Is it easier to recover when young? - Foot Problems Message Board

dismama · 07-25-2008, 09:03 AM

I'm 32. I was wondering of my recover will be easier and quicker than some other people have posted since I am young. My bunion is moderate but the dr said I should get the surgery since it was only going to get worse. Bunions run in my family.

kristian85 · 07-25-2008, 09:17 AM

recovery when your young usualy is better then when your older... but it all depends on how healthy you are and how severe/complicated your problem is.

I'm 23 and I was told that my foot would heal fast because i am young... but were they ever wrong. Its been over 3 months since my injury and i still have another 2 months to go by the time surgery and healing time are over with. Who knows it could be longer if they keep screwing up.

But on the other hand my fiance had surgery on his hand and was back to full function after 6 weeks. So i guess it ll depends on the case and the Doctor

I wish you luck with your surgery and I hope you have a speedy recovery

dancergal19 · 07-25-2008, 12:34 PM

I'm 25 and had bunion surgery one year ago. I healed very well but the recovery process is lengthy no matter how old you are. But yes, generally the younger you are the faster you heal, as long as there aren't any complications.

My Pod told me 6 weeks on crutches, 4 in a walking cast and 2 in a walking shoe. Well I didn't realize that I would still need physical therapy after the walking shoe and would still have some swelling and other minor issues to deal with.

If your doctor tells you you'll need 12 weeks to recover, add a few more weeks on to that total. I was able to start exercising and doing 'normal' things once I got out of the walking shoe at 12 weeks but my foot wasn't completely back to normal until 8 or 9 months post op. I still had minor swelling, scar tissue, and range of motion issues up until around 9 months.

I don't mean to discourage you, because I am VERY glad I had the surgery, but it does take a long time to recover from foot surgery. Also, you should really only have it done if you're in pain.

debbie g · 07-25-2008, 02:28 PM

of course the younger you are, the quicker you heal. is the bunion too painful for you? surgery at any age is not great. if you are not in pain, i would not do the surgery. if you go ahead, find the best dr you can and ask a lot of questions.

dismama · 07-26-2008, 07:43 AM

I am in pain not just when I walk but also just randomly when I'm not moving around. The dr said that it would be 6 weeks in a shoe. No crutches. Pins out at 5 weeks and full activity at 8 weeks. Is this unrealistic?