The bunion surgery recovery period can take up to 3 months for most patients. This is when the foot starts to feel normal again, however the healing process will continue for up to a year.
Anyone scheduled for bunion surgery will be eager to know how long the Bunion surgery recovery is, so they can start to plan being on their feet again and getting back to a normal life.
The Average Healing Time For Bunion Surgery Recovery
There are a wide number of procedures available for the surgical treatment of bunions, and the recovery period will depend on the nature of the operation. Some people are able to return to normal within a few days, whilst others may take months to achieve a full recovery.
Your surgeon or doctor will be able to give you a good idea of the bunion surgery recovery period for the exact surgery which they will be performing, however you can expect to be off your feet for a good 2-4 days after surgery, and moving around on crutches for at least two weeks thereafter. Some surgical procedures require the use of a plaster cast on the leg and foot, which will add six weeks to the bunion surgery recovery period, and if further casting is needed this will delay the return to normal considerably more.
Restrictions During Bunion Surgery Recovery
You can expect to be able to get your foot back into a wide shoe after 6-8 weeks. Your insurance company may place restrictions on your driving coverage which will remain during the bunion surgery recovery. So it is important to check with them as to the nature of your policy. Generally you can expect to be out of the driving seat for a couple of months, as whilst you may be in no pain, you need to be able to comfortably perform an emergency stop.
Additional Precautions During Bunion Surgery Recovery
There are some very minimal exercises which can be performed to help the muscles during bunion surgery recovery but it is recommended that you refrain from sports which cause pressure to be placed on the foot and the joints. Generally, the accepted return to sport is expected at approximately 3 months, although sports such as soccer should be avoided for longer to ensure sufficient healing has taken place.
Your doctor may recommend that during the first two weeks of the bunion surgery recovery period, that you refrain form going to work. You should make arrangements and alert your boss to the likelihood of a period of absence.
As with any surgical procedure there are risks involved and complications can arise. There will be stiffness in the joints during the bunion surgery recovery period, and it may not be possible to fully correct the problem. The shifts in weight distribution following surgery may cause pain in other areas of the foot, and there is a chance that the problem may return, especially if the external causative factors are not changed.
Bunion surgery recovery can vary from person to person so be sure to speak with your doctor to find out how long your specific recovery may last.