at the ankles just to keep my legs warm now. So try find wide open track pants that can come on and off the bricks they put on you.
I just thought I’d contribute to this thread because it’s actually been the most helpful to me going through the bunion sergers on both feet. Good luck everyone. Another 4-6 months left of recovery left for me.
I had a Youngswick Bunionectomy on my left foot. Bunion shaved off with two screws to straighten my toe. The procedure took an hour and went very well.
The block wore off that night and it was extremely painful. I wasn’t expecting that much pain. The pain was so intense I was almost vomiting. The next day was better and had less pain each day. No pain meds after two days.
I’m 4 days post op now. Using crutches however this is painful in the armpit area, looking for a knee scooter which I have heard will be my best friend.
Post op appointment in three days, hoping to get a walking boot.
Thank you for all the helpful information.
Every experience is so different! I had an Austin with an Akin bunionectomy mid October on my right foot, I was walking in a boot day 2. The pain was pretty intense day 1-3, but after that, I was good to go walking through grocery stores and running errands again. I still had the classic burning pain at the end of the day, but it was tolerable. I had difficulty with my surgical wound closing fully and took 6 weeks for the wound to completely close. I figured it was because I was doing range of motion exercises day 14 as instructed, and it opened the incision…well 6 weeks later I opted to hurry and do the other foot…the same procedure was performed, same surgeon, same facility. I just wanted to spend as little time in recovery as possible, and hoped to overlap that recovery. I am a very active person, I run 5 days a week, a minimum of 6 miles…so I wanted to get out of pain and back to normal as quickly as possible. This recovery has been a living nightmare! Completely different experience. I had no pain at all for 3 days, but woke up in the middle of the night day 3 in excruciating pain…something was definitely wrong. I took the post surgical sock off to look at my toes, and my second toe was purple, and so was the great toe from what I could see. I took the Coban off to release some of the pressure and the 2nd toe regained color. I have no idea how long that toe had lost circulation, but to this day, the movement is limited and the skin hard. I called the doc, and met with him that day. He said the second toe looks good but the surgical toe was having difficult blanching, so we need to promote blood flow down there…no more elevating, or icing, and try to walk on it, Oh, the kicker was I was supposed to stop pain meds too. I cried for 24 hours straight. It was excruciatingly painful to feel your foot and leg swell up 3 sizes in one day. After 3 days, the circulation seemed to be sufficient and I was allowed to ice for no more than 20 min and place my leg in slightly elevated positions. I thought the worst was over until my 2 week appointment, when the bandages were removed and I had blisters (blood and serous) all along the surgical site. One was black and had green thick pus that came out of it. My surgeon put antibiotic ointment on it, rewrapped it and sent me home with an appointment for 1 week later. I called him back later that day, asked for an antibiotic at least to prevent infection just in case. He agreed, and I made an appointment with another podiatrist for a second opinion that next morning. Thankfully the second opinion doc also works at a wound care unit at the local hospital, and looked at my foot, told me the steri-strips were placed with too much tension and was causing blisters, but I was also having a severe reaction the the adhesive and my skin was just blistering everywhere adhesive touched. Long story short, after 2-3 appointments, all the skin along the incision and all the way to the top of the big toe (including my toenail) had to be removed. It didn’t take much to remove the skin, it peeled up like silicone in most places because the blister had already separated the dermis from the epidermis. It looked like a horror movie down there. I’m sitting at 5 weeks now, still in a walking boot, just barely starting range of motion, and super discouraged. I was supposed to be in a tennis shoe after 2 weeks, but my wound still isn’t closed and my skin is still fragile after being removed. I was not prepared for this kind of recovery. At least it’s done though, I don’t have to anticipate another surgery in the future. So there’s that. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees…it could be a breeze, like my first foot, or a nightmare, like my second foot, but as long as I get the keep the toes, and eventually get back to pre-op status, for me, it will be worth it.
Hi all bunioneers! I had a bunioectomy/hammer toe fusion on my right foot two-and-a-bit years ago, and it was textbook surgery and recovery. I had temporary pins in the great toe and second toe; I also had a very painful neuroma so had that nerve removed, which has caused semi-numbness in second and third toes, but I’ve gotten used to it. With massage, scar break-up and physio, my great toe responded well and I’m happy with the results. Now – I had the same surgery (minus neuroma – didn’t have one) on my left foot October 21, 2019. The doc opted to insert permanent screws in my lower great toe (for greater stability as the angle there had been more than in my right foot) and I had a pin in the second toe as well. Followed doc’s post-surgery protocol – rest, ice, elevate, aircast, crutches, TINY bit of weight on heel. After eight or nine days, I felt pretty good so didn’t rest as much and started doing some housework (I know, I KNOW) but still using crutches. My foot started feeling different – cramping, nerve pain, a pulling sensation across the bridge of my foot, and at my two-week appt to remove sutures, I requested an X-ray. Good thing – the second joint of the great toe had slipped, causing the toe to lean outwards. Jury is out on whether I caused that by activity, or whether there was a weakness there already. Anyway, back to surgery Nov. 15th to release a tendon and insert a temporary pin straight down the middle of the toe. My mother says I’ve always had to learn the hard way, but at least I learn haha, so this time, I’ve been as good as gold, albeit very bored and frustrated. I swear I’ve grown roots in the couch :). Christmas was very different this year – no decorating, no baking, no hosting our annual party, etc. – and I had my pin removed Dec. 30th. X-ray shows that all is well (whew!) and I have just abandoned my sticks after 70 days on them, walking in my aircast outside and Darco surgical shoe indoors. I’m to start manipulating the great toe, which feels like a slab of wood right now – I have normal sensation on the back of the great toe and the ball of the foot, but no feeling on the front, especially around the cuticle (anyone else find that?). I expect it to improve once swelling goes down more. And speaking of swelling, I’ve been walking without crutches for three days now and my left foot and calf muscles are swelling quite a bit (still icing and elevating). I’m somewhat unsteady when I walk (espy in the aircast), my left leg feels weak due to the muscle atrophy, and my hips also feel stressed (but I have reycled hips). I just retired as a fitness instructor/exercise therapist so know how and when to exercise what; I’ve been doing leg-strengthening exercises and upper body work for about three weeks now and have the go-ahead to use my stationary bike – yippee! This left-foot experience has been an eye-opener for me; I’m two years older than last time, my feet are not identical, and our physical needs and requirements do change as we age (my body is 63 but my mind is 13 lol). So even as I’ve been forced to slow down, abide by the rules and allow others to care for me (ugh!), I realize that this recovery may take longer and I have to be more patient (Ha! Me?). After all, I have places to go, people (and my horses) to see and adventures to plan. I hope this manuscript can help somebody out there in Bunion-land – Happy 2020!
Tomorrow I will be 2 weeks post op from my bunion surgery. It was my right foot
I prepped meals in advance and put in freezer . I also picked out several books to read while I am down. I have had a rough time of it. Right after surgery I had a reaction to the anesthesia so I had to stay overnight. When I got home I had a reaction to the pain meds. So I have not taken anything for pain since day 2 and it was awful. Im in a cast almost up to my knee which makes it hard to get around. I’m almost pain free now but still have 13 more days till it comes off. The meals and books have came in very handy since my husband had to return to work. I don’t for a minute regret having it done but I will be glad to be mobile again. I kind of knew what yo expect because I had my left foot done several years ago .
I am recovering from my second round of bunion and hammertoe surgery. On the first foot, the corrected hammertoe (2nd toe) is flipped up and over my big toe. In order to avoid this happening on my right foot, my surgeon “released the soleous muscle.” I have two more weeks of strict non weight bearing, hopefully, and I’m finding that my foot is more swollen this time around. I use crutches in the bedroom for getting to and from the washroom, a knee scooter in public areas, and an iWalk 2.0 around the house which allows me full use of my hands. The recovery does take a long time and I couldn’t do it without help from my youthful, retired husband. I have taken 11 weeks off from my elementary school teaching job.
Fifth day post surgery.
5 months and you are still in old lady shoes. A year until your golden. Blood clots. Exercise sooner than later. Physical therapy. I had no idea. Good to know. Love the rolling chair idea. Wish I would’ve thought of it.
I have fews tips.
One
Get the patch. I always get sick by nightfall after surgery.. This anesthesiologist gave me a patch behind the ear, with the nausea medicine. Worked like a charm
Two
Don’t wait six hours until you take your 2nd pain pill. My foot felt like it was in a vise. Turns out you can take those every four. By the second or third day you can alternating between Tylenol and Advil so you don’t sleep the entire time you’re off from work.
What I don’t understand is why the shoe was good for the first five days and now I need to spend $369 on a very restrictive boot. I am now experiencing pain in my hip after wearing it a few hours. They do make clip on platforms for your other shoe to counteract the gimp the boot however doctors never offer these
I wonder if the boot is really necessary. The shoe is protecting my toe. I’m not able to bend my foot. I certainly don’t have a hurt ankle. Please tell me the boot manufacturers aren’t pushing these.
Has anyone opted for the shoe over the boot?
Fifth day post surgery.
5 months and you are still in old lady shoes. A year until your golden. Blood clots. Exercise sooner than later. Physical therapy. I had no idea. Good to know. Love the rolling chair idea. Wish I would’ve thought of it.
I have fews tips.
One
Get the patch. I always get sick by nightfall after surgery.. This anesthesiologist gave me a patch behind the ear, with the nausea medicine. Worked like a charm
Two
Don’t wait six hours until you take your 2nd pain pill. My foot felt like it was in a vise. Turns out you can take those every four. By the second or third day you can alternating between Tylenol and Advil so you don’t sleep the entire time you’re off from work.
What I don’t understand is why the shoe was good for the first five days and now I need to spend $369 on a very restrictive boot. I am now experiencing pain in my hip after wearing it a few hours. They do make clip on platforms for your other shoe to counteract the gimp from the boot however doctors never offer these?
I wonder if the boot is really necessary. The shoe is protecting my toe. I’m not able to bend my foot. I certainly don’t have a hurt ankle. Please tell me the boot manufacturers aren’t pushing these.
Has anyone opted for the shoe over the boot?
I appreciate the information contained in these posts. I am not quite two weeks post-surgery from bunion and a hammertoe. I may not be able to perceive the source of pain correctly, but it feels like the pain from the hammertoe correction is worse than at the site of the bunion. Together they are making for unpleasantness, but the pain is certainly not unbearable. I am still taking a pain pill at night, but mostly managing with some Tylenol during the day. My cast was changed for a boot at my one-week appointment. It seems more uncomfortable to me than the cast was, and while I am using a knee scooter to get back and forth to the bathroom, the boot has made that more uncomfortable than with the cast.
Stitches will come out next week, and while I am trying not to dread that, I fear it will be painful. Last week, I only had x-rays and some gentle exam of the foot, but the pain increased significantly for a day or so. I have a huge glob of blood on the stitches on the hammertoe and it has a pin in it, so I don’t even want to think about what will transpire when those stitches come out. The other unnerving piece of instruction last week was that I need to be sure the hammertoe continues to be “turned the right way!” I was nauseous at the thought of having to manipulate it into place. The implication was that I could do it myself if I noticed that it was turning to one side or another. Thank God. That has not happened, and I am hoping with every day that possibility is less and less likely. I am totally protecting it.
I have to be non-weight bearing for six weeks, then my understanding is I will need the boot but be able to start putting weight on it at six weeks. Mine was a severe bunion, one that I suppose I should have done long ago.
I would be interested to hear progress from those of you who are a couple of weeks ahead of me. Best regards to all.
You made a great point about the healing of the bone and how you will have to arrange for meal deliveries and other things to make sure you stay off of the foot. My husband has some problems with his toes being bent in weird ways and he needs to get it straightened. We will keep these tips in mind as we search for a professional that can help us out best.
Thank you sharing your experience. I read your blog post a few weeks before my bunion surgery. I’ve had a few bumps in the road to recovery. I had an infection, a small blister on the top of my foot, at my first follow up appointment that ended up being 3 inches long when it finally cleared up after a round of antibiotics. The antibiotics were very strong and I became dehydrated. Then last Wednesday, I was looking forward to my six week x-rays and ready to start weightbearing with crutches. I felt fine during dinner that evening, but when I stood up it felt like I had pulled my calf muscle in my “good” leg. It hurt to bear weight on it. I went to bed, but woke in the middle of the night, because I couldn’t get comfortable. Then I remembered your blog and that your blood clot was eight weeks post-op, like a pulled calf muscle. I laid in bed and waited for my husband to wake up. I still wasn’t convinced it was a blood clot. This was the leg that had been pushing me around on my knee scooter for weeks. I contacted my surgeon and had ultrasound. They discovered a blood clot. Your story is why I caught it just before it entered my deep vein. I’m not sure I would have thought of it had I not read your blog post. Thank you!
I just had my bunion surgery 1 week ago. The hard cast is the most annoying part of this process. The swelling under the cast feels so tight. I know I have another 10 days until this cast comes off. Otherwise, not to much pain.
I had bunion surgery four weeks ago and I have to say by the way my doctor talked I really expected recovery to be so quick! I had stitches in for three weeks!! It was very painful having them removed! My foot throbbed the rest of the day! I used a knee scooter and an electric wheelchair type scooter for the first four weeks. At four weeks I could cut the bandages off, take off the walking boot, take a shower, although not soak the foot for a few more days. I was also told I could start to wear a wide pair of shoes. I have one pair that fits on the foot, just barely, and after just a short time later it is very uncomfortable and starts to swell, so while at home I only wear socks. I was told I have to wear a toe spacer and sock for at least another month! The toe spacer is uncomfortable too! I’m going to request physical therapy as I’m reading more and more how important it is for full mobility and healing!
I had bunion surgery in November. I was in a cast for 2 weeks, no weight bearing. So I slept on my back with my foot out of the covers. After that I went to an aircast, another 6 weeks of no weight bearing. I found I got around most of the time in a wheelchair. It was the easiest when I was by myself. After 8 weeks I was able to start putting weight on the heel but still wore the cast for another 4 weeks. At this point the surgeon said I was healed but expect swelling for the next 3-6 months. I am getting the other foot done in November along with 3 hammer toe corrections.
Still not sure about wearing the boot at night for the first 2weeks help
Good to read all of your experiences with the surgery. I am contemplating bunion and hammertoe surgery but terrified of the pain and being immobile for so long. My bunion does not hurt but my hammertoe is so painful and has been infected 3 times. I’ve found one pair of sock like shoes but even at the end of the day, it stings from anything touching it. My doctor said in order for the hammertoe surgery to be successful and really need to have the bunion taken care of or it will just push the second toe over again. I’m getting to the point with my hammertoe that it’s really my only option to have both bunion and hammertoe done. Wishing you all a speedy recovery!
That s good to know that you could be back on your feet as early as a week after surgery. You wouldn t want to atrophy too much. I m developing a bunion and I think I might have to get surgery. The mission of Arkansas Surgical Hospital is to enhance the quality of life for our patients, physicians, employees and community through safe, high-quality, high-value care.
The miniBunion procedure can offer patients a walking recovery and a rapid return to real life.
i am 11months after surgery and not 100%. bunionectomy & hammer toe repair with pin. Another toe developed a neueroma due to
redistribution of weight for many years but did not do anything for that. Should have had surgery 10 years ago,waited way too long. It is never a good time to have this done. Definitely follow the rules.
I am having pain at joint of big toe and at the tip of my toe. Also sometimes I get a stinging tingling sensation traveling up toes to tip. I want to workout like used to but wary, frustrating.
the surgery was as expected. I had a pin in 1 toe so walking after surgery was not allowed for pretty much 8 weeks, since pin was sticking out. At 4weeks I could do crutch to bathroom with Aircast ALWAYS on. 8 weeks pin came out then free with aircast boot to walk. I was in boot for a long time I came home in the aircast and wore it for 4months. NOT easy but worth the fix.
JC
Thanks for your article. I am 9 weeks post OP and my dr just let me get out of the boot and into a shoe. This was very exciting as I was told I would be wearing the boot for 3 months. I healed really well and had no pain until now. I find that now that I am walking in shoes that my gait is all off and my foot actually hurts on top and where it meets my leg. This was totally unexpected. As a result my right hip and leg hurt from walking. Did anyone else have this problem.?
I had lapidus surgery on my right foot in September, 2019 and on my right foot in January, 2020.
I did have several falls from my knee scooter during recovery and worried about that, but my doctor
said the x-rays looked fine. I is now the end of July 2020 and I am disappointed that I still have some
stiffness, hypersensitivity along the scars, and light pain in both feet. On my left foot, my big toe points
inward and just slightly rides under the next toe; that does not seem right at all. Now the toenail from the
big toe is cutting into the next toe. I went through physical therapy and faithfully did all the the exercises
for about 3 months. I can go about normal activities, but am still not up to the hiking I love to do. Anyway,
be aware that this can be a very, long, drawn-out process and I worry that my feet will ever feel “normal” again.
I’m glad you explained that it’s helpful to enlist friends for things like meal delivery and helping with our kids for the first few days. I think I may need to get surgery soon because the bunion on my right foot has become painful enough that it’s interfering with my work and family responsibilities. Thanks for sharing these tips I can use to prepare for the surgery and recovery processes effectively!
Thank you for your post . Had my first surgery on my left foot on 2/12/20 and it went very well . This first couple weeks are the hardest but recovery is everything following the rules and taking it easy. Have help around is a must . I have invested in a knee scooter from the beginning and couldn’t spend a better $70 on anything else it’s been literally a life saver. I just underwent my second surgery about a week ago and this was the most painful and I felt my body didn’t like two surgeries in one year . I was on pain medication for three days but got off it to over the counter and icing it. Dressing this time is messy and itchy but I am hanging . Also not liking the boot much but not bearing any weight on it . I wear my boot when I go to the bathroom on my scooter just to keep my foot safe. One more week to remove the dressing and after that 4 more weeks in a soft short boots. I can’t wait. If you have a bunion do your research, talk to other people who have done it, talk to your dr. Stop wearing uncomfortable pretty shoes. Remember everyone heals differently but it’s very important to follow your dr direction after the surgery. Be brave you can’t do it
Mobility was really important for me too as I live alone. I was lucky enough to have surgery that allowed me to be able to walk with weight mainly on my heel a couple of hours after surgery (correcting a bunion and hammertoe). In advance I bought and practised with elbow crutches, a walker, and a knee crutch (an iWalk 2.0), all of which have been useful. I’m in a top-floor flat with no lift. The knee crutch was good for getting outside to cafes and shops once I learned to go backwards downstairs. But I was very aware uneven footpaths and roadworks mean special care is needed. I worry I perhaps walk on my foot too much, but I do like to get outside.
My mom has had a bunion for years, and now that it started causing her more discomfort I’ve been doing deep research and came to find out that there is a surgery for this. It’s interesting to know that there is a level where you are eligible for surgery, and how long it takes for the recovery. I will talk to my mom about this procedure, and if she says “yes”, we’ll start looking for a place near us where she can get it done.
Hello,
I am 47 and had a bunionectomy about 5 weeks ago. Somehow I thought: “oh, they just gonna break that toe and shave off some bone and after that is healed I will be walking in no time”, but recovery seems to take f-o-r-e-v-e-r! And I kind of am done sitting around and waiting for my foot to heal and get back to normal.
Maybe I am too inpatient, but honestly I did not expect so much hassle because of a toe and a little flesh wound. The first 2 weeks I had to sleep in the “surgical boot” which was a nightmare! It feels like you are sleeping with skie boots! The pain level was ok after surgery just the way to strong painkillers made me cry all the time and feel miserable. Once I got rid of that garbage medication I was fine without any painkillers.
I am doing “foot therapy” now = massage my toe bones to regain flexibility and massage the scar tissue to prevent the scar from causing in-mobility. My toe still feels partially numb aka tingeling and walking is still difficult. The worst: “I do not fit in any of my shoes” so I still have to wear the hilarious looking surgery sandal which I purchased as I didn’t want to walk in the boot no more (I got bruises from walking in the surgical boot). My doctor also never told me about the after-pain when your nerves try to reconnect… shooting pains that are at times worse as the pain after surgery.
Normally have to get my left foor done too but honestly for me it is NOT worth the hassle.
Will look for special shoes instead and call it good.
Thank you for your it was most informative and has given me some confidence I should eventually be able to get back to most of the high intensity foot workouts I enjoyed so much before surgery. It’s been 6 weeks now since I had bunion corrections on both feet with permanent pins. At the same time I had Open Weil surgery shortening 2nd and 3rd toe of right foot as well as calf lengthening surgery. I have only this week just had days without analgesics. Weil surgery was far more painful out of all procedures My recovery was exceptional in the first two weeks and I only used a walker for 2 days. However I broke my 2nd toe again a few days after and recovery was much worse than when when discharge. Unfortunately this backward step also affected my mental state and I became rather despondent. I owe the initial speed of my recovery to keeping my legs elevated. Sleeping 3 pillows at the end of the bed and rotating my feet in bed to keep them mobile.
I see the surgeon for 6 week post surgery appointment in couple of days. In view of the comments in this forum I will make an appointment with a physiotherapist and podiatrist to accelerate my recovery. I enjoy long walks, yoga and dancing. Unfortunately all require high impact on foot work and as I am still unable to withstand walking for any duration I was concerned if I would ever be able to resume these activities again. I am 62 years old and fortunately retired. Have put off this surgery for 40 years but could no longer bear the pain in my forefeet. All I can say it was a wise decision to put surgery off in my youth, not to have everything done on both feet and get it done before I got too old.
Hi everyone, I just finished my 6 weeks from bunion removal and plate put in and pin in hammer toe. This operation was done on left foot. In 2016 had bunion removal and 3 toes that were out of there sockets screwed back together. I had the foot bandaged a lot of the time and wore a boot, and never got foot wet for weeks. I worked this whole time on my feet so used knee walker. The point is that after 6 weeks I got started walking with no swelling or side effects. This time , different doctor, different routine and after 6 weeks foot is still swollen, and red near stitches. Dr. says just go live your life and not to worry it might take 6 or more months. I say well I curl and I have fall yard work to do. He says that’s okay just live your life, if in big pain give me a call. The big difference in routine was after 2 weeks stitches came out and I could get foot wet but not to soak. (you think maybe this soapy water running down my leg might effect it?)I still used a chair in shower so didn’t put wait on it. Also told I didn’t have to wear boot. I did however wear the boot a fair bit, my foot felt more secure doing things. So now in process of trying to get swelling down. Went out after I was told to go live my life and the foot really hurt !!!
Thank you for your post,I am having surgery soon and I am rather nervous.I really hate pain killers etc but ….even my doctor says this surgery plus my splints will be beyond painful on both feet.I appreciate everyone’s experiences and opinions.
I had a bunionectomy and hammertoe repair on Monday, November 23rd. I was in excruciating pain for two days that required me to take Dilaudid every 4 hours. I have difficulties tolerating pain medication but Dilaudid (Morphine) did the trick. On the third day, I reduced the dosage to three tablets a day for two days. On Friday, I took no pain medication. I think that if the doctor had anesthesia give me a 72 hours ankle block, I would have experienced minimal pain. The first day, I used crutches and a cane but by Thursday, I was walking independently and have been ever since. I shower standing up using a Foot & Ankle – Water Proof Foot Cast Cover for Shower by TKWC Inc – #5737 – Watertight Foot Protector from Amazon. It was $14.99. Best thing they ever invented. I wear a boot when going out. I started driving one week after the surgery. I feel no pain now. Tomorrow, I have my stitches removed and pin taken out of what was my hammertoe. I don’t baby myself. I’m up and at it quickly. One a a half years ago, I had a knee replacement surgery on the same leg. I experienced no pain and I think it was because anesthesia gave me a 72 hour nerve block of my leg. I was dining at restaurants 10 days after my knee replacement. I thought my bunionectomy and hammertoe repair was worst than my knee replacement in terms of pain. Like I said, if anesthesia had given me an angle nerve block, I believe I wouldn’t have experienced as much pain. I’m retired from the medical field. Good luck.
Thank you for your article
I had bunion surgery 1 week ago i had a bunion removed near the big toe along with a bone spur and I had another small bunion removed on the left side near the small toe and three bones reset. No weight bearing for 3 weeks the pain was unbearable for the first 3 days now it’s the swelling that is causing some much discomfort.
Suffered with pain for many years I pray the recovery isn’t 6 months !!!! Glad it’s over and I am on the mend
don’t know if I would do this ever again !!
Hello, go grateful for this thread of information. I’m day 10 after surgery and I can’t stand up without much pain. Foot is not healed enough to walk on boot yet. So I’m on crutches. First 3 days was unbearable pain even with meds. You need lots of help and I live alone so that’s a bumper. I didn’t hear anyone mention the pain when you stand up and the blood rushes to your feet. Now I’m wondering if something is wrong bc many of you seem to be out of most pain by day 10. I don’t know if I can do the other foot bc this process is traumatizing. But I can see my Bunions gone so that makes me happy. I had two bunions on one foot and tailor bunion is when you have one under pinky toe two. So may that why I’m pain is worst. I seem to be the only who had two bunions on one foot. Thank you ladies for sharing. I just want to share my truthful experience bc I don’t want anyone to think it’s a walk in the park when it’s not. But after I’m all healed with a better foot I guess it would be worth it.
My husband got a bunion removed three months ago and his recovery has been textbook. In the past few weeks however he has developed lower back pain on the same side as his bunion surgery. We have been thinking that since he’s been limping these three months and his gait is “off” maybe that is the cause of his pain. Chiro and massage and stretching doesn’t seem to helping much. Any advice for us?
I am celebrating my fourth week anniversary of bunion and hammertoe surgery (2). Immediately after surgery I walked to bathroom with the aid of walker. No pain at all. Only took ibuprofen on a regular basis 3-4 days. Foot sore following pin adjustment last week. Now, I’m trying to figure out shoes to transition following pin removals in two weeks. Ordered men’s sneakers on recommendation of podiatrist. I’m delighted that sneakers are in vogue during this time. I plan to have surgery on the other foot this summer