swelling and bruising after bunionetomy...scared - Foot Problems Message Board

wmkcolors · 01-07-2008, 10:15 PM

I had an austin/akin bunionectomy on Dec.27th. About 5 days post opt, I hobbled and "heel" walked for about a week, between doctor visits. My doctor took off the bandage, for the second time today, 11 days post op, I have severe swelling and bruising. All my toes are bruised! Did anyone else swell and bruise? Needless to say, elevation is now my mantra? How was your healing process 1-2-3 weeks out? The swelling is scaring me. No one has talked about swelling or bruising much.

Zardtoe · 01-08-2008, 07:01 AM

Hiya! What you're describing sounds totally normal, and not to worry overly about. If it gets hot, then I'd worry, but my foot was very red, purply, and swollen for quite some time. I really didn't feel like it started to get much less swollen until about a month. Maybe the very worst subsided after about 10-12 days, but it was quite sausagy for a long time. When you get back to taking showers, it'll scare you, too, since they tend to get really dark purply then - ooghie! But, you elevate and ice a bit and it goes back... Good luck. It's not fun, but it does get better! By about 8 weeks I was out walking around the neighborhood again (gingerly, but still nice to be out!).

kat6745 · 01-08-2008, 01:41 PM

Hi, I had the same type of bunionectomy as you on Dec. 17th and my foot was very bruised & swollen. I wondered what the heck they had done to my foot, but it's really normal. I'm actually still bruised, & swell a bit now, too, at day 22 post-surgery. It's much less than it was, thank goodness!

I started physical therapy yesterday & asked the therapist how come my whole foot was bruised when I only had surgery on the bunion & heel. She said that it's normal and just a part of how your circulation works when you have surgery.

It will get better, it just looks scary. Elevation helps with the swelling, that's for sure!

Take care!
Kathy

debbie g · 01-08-2008, 03:53 PM

swelling and brusing are normal. dont be scared. everyday it gets better and better. hang in there.

wmkcolors · 01-08-2008, 04:12 PM

When did you feel safe enough to walk some and put weight on it? I was obviously being unrealistic, just a few days post op, to try to hobble. Thanks.