Post bunion surgery

on 2/13/15 I had a bunionectomy and  surgery on 2 hammer toes. I still am unable to get back into most of my shoes and wear sneakers most of the time. I am still experiencing pain on and off through the day, and swelling.. Why is this?

So you are 12 weeks post op , from what I know as I have had my right foot done it takes up to a year for swelling and pain to be gone , I am on my second surgery for left foot and am still in a cast after 6 weeks so I don't think 12 weeks is a very long time when u consider what they do in Bunion surgery

Keep massaging , elevating , wear a compression sock and walk as normally as possible , hope u heal more and are pain free in the coming months

My surgeon said it would take 6-12 months before my foot was normal without swell.  That is how long it takes for the bone to mend!  Now it is warmer weather I have bought two different types of sandal, and the 

Teva active ones are so comfortable.  I can't get into any of my normal shoes, and my op was done on 30 March.  Can move my toe forward towards me but can't the other way!  Almost walking without a limp, but need a walking stick.  Still ele ting my foot when I sit too, as I keep think it's better then do too much!  We just have to be patient I guess!  

Hi Barbara, I had mine on 29th March and my big toe is still slightly raised. I can't make it go downwards to the floor unless I push it down with my hand. I can move the toe towards me ok. It was worrying me but maybe it is normal. Glad to hear you are recovering well. I also only have a slight limp and like you elevation is essential.  I can't get into my shoes yet either but I am very pleased with the results and glad I had it done. We do just have to be patient!

Good to know there is someone out there going through the same stages and progressing the same as me.  I did too much yesterday and cried for a bit, not because it hurt but because I was frustrated with my situation, I just wanted to be able to do normal activities again.  I must add it didn't last long though, when I'm down I look back to remember how awful I felt in the first weeks and then can see the imrovement wink. So happy with have this forum!

Hi I had my operation on the 20th of February and my foot is still very swollen.. I think it just takes time, I can't get in any of my shoes and am still get pains in my foot and ANKLE for some reason....x

Hi Toni, I had my operation 1 week after you and yes, I'm experiencing all that you are, pains on and off and still need to elevate at times. Guess 3 months isn't so long in healing.  I can fit into some off my old shoes, not that I really want to!! But  I can only wear them for maybe half a day before I have to resort to my comfy trainers, , is that the same for to ? My surgeon advised to re - introduce other shoes very very slowly. Sigh.Wish you all the best for your recovery. 

Yeah Swampiesue, I'm right there with you on that one, ankle pain indeed, tell me about it!!!!  frown

I had really bad swell, but now it only shows if I'm on my feet a long time or wear something tight around my foot.  To help with the swelling for the last week or so I have been drinking one cup of detox tea a day!   Also massaging the inside of my leg from top to bottom, and immediately under my knee in the calf, as well as my foot and ankle.  The latter is supposed to help with lymph drainage.  If you're not sure about this try searching for lymph massage drainage on YouTube, that's where I got the know how to do this myself.  I think both has helped.

As for the pain in ankle, I get this plus my Achilles is sometimes difficult to stretch, usually in the morning.  Maybe the way we are walking to compensate the toe ops, is affect this part of us?

I can't send the link, so try a search for  'leg and thigh lymphatic massage for swollen feet and ankles'. It's by Athena Jezic

It's awful isn't it Bee, all these pains in odd places... Good news though today despite all the pains and twinges, I have managed to get a pair of my comfy suede boots on today.. Not UGG type boots..but crepe sole Eskimo type boots.. Xx

WOOOHOOOO!!! Really pleased for you. They sound lovely boots too!! It's raining here today, now there's another pair of shoes I can wear.cheesygrin

Thats a good thought detox tea ! Agree  with you Barbara I'm sure the ankle pain is due to our new gait and weight bearing. I had had hip/back pains first of all but that's gone now. Wish you well in your recovery. 

I was the same at your stage.  Difference to people recover at different rates.  I am mainly in trainers at 18 weeks although recently got into clerks perri dune sandals which are really flexible and comfy. Swelling can go on up to a year I hear so don't worry.  It is a slow recovery......

Thank you Bee. My doctor didn't really give me much direction unless I asked. I am finally able to wear a couple of pairs of flats, but also tend to swell after a few hours. I just hope this discomfort doesn't last too much longer!

Thank you

Thank you!

My physical therapist had me pick up marbles with my toes which helped with the mobility of the big toe. She also encouraged me to bend it down a few times a day.

That sounds a good idea, I'll try it.  This week I've been trying to scrunch up an exercise band on the floor and found that makes my big toe work with the others.  Hurts a little after but I feel little shoots of flexibility coming biggrin