If you don’t mind getting your feet dirty, the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania will be holding their first Tough Cookie 5K & 10K trail run on April 30th—all runners welcome. You don’t necessarily have to be a tough cookie to recover from bunion surgery, but you will have to keep your feet clean.
There are many kinds of bunion surgeries, but the majority are performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients are able to go home an hour or two after the procedure, but there is still plenty of time needed for a full recovery.
Rest will be an important factor in reducing swelling and pain from the surgery. You might be asked to limit your amount of walking or be given a special shoe or brace to keep your foot stabilized.
The dressing from the surgery should be kept clean and dry, and not changed unless advised by your doctor. The site should be covered with a plastic bag or wrap during showers or any other times it might become wet. Stitches tend to be removed about 2 weeks or so after surgery, but a dressing may still be needed or up to 12 weeks.
As the site heals, we will begin recommending putting some weight on the foot. It’s very important not to do so too soon, as it could cause the bones to shift. After some weight can be supported, physical therapy might also be recommended to recondition the foot back to full strength.
Every bunion surgery is different, so it’s crucial to follow all post-op instructions to help ensure the best for your foot. For more on surgery options and other treatments for bunions, contact us at Martin Foot & Ankle. Our offices in Hanover, Lancaster, Lititz, and York can be reached by calling (717) 757-3537.
