Still swollen 7 weeks post op - is this normal?

Foot care
1

Hi. 7 weeks ago I had a bunion removal and big toe re-alignment.  I’m now walking in very wide, soft trainers but I’m still unable to put my foot flat on the ground. The underneath of my foot is really swollen on the side of the op.  It almost feels as though there is a ball that I’m stepping on.  Because of this I’m having to walk on the outside of my foot, and it’s causing my ankle and top of my foot to swell up . Has anyone else had this?

Louise

2

Hi Louise

I'm nearly 9 weeks post op, big toe fusion and weils osteotomy, and am still wearing my surgical shoe.

My foot still swells quite a bit so I'm not attempting to wear any other footwear as yet.

This is my 2nd op on my left foot.....also had 2 on my right, and the swelling is

 all quite normal..

I too have that feeling of there being something under foot...... marbles, pebbles,

 hard lump, when standing without my shoe on, I even stand on a piece of polystyrene in the shower as it feels so uncomfortable.

I will say try not to walk on the side of your foot as you may push the toe to one side....this is partly why I'm still in my surgical shoe as the foot should be kept flatish.

It does take a good few month for things to settle down....and up to a year for complete recovery.... no quick fix I'm afraid

3

Hi Misskh.

Thankyou for replying.  At least I know it’s not just me now. I was starting to worry that something was wrong.  

I’m eager to go back to work and get back to normal. 

Louise 

4

Yes, it is normal. I am almost 6 months post opand still have swelling if I stand too long.

I bought good shoes with excellent arch support. I went to higher end shoe. Best decision I ever made. I still massage my foot and elevate. Take pain pills as needed. I was told walking is good, jeep stretching muscles.. and it takes a full year to completely recover.

5

May I ask what kind of shoes you bought? I’ve had success with Hotter and Footworks. I will be buying only good shoes from now on. In the past with my bunions I could only wear Tom like shoes, and they have no sole support. 

Thanks! I’m 10 weeks PO from lapidus surgery 

6

Hi.

I’m wearing Sketchers AirWalk 4 - wide fit.  They are really comfy. I can’t wear any of my usual footwear at the moment as my foot is still swollen so these have been a godsend.

7

Hi Louise,  My bunion surgery was 12 weeks ago and I still am  experiencing swelling on the bottom of my foot, I'm trying really hard to not walk on the side of my foot ,just like you it has started to cause other problems.

I have noticed this decreasing over the last few weeks but I am also working 2-3 days a week now and I stand at my job. So I take breaks and elevate when possible. Still cant walk in my bare feet. Always need a shoe. I am able to wear my wide tennis shoes and some sandals so have faith things will progress just feels like it takes forever!