Bunion and bunionettes are one of the most common issues we deal with and not just in women, in men too! If you are thinking of surgery but unsure, here is more details on the procure its self.
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The bunion operation can be performed comfortably under a Local Anaesthetic block, which is achieved by either a series of injections around the Ankle, or an injection behind your Knee.
You will be fully awake during the operation and will be able to feel touch, pressure and vibration, but you will not feel any pain. If you do not wish to consider having the operation performed whilst still awake, or your Consultant does not feel this is the best option for you, you will be offered Local Anaesthetic with sedation or General Anaesthesia. If this is the case then you may need to be referred to a different surgical team to facilitate this and your consultant will be happy to discuss with you further.
The operation takes about 30-45 minutes although you will be in the Day Surgery unit for some time before the surgery and afterwards, to allow you an opportunity to rest post operatively. You must have a competent adult at home for the first day and night after surgery. This allows us to be sure you will be safe for the first night.
See below for a timeline on the expected healing of your bunion surgery.
First 2-4 days
- This is the time you are likely to have most pain but you will be given painkillers to help. You must rest completely for 2-4 days.
- You will be able to stand and take weight carefully (using crutches) after the operation, but you must rest, with your feet up, as much as possible.
- You should restrict your walking to going to the bathroom and when getting about use your crutches in the way you will have been shown.
- You can get about a little more after 3 days.
One week after surgery
- You may need to attend for your foot to be checked and re-dressed.
- You may start to do a little more within pain limits. Pain & swelling means you are doing too much.
Two weeks after surgery
- Sutures will be removed if necessary.
- You will not need a bandage or crutches any longer and can get the foot wet.
- You will be asked to start wearing trainer type shoes.
- You may be asked to move your toe through a range of motion to maintain mobility.
- Many patients return to shoes after 2 weeks (29%), although this may take longer
Between 2-6 weeks after surgery
- The foot starts to return to normal and you can return to shoes (88% of patients by 8 weeks).
- The foot will still be quite swollen especially at the end of the day.
- You may require a review appoint at 4-6 weeks
- You may return to work but may need longer if you have an active job
- You may return to driving if you can perform an emergency stop. You must check with your insurance company before driving again.
- Whilst normal activity will be resumed, sport should be avoided.
Between 8-12 weeks after surgery
- The foot should continue to improve and begin to feel normal again.
- There will be less swelling.
- Sport can be considered after 3 months depending on your recovery.
Six months after surgery
- You will have a final review between 3- 6 months following surgery.
- The swelling should now be slight and you should be getting the full benefit of surgery.
Twelve months after surgery
- The foot has stopped improving with all healing complete.
If you’re struggling with a bunion, call us today to start your journey to a pain-free life.
Alternatively you can contact us HERE.
Our podiatrists are waiting to help you bring some normality back into your everyday way of living.
t: 0113 418 0282
e: info@footpaincentresofleeds.co.uk
w: Visit our podiatry page for more information.
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