Bunionectomy - discharge; Hallux valgus correction - discharge DefinitionYou had surgery to remove a deformity on your toe called a bunion. This article tells you how to take care of yourself when you go home from the hospital. When You're in the HospitalYou had surgery to repair a bunion. The surgeon made an incision (cut) in your skin to expose the bones and joint at the base of your big toe. Your surgeon then repaired your deformed toe. You may have screws, wires, or a plate holding your toe joint together. What to Expect at HomeYou may have swelling in your foot. Keep your leg propped up on 1 or 2 pillows under your foot or calf muscle when you are sitting or lying down to reduce swelling. Swelling may last 9 to 12 months. Wound CareKeep the dressing around your incision clean and dry until it is removed. Take sponge baths or cover your foot and dressing with a plastic bag when you take showers if it is OK with your health care provider. Make sure water cannot leak into the bag. ActivityYou may need to wear a surgical shoe or cast for up to 8 weeks to keep your foot in the right position as it heals. You will need to use a walker, cane, knee scooter, or crutches to avoid putting weight on your foot. Check with your surgeon before putting weight on your foot. You may be able to put some weight on your foot and walk short distances 2 or 3 weeks after surgery. You will need to do exercises that will strengthen the muscles around your ankle and maintain the range of motion in your foot. Your provider or a physical therapist will teach you these exercises. When you are able to wear shoes again, wear only athletic shoes or soft leather shoes for at least 3 months. Choose shoes that have plenty of room in the toe box. Do not wear narrow shoes or high heels for at least 6 months, if ever. Talk to your doctor about types of shoes that are right for your feet. PainYou will get a prescription for pain medicine. Get it filled when you go home so you have it when you need it. Take your pain medicine before you start having pain so that it does not get too bad. Taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or another anti-inflammatory medicine may also help. Ask your provider what other medicines are safe to take with your pain medicine. When to Call the DoctorContact your provider if:
ReferencesMurphy GA. Disorders of the hallux. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 82. Myerson MS, Kadakia AR. Management of complications after correction of hallux valgus. In: Myerson MS, Kadakia AR, eds. Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery: Management of Complications. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4. | |
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Review Date: 12/12/2022 Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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