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What is the best way to ice your foot to reduce swelling after bunion and hammer toe surgery?

Posted , 8 users are following.

john69167
john69167

It is just over 3 weeks since I had bunion and hammer-toe surgery. In the mornings the swelling is reduced a lot but after being out and about in the walker boot the bunion area (big toe and surrounds) and two hammer toes are quite swollen. I do keep my foot elevated for as much of the time as possible but have not tried ice yet. Does this have any permanent benefit and how does one do it without leaking water everywhere? Can I just buy bags of ice from supermarket and apply to ankles or is there a more effective technique? Also how long did most people use the walker boot for. My surgeon said about four weeks after the op to come out of it and move into trainers but opinions seem to differ and I don't see him for a few more weeks? Sorry to keep asking for advice but I live alone and don't get to see many people at moment.; I tend to worry a lot about all this as I hear horror stories on internet about things going wrong and swelling not going down?

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • smab97
    smab97 john69167

    Posted

    I bought special ice pads with a covering, you can get them from all chemists and supermarkets. They come with a cover that you place them in so they are not unbearably cold, I found that 20 minutes was enough, then replace in the freezer for next time. If you are not sure ask your surgeon again how long you should keep the walker boot on, I am not sure as never had one and went straight into trainers once the stitches came out.
  • judy48339
    judy48339 john69167

    Posted

    You can use a bag of frozen peas and just keep re-freezing them between sessions (you can't eat them afterwards, though!  I also read that you can use a wine cooler!  I might try that when I have my other foot done.
  • lynn59730
    lynn59730 john69167

    Posted

    Buy soft flexible ice packs. If too cold wrap in a tea towel. Put on for 10 then off for 10. You should find ice packs at a drug store or medical supply outlet.
  • toni63521
    toni63521 john69167

    Posted

    I used plastic bags with ice sometimes, but others had good ideas too. I didn't put any pressure on my foot for about 6 weeks. I'm still not able to wear certain shoes after 3 months, still swells at night. I had to go to physical therapy to help with mobility and pain
  • Stella07970
    Stella07970 john69167

    Posted

    Hi John Best way to ice your foot is to buy one (or two) of those wine coolers you put in the freezer and slip over a bottle to cool it down extra fast. You can get them in Sainsbury for about £5 each. Use one and keep the spare in the freezer so you can alternate. I bought these but am 9 weeks post op and have never used mine1 I found the best way is to keep your foot elevated all the time except 5 mins here and there. I live alone as well so I know how hard this can be but just get everything organised and close by 

    . When you make a cup of tea for example also make a flask up so you have another cup for later all ready. Use a bag to carry things around so you only need to make one journey and group things together and put them all in one container. EG. I had a 'treat' box with biscuits and nuts and a few nibbles which I could have upstairs so I didn't need to go down to the kitchen too often.

    As I said I didn't use ice, but I think the reason for this is that I stayed in bed for the first 2 weeks and then for large chunks of time for the next 4 weeks, I just found it easier than getting up and down the stairs. Good luck!

  • rosie67053
    rosie67053 john69167

    Posted

    Sorry but I didn't find the bottle ice much good as they don't wrap around the ankle area you are much bett with an ice pack from Chemist, mine cost £1.99.
  • fran64059
    fran64059 john69167

    Posted

    John, go to the chemist and buy a couple of proper ice packs that hospitals use. Keep one in the freezer and one on your foot. it is very early days for you and if you can keep it up do.  I had my op last August and my most confortable shoes are trainers half a size bigger than before. You have to be VERY patient after this operation. I had 6 weeks off work and was in the boot almost the whole 6 weeks. Things get better but slowly.  hope you enjoy the ice. 
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