After the procedure, you will be taken from the operating theatre to a recovery room, where you will come round from the anaesthesia under close supervision.
While you are in hospital a physiotherapist will help you every day with exercises that will help speed up your recovery.
Pain relief
Your foot will be sore after the operation and you may have some temporary bruising and swelling. We will give you pain relief medication while you’re with us and to take home with you.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
Recovery time
Your consultant will advise you how to make your recovery as quick as possible but when you get home you’ll need to take things easy at first.
You may not be able to put your weight fully on the foot for six weeks, though you'll probably be able to walk around on your heel. If you can’t do this, you may need to use crutches.
You will probably have to take some time off work – how much will depend on the kind of operation you have had and how much time you spend on your feet at work.
You probably won’t be able to wear normal shoes for up to six months because you will have a cast or a bandage on and your foot or ankle could be swollen for three months, possibly longer. When the cast or bandages come off you will be given postoperative shoes. These are specially designed to allow heel walking while protecting your foot.
We will arrange for a physiotherapist to visit you in your private room after your operation to give you advice on how to move around safely in your cast or bandage. You can also see the physiotherapist again after these have been removed.
How your loved ones can help
Once you’re ready to be discharged, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home because you won’t be able to drive. You should also ask them to help with shopping and cleaning for a few weeks.
Looking after you
We’re with you every step of the way through your recovery, even after you’ve left hospital.
After bunion removal we will provide you with all the appropriate medication, physiotherapy exercises, advice on what you should and shouldn't do, and any other follow-up support you need. Typically your consultant may want to see you after your treatment to see how you’re doing, in which case a follow up appointment will be made before you leave the hospital.
On rare occasions, complications following surgery can occur. The chance of complications depends on the exact operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, we're ready to help.
