:) Hello: I just had a Lapidus bunionectomy four weeks ago on my right foot. I will have my left foot done in about four weeks, however, it will require a Chevron procedure which is less complicated than the Lapidus and does not require a cast.

I have been a runner and have worked out with weights most of my life. When my cast was remmoved my right calf looked half the size compared to the left. Since two days after the surgery, I have been doing exercises on the floor (non-weight bearing) for my legs and upper body. I will start using the stationary bike tomorrow pushing with my heels only. My problem is wanting to build up my calf without having to stress the ball of my foot or toes. Most exercises to build up calves require putting weight on the ball of the foot and toes.

I am sure someone has had a very similar problem, how did you regain back all that muscle from running so many years?? Is anyone running after a Lapidus? And if you are, how long did it take you before you start running?

Would very much appreciate any information. Thanks!!!!

I am now 18 weeks post-op from my Lapidus procedure, and have been running and playing tennis only about a month. My doctor was VERY conservative, which I'm sure I will appreciate in the long run. You don't want to do too much to quickly and have this thing fail. Believe me, if you were in good shape prior to the surgery, it will not take you long to regain your muscle mass. I was appalled the first time I saw my calf muscle....it was GONE! But, after I started walking on it and then running, it returned very quickly. Take it slow and think about the long-term results. I know it's hard right now....I was miserable for 3 months. It'll be worth it.

I am now 18 weeks post-op from my Lapidus procedure, and have been running and playing tennis only about a month. My doctor was VERY conservative, which I'm sure I will appreciate in the long run. You don't want to do too much to quickly and have this thing fail. Believe me, if you were in good shape prior to the surgery, it will not take you long to regain your muscle mass. I was appalled the first time I saw my calf muscle....it was GONE! But, after I started walking on it and then running, it returned very quickly. Take it slow and think about the long-term results. I know it's hard right now....I was miserable for 3 months. It'll be worth it.


Thank you so much for your message, Newbie.

This is my seventh week post bunionectomy. Overall, I was doing fine until today when I noticed that when I stand up my foot and my leg get red. No pain and very little swelling but redness. Needless to say, I was sort of depressed. Do you remember having any redness of the anterior leg? I can understand the foot getting red from the blood not returning properly but it botters me that my leg also gets red. My pulses are strong and healthy. I am doing bicycling on a stationary bike 10 minutes six times a day, pushing with my heel. No problem! The moment I stand up, my foot gets very red and altough less in severety, the redness extends towards the front of my leg.

Newbie, I am curious, what kind of procedure you had done and what kind of shoes are you now able to wear? Thank you again.