What can I expect after bunion surgery? A bunion removal patient can expect a 6 weeks to 6 months recovery period during which crutches are usually required for aid in mobility and the bunion pain may still be there. It is much less common today as newer, more stable procedures and better forms of fixation (stabilizing the bone with screws and other hardware) are used.
Recovery from bunion surgery also depending on the amount of soft tissue and bone affected, sometimes complete healing may take up to a year. During this period, it is vital that proper footwear must be put on so that it will not aggravate the pain and alignment after the surgery.
The length of the recovery period will also vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed. Depending upon the extent of bunion surgery, the recovery period can last from six weeks to three months. The stitches are removed 12 to 14 days after surgery, and regular shoes can be worn in about six weeks. Patients can resume most daily activities six to eight weeks after bunion or bunionette surgery, but returning to full athletic activity usually takes at least three months.
Patients are candidates for surgery when the bunion problem interferes with daily activities and they are willing to accept the normal risks of surgery, such as infection, numbness and prolonged postoperative swelling, which can last up to six months.
