At The Bunion Cure, we know that choosing to undergo bunion surgery — even minimally invasive bunion surgery — is a major decision. It’s also a significant step toward reclaiming your mobility and comfort. Whether you’ve been dealing with bunion pain for years or you’ve just recently been diagnosed, our team of experienced surgeons and professionals is here to guide you through every phase of your treatment and recovery. With our minimally invasive surgical approach, you’ll be back on your feet faster and with less pain than you would be with conventional bunion surgery.
Understanding Bunions and Why Surgery Is Necessary
Bunions are not just unsightly; they can be incredibly painful, affecting your ability to walk, wear certain types of shoes, and simply enjoy your daily life. They form when the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place, causing the tip of your big toe to be pulled toward the smaller toes. This forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. If left untreated, this misalignment can cause inflammation, pain, and further complications down the road.
While things like splints, padding, and anti-inflammatory medications can provide temporary relief, they cannot offer a cure for the problem. Surgery is the most effective way to correct a bunion and relieve pain, especially in cases where the bunion is severe or continues to worsen despite non-surgical treatments.
What to Expect After Bunion Surgery
Immediate Post-Operative Care
After getting surgery at The Bunion Cure clinic, you’ll be taken to our comfortable recovery area. However, since we use minimally invasive techniques, you will be able to walk out the door and go about your day as you usually would. You will need to wear a special post-operative shoe for about a week while the small incision recovers; this helps protect your foot and keep the bone in the proper position as it heals. However, you can expect significantly less pain and swelling than you would with conventional bunion surgery.
We’ll also give you specific instructions on how to care for your foot, including how to change bandages, manage pain, and when you can start to engage in more strenuous physical activities.
First Week of Recovery
Even though you will be able to walk, drive, and do light physical activities after a minimally invasive (keyhole) bunion surgery, there are still certain precautions to take — especially during the first week of recovery. During those first few days, we recommend keeping your foot elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling. Applying ice can also help manage any swelling or discomfort you experience. And while you should be able to walk and drive normally, we don’t recommend walking long distances or jogging during the first week after surgery. As a general rule, it’s best to keep any walking to short distances (walking to the car, walking around the house, etc.) until you can remove the post-op shoe.
Pain management is typically easy for patients, as pain related to keyhole bunion surgery is often minor. Over-the-counter pain relievers should be sufficient, though we can prescribe stronger pain medication if needed.
Even though you will be able to walk, drive, and do light physical activities after a minimally invasive (keyhole) bunion surgery, there are still certain precautions to take — especially during the first week of recovery. During those first few days, we recommend keeping your foot elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling. Applying ice can also help manage any swelling or discomfort you experience. And while you should be able to walk and drive normally, we don’t recommend walking long distances or jogging during the first week after surgery. As a general rule, it’s best to keep any walking to short distances (walking to the car, walking around the house, etc.) until you can remove the post-op shoe.
Pain management is typically easy for patients, as pain related to keyhole bunion surgery is often minor. Over-the-counter pain relievers should be sufficient, though we can prescribe stronger pain medication if needed.
Check out what a post-op bandage change looks like from Dr. Sullivan himself!
Second Week of Recovery
As you move past the 7-day mark, you’ll start to notice gradual improvements in your mobility, as well as a reduction in pain and swelling. This is typically when we recommend removing the post-op shoe and encourage you to engage in a little more movement and physical activity. However, keep in mind that each situation is different, so you’ll want to follow your specific post-op instructions carefully during the first two weeks to ensure that your foot heals correctly. It’s also a good idea to stay away from constrictive footwear during this time.
During the second week of recovery, you’ll likely start to increase your activity level naturally, as you won’t feel as limited by pain or inflammation. However, your foot is still healing during this period, so you should avoid strenuous activities that put a lot of pressure on your feet. This is a time when you should take things slow and listen to your body. Don’t try to rush back to your normal routine too quickly.
As with any minor surgery, you can expect us to schedule a follow-up visit to check your progress. We use this opportunity to change your bandages, examine the incision site, and ask you questions about pain and activity levels. This is also a great time for you to ask us any questions you might have about your recovery.
Third Week of Recovery and Beyond
By week 3, you’ll probably feel like your foot is back to normal, but in the vast majority of cases, it is still healing. You’ll want to follow our instructions concerning what activities you should and should not do. Some types of stretching and low-intensity workouts are good for regaining strength in the foot, but it’s always best to proceed with caution and speak to your doctor first.
Sometime between week 3 and week 6 of recovery, you will most likely be able to fully transition back to normal footwear. Still, it’s essential to choose shoes that are comfortable, provide adequate support, and don’t squeeze or irritate your toes. Avoid high heels or shoes with narrow tips, as these can compromise your recovery and potentially cause a recurrence of bunions in the future.
Long-Term Bunion Surgery Recovery & Results
While most of the significant healing occurs during the first 6 weeks, full recovery can vary from patient to patient. If your bunion requires conventional surgery, for example, the recovery time can take 6 months or longer, and you won’t be able to use your foot at all for the first few weeks. Alternatively, with the minimally invasive bunion surgery offered at The Bunion Cure, you can get back on your feet immediately — as long as you take things easy and follow our instructions to encourage proper healing.
The ultimate goal of bunion surgery is to relieve pain and improve your quality of life. With our keyhole bunion surgery, you can expect a smoother, faster recovery with less pain and a lower risk of complications compared to conventional surgery. Fortunately, our patients are overwhelmingly happy with their results, enjoying pain-free walking, improved foot function, and the ability to wear their favorite shoes again.
If you’d like to learn more about our bunion treatments or schedule an appointment at The Bunion Cure, reach out to us today!