How long should I continue with support pillows in bed?

Hi yes I would like to know the answer to that question as well. I am only 5 days post op but was wondering how long I need to keep my foot elevated at night. I was planning to ask consultant who I will see next Tuesday. It would just be nice to sleep with my foot horizontal again.

Hi Fiona,

I wanted to know this too! I had mine done 7 dsys ago so had my dressings changed today and was surprised with my foot! Very big incision but no swelling, bruising or much blood! The nurse said to just keep it elevated as much as possible for as long as possible to stop any swelling. I told her that I've literally been sitting in a chair with my leg raised all day and sleeping with it raised all day!! She said that is fine but to try and be more mobile. Hope that helps a bit!!

Hi Fiona, i am 17 days post op and still keep my foot raised at night on 2 pillows. I definately still need to do that to be comfortable.  I had my dressings changed last week at the hospital and was surprised at how little swelling there was. I was given spare dressings to change it the next time myself which I did today, and I just have a bit of swelling round the base of my big toe. Like you I am pain free and have been all the way through. I only elevate through the day when I sit down, which I don't do too much of. I went back to my office based job Monday and am coping well with that. I do elevate under the desk alternatively with putting it down as well. Unlike a lot of others I don't get that surge of pain when my foot is down. I have found this forum really informative and love reading about everyones experiences! Good luck with your recovery. Kind regards Sue

Hi I am 3 weeks post op and kept my foot elevated up until last night.  keep it up further and your heart.  I had dressings changed today and no bruising  just a little bit of swelling.  I had a bunion removed and four hammer toes pinned.  I have been taking arnica for the bruising and extra calcium surgeon was happy no brusing and was impressed re the arnica lol !  have another four weeks before pins come out which apparently does not hurt just feels odd  good luck with your foot and keep it elevated as much as possible.  I did light housework second week into op, did a bit sat down bit more sat down, just pace yourself.

Hi Everyone, I had my operation done here in the UK 8 weeks ago and I still elevate my foot as often as I can and in bed I sleep on my back with my foot on two pillows. It takes quite a while for the swelling to go down completely; several months. The first two weeks post op, your foot should be elevated higher than heart level for most of the day - and definitely at bedtime. After having my foot being checked at 2 weeks I was shown how to do gentle physiotherapy to move the toes and foot. This is increased gradually over the following weeks. Don't put your full body weight on the foot until you are 6/7 weeks or when your surgeon gives you the go ahead. I had my left foot done so I couldn't drive the car until I could use the clutch pedal comfortably or wear my outdoor shoes until around 7 weeks. Now I am out and about shopping at the local supermarket etc. and have found things are becoming easier each day - although whenever my foot becomes swollen or aches, then it's back to sitting down with the foot elevated for an hour or so. Just take it easy and your patience will be rewarded. LadyPink