Walking after 6 weeks bunionectomy

Hi Susan, I read on another forum that you can buy a 'foot leveller' on Amazon (maybe like a thick sandal?), that you wear on the other foot for walking. This wld avoid back problems. All the best x

My doctor told me I needed to have a shoe the same level as the boot. A local shoe repair added on sole to shoe to even out. I never fad any problems with hip pain. Never had a limp. 

I'm 4 wks post surgery. Hang in there! That first week is definitely the worst. Stay ahead of pain by taking your meds. Ice & elevate. Don't try to do too much too soon. It's time to be pampered.

It's easy to feel depreseed. But I can honestly say it's going to be worth it.

I still have alot of swelling when I'm up for more then a few hours. I was put in a cam walker immediately after surgery.

Supposed to get rid of it on the Mar 14.

Good luck!

Hi Linda, i am sorry you were feeling so down. I am 12 and 14 weeks post op and think that feeling low is all part of the process. You have suffered a physical trauma and your mind and body need to come to terms with it! I am here to tell you it will all get better. Some days it seems like a step backwards but now I am walking driving riding my bike and can riseup on my toes. I am still not in a huge range of shoes but have found 2 pairs that are comfortable for the time being. The one thing I have learnt is that there is a spectrum of procedures, swelling, pain and mobility. You can only follow the advice of yr own surgeon when it comes to movement afterwards. Stay strong, accept any help and give yourself treats x

Hi Linda,

I certainly hope you are feeling better & recovering nicely.

I will be 6 weeks post surgery on Mar 17th. Still experiencing alot of swelling but apparently that's normal.My incision site is almost completely healed. I'm supposed to get out of the cam walker on the 20th.

We're all in this together and we'll make it!

Good luck

Well it's been 3 weeks and I have one more to go before both cast are removed. The pain is getting better but my feet are so numb from time to time. I hope my feet look marvelous when it's all said and done. Can't wait to walk again without this shoe. The worst part is the unknown of what to expect next. Thanks for the responses so I know that I am not alone.

I still have some numbness in my toes,especially my big toe but it's getting better now that I'm cleared to do flexing exercises.

I'm sure being in casts must be very annoying.I went directly into a cam boot so I could walk immediately. Found out quickly that I should limit my walking & elevate.

You'll probably have lots of scaly itchy skin after getting casts off but nothing lotions & TLC won't cure.

You'll be so happy with results. After my bandages came off I almost didn't recognize my slim foot without that bulging bunion. Woohoo!

That's good news to look forward to. All I want is to get these cast removed. I feel like I endure anything now. Yeah you are right it's my big toe that is numb. Stitches are starting to become a nuisance. Be glad when all of this is over.

Thanks Alice I look forward to Post Op of 12-14 weeks. I want to walk so bad! I look forward to the process to be completely over. If I had it to do all over again I would not have. I would have at least done one foot at a time.

Hi Lisa!! I was just wondering if you have started walking yet? I had my surgery a week ago and have to start moving my toes tomorrow by hand as my foot is still very swollen. But I am very nervous to walk on it in a couple of weeks, so nervous that I may regret getting this surgery. I'm only a senior in high school and love working out and running and would just like a full recovery and a healthy one too!

Korey

Alice you give me hope that I will soon be able to walk. I am only a week out of getting my right foot bunion off and 4 screws and I am very nervous to start walking on it in 4 weeks. Is there any advice you could give me? I'm a senior in high school and just have doubts about getting this surgery. Anything you could help me with would be wonderful!!

? Korey

Hi Korey,

I was put in a cam walker right after my surgery. I didn't start walking around much until about the 4th day. Always with the boot on. All weight on heel. I am actually typing this from Dr.'s office. Just had x-rays & hoping to be cleared to walk without cam walker!

Don't put any weight on ball of your foot. I was only barefoot from bath to bed or sofa and always heel walking.

You will do fine. I'm a very active person & these past six weeks have driven me crazy. But it's going to be worth it. Don't rush the healing process. Do exactly as you're instructed.

Expect lots of swelling. It's normal. I'm not sure what kind of shoe I will be able to wear for awhile. Maybe clogs or flip flops with good arch supports.

Good luck to you!

Hi Korey I thought the same way what have I gotten myself into. I got both feet done. Sooo much pain and numbness. I got both cast removed this past Tuesday. My surgeon is up in age. He didn't insert and screws and I'm grateful for that. Scared to walk around because incision is very painful and not great to look at. But I must say my feet look a whole lot better than before. My doctor told me to put on tennis shoes and loafers but the swelling won't allow me to. So I ordered some bunion post op shoes to help me get around for at least another month. Until I get the shoes I am wearing footies. I guess we have to be patient as I too am very active. I was getting in 24,000 steps a day before the surgery to barely 1,000 steps at age 52. Hang in there and let's keep each encouraged. Good luck!

Hi Lisa you gave very good advice. My skin is so scaly and dry omg. The incisions are not a pretty site. I know the doctor wants me to keep it dry but it is sooo dry. It almost seems like it's stopping the healing process but I could be wrong. I just need to be patient. I almost have to learn to walk again. My big toe on each foot are still swollen. Can't put ice on them because my toes are so sensitive. Do you recommend anything?

Hi Linda , I had just written a post when I saw your question. I was scrolling down and lost what I had written so I'm not sure if it posted or not. Yes, the dryness is terrible .You can massage coconut oil on the other parts of your foot but definitely try to keep the incision dry. Try placing an ice pack on top of foot just below your toes. Wrapping or compression stocking may help with swelling.

As I had written I saw my Dr. yesterday and was released. X-rays looked good. He said my foot had healed nicely. Could start massaging with scar cream next week. Don't think scarring is going to be a problem. Did not feel that way 4 wks ago!

Bought Sketchers lace-up shoes. Took a while to find something I could squeeze my foot into. He told me if I put shoes on first thing in a.m. it will help control swelling . And there's plenty! Still using the toe spacer to help keep foot aligned.

I go back in 6 wks.

It's going to take time to learn to walk normally . Trying to roll through to ball of foot instead of heel walking.

I'm to be more aggressive with toe exercises. Bending to the point of pain. He said that breaks down scar tissue.

Still need to try to elevate above heart as often as possible. That's hard for me because I'm very active but I've made it this far.

I know the worst is over now.

I wish you success as you continue to heal.

Will be happy to answer any other questions you might have.

Hi Korey,

I was pronounced healed yesterday! . X-rays looked great. I'm to be aggressive with toe exercises. Bending to the point of pain. He said need to break down scar tissue.

Can start massaging with scar cream in a week on incision. Don't think scarring is going to be an issue.

Seems strange to move around without heavy cam walker. Was difficult to find comfy shoes with so much swelling but lace-up Skechers are comfortable. Amazingly having the supportive shoe on helps control swelling.

I'm finding walking is not too difficult. Have to learn to roll through to ball of foot instead of heel walking.

You'll do just fine!

Thanks again Lisa. I had the worst doctor ever. When I had my cast removed on week 4 luckily I took some flip flops. He didn't tell me to bring anything nor gave me a script to get some post op shoes. He told me to start wearing tennis shoes and loafers. Was he crazy ain't no way I could put my feet in shoes. So I ordered some post op shoes from Amazon. They are wayyyy to heavy. The scabs are finally falling off happy about that. Just really frustrated. Now I ordered some Nike shower shoes with the adjustable strap across the toes that are hopefully lightweight. Go back to work on Monday and hope I am able. Doctor didn't tell me anything about toe exercises or anything. Very disappointed with him! This is week 6 for me hopefully this week I will see some improvements. Do you recommend getting men's sneakers or women's for support?

Hi Linda,

Do what I did & check YouTube for videos on toe exercises after bunionectomy.

My big toe joint is so sore from flexing it back & forth but it's important to do it. Also, I still have some numbness. Feels like my foot's half asleep.

Shoes are so expensive! I hate buying ones that are not my style. But we have to wear something. You could try going up a whole or 1/2 size & maybe a wide width. At this point whatever is comfortable.

I was able to get into a stretchy lace-up. I still have alot of swelling.

I hope you're not getting discouraged.

It gets better. I promise!

Hi Lisa, same experience as you with the big buldging bunion. I was so used to seeing that big bulge on my foot that other people’s feet looked odd to me.  Lol