Bunion surgery recovery can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months or more. The uncertain time range is because there are so many different procedures, and the amount of bone and tissue healing that needs to take place varies widely. Some people only require minor procedures where a little bit of the bone is shaved; other situations call for more significant surgery with a longer recovery period.
Keep the stitches dry until they are taken out 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. Visible pins usually come out after 3 or 4 weeks. You may need a boot or cast for several weeks, and not be able to wear shoes for 1 to 4 months.
It is important to watch for any complications during this time, such as fever, an increase in pain, swelling or redness, or swelling higher in the leg. It is also extremely important to follow our instructions about keeping weight off the foot. Even then, you may need to work into weight-bearing gradually with a special shoe or boot. Sometimes it may take up to a year for your foot to feel fully well again and for you to resume all of your normal activities.
Call Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in Wheat Ridge, CO, at (303) 423-2520 for more information about bunion surgery.
