Post-op bunion care - Foot Problems Message Board

carolewithane · 02-14-2003, 07:55 PM

Hi!
I recently had bunion surgery on both feet(3 weeks ago). My bandages were removed yesterday. I was wondering if anyone could suggest any exercises to help my recovery. Should I be walking a lot on my feet or keeping them elevated while there is still some swelling? Should I soak them or let them be? So many questions and I did not seem to get enough guidance from my surgeon. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

keylaleigh · 02-15-2003, 08:47 AM

I don't know if I'll be much help or not. I had my surgery nine weeks ago, and got my bandages off at three weeks also. I think it helps to speed recovery if you can keep your feet elevated as long as there is swelling. I've noticed that since I don't have much swelling anymore, putting them up doesn't do any good.
I would try to stay off of them as much as possible, and walk on the outsides of your feet if you can. Although I could walk when I had to, I was advised not to do any fitness programs that involved walking. The only exercises I was supposed to do prior to eight weeks was to bend my big toes as far as I could a couple of times a day. I'm curious to see how everyone else was advised. Please keep us posted on how well you do.

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tabaangus · 02-23-2003, 09:08 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by keylaleigh:
I don't know if I'll be much help or not. I had my surgery nine weeks ago, and got my bandages off at three weeks also. I think it helps to speed recovery if you can keep your feet elevated as long as there is swelling. I've noticed that since I don't have much swelling anymore, putting them up doesn't do any good.
I would try to stay off of them as much as possible, and walk on the outsides of your feet if you can. Although I could walk when I had to, I was advised not to do any fitness programs that involved walking. The only exercises I was supposed to do prior to eight weeks was to bend my big toes as far as I could a couple of times a day. I'm curious to see how everyone else was advised. Please keep us posted on how well you do.

[/QUOTE
I had bunion surgery and big toe correction 3 weeks ago on my right foot. My stitches were removed last week but I still have the pin in my big toe. I just started walking yesterday. I still have servere swelling I noticed the swelling in my toes and on the side of my foot near my ankle/heel. I keep my foot elevated most of the day and I sleep with it elevated.(sleeping on my back is killing me)! I also have this ice machine the hospital sent me home with, I use this through out the day. How long did you swell for? Is there anything I can do to speed up the recovery process?

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tabaangus · 02-23-2003, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by carolewithane:
Hi!
I recently had bunion surgery on both feet(3 weeks ago). My bandages were removed yesterday. I was wondering if anyone could suggest any exercises to help my recovery. Should I be walking a lot on my feet or keeping them elevated while there is still some swelling? Should I soak them or let them be? So many questions and I did not seem to get enough guidance from my surgeon. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I wish I was able to have both of my feet done at once. My doc wouldn't do it. How did you get around? I had trouble getting around with just one foot. I too have severe swelling. I go back to the doctor tomorrow I intend to ask about the swelling I will let you know the outcome. What type of surgery did you have?

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dl