How long does it take to recover from bunion surgery?  

If you’re suffering from the discomfort and pain of bunions, then bunion removal surgery is often your only option. However, the post-surgical recovery can be a great cause of concern, as prospective patients wonder when they’ll be able to walk normally again or how long they will have to take off work.

Due to advances in surgical techniques, though, keyhole bunion removal does mean a much shorter recovery time.

Your bunion surgery recovery at the Windsor Foot and Ankle Clinic

Most patients undergoing bunion surgery will stay in hospital overnight and will typically be discharged with a padded dressing and bandage, but some patients may require a plaster cast. A special shoe and elbow crutches will help keep any weight off the foot.

You’ll return for your wound to be redressed between seven and 14 days and your stitches will be removed or trimmed between two and three weeks. You will be advised to wear the special shoe for between four and eight weeks.

Swelling after bunion surgery

This is quite common after bunion surgery and our surgeons advise that you regularly elevate the foot throughout the day and sleep with the foot on a raised pillow at night. You’ll be advised to follow these measures for at least the first couple of weeks to minimise swelling. You can expect the foot to be swollen for up to six months after surgery.

Resuming normal activities after bunion surgery

If your left foot was operated on, then you can expect to drive an automatic car within two weeks. However, if the right foot was operated on, then you will have to wait between six and eight weeks. You can usually drive once you’re able to perform an emergency stop safely. It’s advisable you check with your insurance company first.

Before returning to exercise, you will work with a physiotherapist to build up strength and stability. Depending on how you’re progressing, you may be able to return to limited weight-bearing exercise, such as cycling or swimming, at about four to six weeks. Running is not usually recommended for two to three months and you should always be careful about overloading your foot as it is recovering.

Returning to work depends on the nature of work that you do. If you have a sedentary job and are able to work with your foot elevated regularly, then you can return to work typically after two weeks. However, if you do manual work then you may need up to three months off work.

Your bunion surgery recovery will depend on many factors, including your age, general health and wellbeing and the severity of your bunion. For more advice, please call us on 01753 660840 or email us at reception@windsorfoot.com.