bunion op

Hi.  I had a scarf and akin procedure to both feet.   At four weeks post op I was not wearing normal shoes and still in the velcro surgical shoes so not ready for work.  At seven weeks I was allowed to fully weight bear and wear normal shoes.  When I say normal shoes my feet were still swollen and had to buy some boots that were three sizes bigger !  Walking was very very slow and I needed to use crutches to help balance.   At four months my feet began to feel relatively normal, although walking was still a bit slow and going down steps challenging.  It is now six months since my operation and my feet are great but still suffer with some swelling towards the end of the day.  My surgeon made me aware that some  swelling can last for up to a year.

Please follow the advice given by your surgeon, normally this is for the first two weeks do not weightbear on the operated foot and keep elevated above heart level for 90% of each hour.

Please note I had both feet done at the same time but if only one foot you may be able to go back to work sooner but I think four weeks is being very ambitious and would allow at least six weeks.  We all heal differently so your recovery may be different.

I am pleased with the result of my operation and do not regret having the procedure to both feet at the same time.  Recovery was difficult and I did need a lot of help in the first few weeks. 

Plan how you will manage in advance, ready meals and help is essential.

Let us know how it goes for you.

Best of luck to you Carl. I have been off 20 weeks but I am a postwoman. This is a big op and often underestimated by the surgeons concerning recovery time. Depends what your job is too. Hope all goes well and you have a quick, uncomplicated recovery 😁

Hi Carl I had the same op and was in the same situation as you with work I went back after 4 weeks I'm a catering manager 10 shifts lots of floor walking not saying I did the right thing but could not afford not to found finding shoes to fit was the worst ended up with crocks but still at to wear a compression sock under my socks for support still do I'm now 7 weeks post op my foot swells up to 3 - 4 inches at the end of a day not in any pain though

Hi Carl...I had just the right foot done this December but wasn't allowed to drive until after 7 wks when the pins were removed and I graduated to  "normal" postop shoe. The foot has to heal sufficiently for you to do a hard brake if necessary.  Is there anyway your employer might accomodate your needs and temporarily assign you to another type duty? 

Carl if you start driving before you are really healed and ready, and you have an accident,you may not be covered by insurance. Insurance companies are always looking to find a way of not paying out.  Ideally your employer should tell his insurer.