What is the Normal Recovery Time for Bunion Surgery?

Bunion Surgery Recovery Time

Your feet are some of your most precious commodities. That’s why it’s so difficult to commit to any procedure involving them. People are worried about being taken out of the game with a long recovery time. Traditional methods of foot surgery are no longer acceptable, especially because there is now a far better way to get rid of your bunions, hammer toe and heel spurs.

A bunion (also known as hallux valgus) is a fairly common foot condition that globally affects up to 23% of 18-to 65-year-olds and 35% of those over 65. Prior treatment has always involved invasive open foot surgery. But who can afford to have their foot propped up for six weeks? It’s simply not feasible.

Today, outpatient foot procedures are like a developed art. Bunions no longer have to put you on your back. Doctors have found amazing ways to keep people moving, even after foot surgery. Different surgical procedures require different recovery times.  Your procedure depends on your specific case.

Do I Have a Bunion?

If you have an angular and bony bump on the inside of your foot at the main big toe joint (often covered by calluses) you may have a bunion. Bunions frequently go untreated until they become too severe because they can be more of an annoyance than painful. However, when left untreated, it may lead to more extensive surgery and further foot problems.

Bunions grow slowly over time, which is why many people are surprised when they begin to feel discomfort. Swelling and tenderness at the base of the toe means you need to get into a doctor before further complications occur.

Bunions can range from mild to severe deformities and can be caused by a series of things. They can be an inherited structural defect or simply a result of bad shoes. However, no over-the- counter remedy has ever “cured” them.

Bunions typically require surgery.  There are two main types of bunion surgery: Traditional Open surgery and Minimally Invasive surgery.  Each include different procedures.

Traditional Foot Surgery

The traditional means of removing bunions is why people avoid it to begin with. Having your foot sliced open, then filled with pins and sutures, can make even the bravest fearful. There are hundreds of different ways to treat bunions in a surgical manner and those who opt for traditional open bunion surgery are often dissatisfied with the results.

In some studies, 25% to 33% of patients did not like the outcome. The authors of the Cochrane review also stated that the three-year post-operative check-up was not enough time to determine the total effectiveness of the procedure. Ultimately, the type of operation you are given could simply come down to what your doctor prefers. That’s a dangerous slippery slope in medicine. There are a variety of obstacles to overcome after a traditional bunion surgery, which can include the following.

Possible Complications of Traditional Foot Surgery Include:

• Poor Circulation: Since the foot is the furthest from the heart, it takes the longest to
  receive blood. This causes an increased risk of not only poor circulation at the site of a
  surgery, but of infection as well.
• Elevation Drawbacks: In traditional bunion surgery, the foot must be elevated to heal properly. This method decreases circulation even further, which slows the entire process.
• Higher Stress: The longer the healing process, the harder it becomes for your foot. That’s
  because it’s one of the most used parts of your body and therefore, is highly subjected to
  mechanical stress. Patients are apt to break sutures and reinjure simply from trying to
  move around their home.
• Slower Healing: The healing process for traditional bunion surgery can be brutal. While
  the recovery itself can take up to six weeks, the entire healing process may last for up to
  six months. Additionally, patients are in a cast for two weeks and then must return to
  have their sutures removed.

For these reasons, wound healing issues occur most frequently with conventional open foot surgery. The idea is to treat bunions with a procedure that takes the least amount of time to heal with minimal pain. One that is much less invasive.

Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

During the 1990’s, a new type of bunion procedure was being developed; minimally invasive surgery. Due to the major drawbacks of traditional methods, doctors were striving to come up with a procedure that wouldn’t disrupt the lives of their patients. They knew if they could decrease healing time, they would simultaneously satisfy patients and mitigate risks. There is a multitude of benefits to modern, minimally invasive foot surgery. In fact, many patients find it almost unbelievable that they can walk out of the operating room. Especially compared to the alternative. Other advantages include:

•  Local, not general anesthesia: Patients never lose consciousness, nor do they need to have an IV
  inserted into their arm.
•  Zero intubation: No patient ever has to be intubated or have a breathing tube because
  they are conscious the entire time.
•  No fasting: Minimally invasive surgery does not require fasting. You can have a coffee
  and a donut right before you go in.
• Zero absences: If you need to be on the job, there is no need to miss work. You can have
  your procedure in the morning and be at your desk by noon.
•  No crutches: No wheelchairs, no scooters, no extras needed.

Studies have demonstrated that after minimally invasive corrective surgery on their bunions, 85% of patients report a “good” or “very good” outcome, while 10% report satisfactory results. Minimally invasive surgery is generally the key option for anyone on-the-go that needs to treat their feet.

The longer you wait when you suspect a bunion, the longer the recovery time. After surgery, expect to wear a boot no matter what method you choose. Icing your foot and toe can reduce inflammation and you might remain slightly swollen for a few weeks.

While choosing surgery is always a risk, a minimally invasive technique is the least disruptive. There is no need to return for suture removal or elevate your foot for weeks. Not only are the risks significantly reduced, the recovery time is quick, so you can get back to your life, the very same day.

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