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Bye-Bye Bunions: Post-Surgery Healing And What To Expect

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Bunions sometimes form as a result of the shape of your foot and other times they form due to too-tight footwear. Either way, bunions are a painful and troublesome foot condition to deal with. Luckily, advances in medicine have made bunion surgery a simple process that allows for a speedy recovery. Before your bunion surgery, there are a few ways to prepare for your recovery. Read ahead for what to expect during the healing process of your bunion surgery and a few pointers in your follow-up visits. 

Set Yourself Up for Success

Recovering from your bunion surgery means you'll need to be off of your feet. In order to heal properly, you can't continue to walk around normally so being sedentary for a couple of days should be expected. Setting up a recovery station that will be easy to reach is an excellent way for you to prepare for this time. Using a side table or rolling cart, fill your recovery station with all the necessities, including any medications you might need, clean towels, and extra dressings or gauze. Have meals prepared ahead of time that are easy to heat up and keep plenty of refreshing liquids near you to stay hydrated. 

At-Home Care

Recovery from bunion surgery will require a bit of patience on your part. Luckily, the recovery process for this type of surgery is very straightforward and not complicated. Elevating and icing your foot is recommended as part of the healing process and should be done multiple times a day. Again, resting your foot and avoiding walking around will be required for a couple of days so try to make your surroundings as convenient as possible. Don't be afraid to enlist the help of friends or family to bring you groceries, check your mailbox, and walk your dogs, If you do not have anyone to help you out at home, you can use crutches or a knee scooter to safely navigate from room to room. 

A Step Ahead

Typically, you will have your first follow-up appointment with your doctor within a week of your bunion surgery. X-rays may be taken and you will be fitted with a boot to help secure your foot in place for the remainder of the healing process. When you are able to have your boot removed, be sure to wear supportive footwear that will not place any unnecessary strain or pressure on your feet. Avoiding high heels, for instance, will go far in helping you to avoid any post-surgical injuries. Along with physical therapy exercises recommended by your podiatrist, you will also be guided to continue to wear shoes that are spacious enough in the toe area to prevent cramping. 

For more information, contact a podiatrist office, such as Ankle & Foot Specialists of Puget Sound.


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