I had a bunion operation just over four weeks ago. My foot is still quite swollen and my big toe and of the other toes are elevated. Has this happened to anyone else and is it something that will remedy itself in time or is it something that I should be concerned about. Has anyone else had experience of this and what was the outcome?
Hi Tricie
I'll be 4 weeks post op on Friday. Both my feet are still a little swollen around wound site (I had both bunions done and 2nd and 3rd metatarsals shortened) and if I've walked too far or not had my feet elevated enough then they do swell a little but this is resolved by elevating my feet and icing them.
My advice would be whenever you are sat down keep your feet elevated, continue with icing them every couple of hours and keep them raised at night still. If it continues or you are still worried, probably best to speak to your consultant.
Mel
Hello Tricie.
Have you not been given any infiormation about wat to expect following your surgery?
I find it hard to understand that yoiu haven't.
Anyway for a start, your shoul read the following document - 'A Patient's Guide to Bunions ( Hallux Valgus) and Lesser Toe Deformities ' - on the website of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. It gives very good information and advice.
I had my bunion and lesser toe deformity operation in November 2013. The swelling you experience is absolutely normal and so is any numbness you may also get in the operated toe(s) and neighbourng toes of the same foot Uness you get total loss of senastion and/or prolonged tingling you do notneed to bworried and this will eventually reduce. However, if you get these sensations I have mentioned above and they persist you must see your GP. In the meantimeit is very important indeed that you stay off your feet as much as possibleand that you keep the foot elevated as this will aid recovery and help keep the swelling under control. As soo as your foot goes down you will get throbbing and with it the swelling. You can expect that the swelling even with the elevation and rest will take several months to go away completely. nearly 8 months after my surgery I still get a dgree of swelling if I am on my feet for too long. My consulktant warned me ( as I am sure your's has also warned you) that the recovery rom bunion surgery is very long. You will not be able to get your normal shoes on and it may beseveral months before this can be achieved. What ou must not do is try to squeeze you feet into your normal shoes before the foot is able to bend sufficiently as this will cause you problems, prolong the healing and more than likely create problems for you.
I realise it all sounds horrifying and asthough life will never be normal again. But trust me, it will all eventually become normal. I am now able to wear virtually every pair of my shoes ( they are all flats or ballet pump style). I am an active 64 year old woman who enjoys walking and gardening, so for me to have to sit around for many, many weeks wasn't easy. But, I am so glad I've done everything my consultant told me to do as my recovery has been successful.
If you're a driver, you need to uderstand that you must not try to drive your car for many weeks as you need to be able to safley perform an emergency stop. You must also notify your car insurer that you have had this surgery although this only seems to apply if you drive a manual car. An automatic car doesn't seem to warrant this stipulation.
So, Tricie, follow my advice and that of other contributes to this forum and you'l be fine.
Good Luck!
Gillian.
Thank you Melanie - I will try ice bags I have not tried these so far