You have to keep in mind that your recovery will depend on what kind of bunion surgery you have. Some people are fortunate enough to have the excess bone from their Tailor's bunion shaved down and their recovery time is much quicker. I had a bunionectomy one month ago. My surgery involved sawing the bone in half, screwing it to another bone, and having the excess bone shaved off. My feet weren't hideous, but some shoes caused painful irritation and it I didn't like how it looked. The decision to have the surgery was mostly cosmetic. I estimate my total recovery time will be 11-12 weeks.
When you have a bunionectomy on your little toe (the one that involves sawing the bone in half,) you'll need to add several weeks (or months) to a normal bunionectomy recovery time. Because that baby toe bone is so small, most doctors have no choice but to saw the bone right down the middle. Doctors try to avoid cutting the bone right in the middle because there is a 20% chance that the bone will never heal. That percentage is high, so you should really think seriously about that before having surgery.
So far, so good on my recovery. Like most people, it's more about inconvenience than pain. The absolute worst part about the surgery was the pain medication. Vicodin and Darvocet are both too strong for me and I spent the 2 days after my surgery violently vomiting. I finally stopped all pain meds on day 3 and except an occasional Motrin or Advil, I haven't needed any meds. I found out after the fact that 50% of patients can't handle strong pain medication, and doctors can prescribe an anti-nausea medication with the pain medication that should help. I plan to do my other foot in a few months, so that's good to know.
Back to my recovery. I left the hospital with a big foot bandage and a black foot shoe. I didn't have to ice it. I was on crutches for a little less than 2 weeks. (my doctor said I could walk on it as soon as it felt good; "Listen to God" is what he told me. If it hurts, don't walk on it.) After 10 days I had 12 stitches removed and steri-strip bandages put in their place and my foot was re-wrapped. I've had 2 of 6 weekly re-wraps (because you wear the bandage down by walking on it). Next week the steri-strips come off and my foot gets re-wrapped. In another two weeks my doctor will take more xrays. He said he hopes to see some bone healing by that point. Because of the risk of cutting my bone where he did, my doctor wants me to be extra cautious. The doctor hopes I'll be able to get the bandages off for good in week 7, but I was told I'll have the boot on for an additional 4 weeks after that.
So far it's been worth it. The worst pain I've experienced was the 2nd or 3rd day. I was told to get blood-flow to my foot, so I needed to lower it every now and then from it's elevated status. When the blood hits your foot, it feels like a bunch of pin pricks...or stabbing. That lasted about 10 minutes. It wasn't too bad, but you'll feel it. The only reason you don't feel it on day 1 or most of day 2 is because you foot will likely still be numb from the surgery.
The only other tips I can think of....get a pedicure before you do it. Your toes will be on display for weeks. :-) And I still haven't been able to get my foot wet. A bread bag and rubber bands are good if you just try to keep your foot out of the tub. If you try to shower with your foot covered, you'll need at least 3 bag layers and I put a folded washcloth around my leg (inside a bag) to soak up any water that does get in, and it inevitably does. It's a huge pain-in-the-butt. **If anybody has other suggestions on how to keep your foot dry, I'd love to hear 'em.
Everybody recovers different, so be sure to ask your doctor what to expect. I'd be happy to answer any other questions, so feel free to ask away...
When you have a bunionectomy on your little toe (the one that involves sawing the bone in half,) you'll need to add several weeks (or months) to a normal bunionectomy recovery time. Because that baby toe bone is so small, most doctors have no choice but to saw the bone right down the middle. Doctors try to avoid cutting the bone right in the middle because there is a 20% chance that the bone will never heal. That percentage is high, so you should really think seriously about that before having surgery.
So far, so good on my recovery. Like most people, it's more about inconvenience than pain. The absolute worst part about the surgery was the pain medication. Vicodin and Darvocet are both too strong for me and I spent the 2 days after my surgery violently vomiting. I finally stopped all pain meds on day 3 and except an occasional Motrin or Advil, I haven't needed any meds. I found out after the fact that 50% of patients can't handle strong pain medication, and doctors can prescribe an anti-nausea medication with the pain medication that should help. I plan to do my other foot in a few months, so that's good to know.
Back to my recovery. I left the hospital with a big foot bandage and a black foot shoe. I didn't have to ice it. I was on crutches for a little less than 2 weeks. (my doctor said I could walk on it as soon as it felt good; "Listen to God" is what he told me. If it hurts, don't walk on it.) After 10 days I had 12 stitches removed and steri-strip bandages put in their place and my foot was re-wrapped. I've had 2 of 6 weekly re-wraps (because you wear the bandage down by walking on it). Next week the steri-strips come off and my foot gets re-wrapped. In another two weeks my doctor will take more xrays. He said he hopes to see some bone healing by that point. Because of the risk of cutting my bone where he did, my doctor wants me to be extra cautious. The doctor hopes I'll be able to get the bandages off for good in week 7, but I was told I'll have the boot on for an additional 4 weeks after that.
So far it's been worth it. The worst pain I've experienced was the 2nd or 3rd day. I was told to get blood-flow to my foot, so I needed to lower it every now and then from it's elevated status. When the blood hits your foot, it feels like a bunch of pin pricks...or stabbing. That lasted about 10 minutes. It wasn't too bad, but you'll feel it. The only reason you don't feel it on day 1 or most of day 2 is because you foot will likely still be numb from the surgery.
The only other tips I can think of....get a pedicure before you do it. Your toes will be on display for weeks. :-) And I still haven't been able to get my foot wet. A bread bag and rubber bands are good if you just try to keep your foot out of the tub. If you try to shower with your foot covered, you'll need at least 3 bag layers and I put a folded washcloth around my leg (inside a bag) to soak up any water that does get in, and it inevitably does. It's a huge pain-in-the-butt. **If anybody has other suggestions on how to keep your foot dry, I'd love to hear 'em.
Everybody recovers different, so be sure to ask your doctor what to expect. I'd be happy to answer any other questions, so feel free to ask away...
Came across this site, and it had caught my eye; had me reading about everyone's bunionectomy surgery outcome. I am curious myself, I'll be having my bunionectomy done next week January 23rd, I don't know how I will feel but after reading these posts explains what I wanted to find out.
First time I finally went to the foot doctor about my left foot pain, I actually thought it had to be arthritis or maybe gout. Turned out it's a Tailor's bunion and I never heard of a bunion on the pinky side of the feet o.O Until this. I had dealt with this annoying pain for so long, and finding shoes to fit me was torture, the foot doctor told me me my foot shape is wide feet in front, narrow heels in back. I have to wear wide width shoes.
Cannot wear narrow toe box, etc. This way the front of my feet won't irritate the big toe and pinky toe.
Anyway, I'll be getting ready for my pre-op, pre-admitting next week and the foot doctor had explained to me that he will be removing the bone and putting in screws/pins. I know now about the recovery time, at least I know what will be expected :-)
First time I finally went to the foot doctor about my left foot pain, I actually thought it had to be arthritis or maybe gout. Turned out it's a Tailor's bunion and I never heard of a bunion on the pinky side of the feet o.O Until this. I had dealt with this annoying pain for so long, and finding shoes to fit me was torture, the foot doctor told me me my foot shape is wide feet in front, narrow heels in back. I have to wear wide width shoes.
Cannot wear narrow toe box, etc. This way the front of my feet won't irritate the big toe and pinky toe.
Anyway, I'll be getting ready for my pre-op, pre-admitting next week and the foot doctor had explained to me that he will be removing the bone and putting in screws/pins. I know now about the recovery time, at least I know what will be expected :-)
Hi everyone,
I am writing again after having bunionette surgery (osteotomy) on 11/3/08. I had a post-op checkup and xray last month and was told that my recovery was going perfectly and I should expect to be back to "normal" around the first week of February (3 months after surgery).
Well that 3 month anniversary is fast approaching and I honestly don't believe I will be able to run and wear high heels in less than three weeks. I am still only able to wear a pair of very soft leather shoes with a lot of "give" -- the area where the bone was broken is still so swollen! I am keeping my fingers crossed that there isn't a snowstorm in my city because I can't get my foot into my snow boots (and I love snow). I have what is supposed to be my final post-op appointment in 11 days so I guess I will have to wait and see what my doctor has to say.
So from what she said, and what everyone else is posting -- I am concerned. I should be almost completely healed by now, and I'm not. I also still have to wear a compression dressing (tape or ace bandage) or else my whole forefoot is swollen by the end of the day.
I am sitting at a desk for most of the day and I am honestly not on my feet too much. I am also young and healthy so I don't know why I'm not all better yet. I haven't worn heels (my footwear of choice, hence the surgery...) or done any vigorous walking/exercising since early November.
Has anyone had a similar experience? Am I just overreacting? Thanks!
I am writing again after having bunionette surgery (osteotomy) on 11/3/08. I had a post-op checkup and xray last month and was told that my recovery was going perfectly and I should expect to be back to "normal" around the first week of February (3 months after surgery).
Well that 3 month anniversary is fast approaching and I honestly don't believe I will be able to run and wear high heels in less than three weeks. I am still only able to wear a pair of very soft leather shoes with a lot of "give" -- the area where the bone was broken is still so swollen! I am keeping my fingers crossed that there isn't a snowstorm in my city because I can't get my foot into my snow boots (and I love snow). I have what is supposed to be my final post-op appointment in 11 days so I guess I will have to wait and see what my doctor has to say.
So from what she said, and what everyone else is posting -- I am concerned. I should be almost completely healed by now, and I'm not. I also still have to wear a compression dressing (tape or ace bandage) or else my whole forefoot is swollen by the end of the day.
I am sitting at a desk for most of the day and I am honestly not on my feet too much. I am also young and healthy so I don't know why I'm not all better yet. I haven't worn heels (my footwear of choice, hence the surgery...) or done any vigorous walking/exercising since early November.
Has anyone had a similar experience? Am I just overreacting? Thanks!
So I am twenty years old and just had my SECOND bunionectomy a week ago. My doctor told me that I have the biggest one he has ever seen in 25 years. GREAT! I had my first one done on my right foot when I was just 14 years old, my mom MADE me do it during spring break!!! So of course like a week after my first surgery I was out and about with my friends clutching around everywhere!!! Right now, a week later I have no idea how I ever got off my couch to do anything. I am still experiencing pain, more so in the evening before I go to bed and it is STILL throbbing in the morning when I wake up. I got to see it the other day and it looks awesome though so the pain is DEFINITELY worth being able to wear whatever shoes I want!!!
Hi
My name is Mishel. I am have a tailor's bunion removed the day after tomorrow. I was told I would not need any screws or pins. The doc said, he is just going to be filing the bone done and closing up the skin. Can anyone tell me what the recovery will be like. I am having it done on my right foot, can I drive? PLEASE HELP!!
My name is Mishel. I am have a tailor's bunion removed the day after tomorrow. I was told I would not need any screws or pins. The doc said, he is just going to be filing the bone done and closing up the skin. Can anyone tell me what the recovery will be like. I am having it done on my right foot, can I drive? PLEASE HELP!!
im getting tailor bunioun surgery next week i am told that he is going to break my big toe in a V and realign it then pull my tendent tighter to keep the big toe straight and file down my bunion :-(....how long will i be on crutches for??
I had a tailor's bunionectomy appx. 6 mos ago. The doc fixed the bunion, however he did have to break the 5th metatarsal bone and realign. I have a screw where he realigned the bone. I still have some pain when I walk alot. Most of the time it doesn't bother me, but if I walk in excessive amounts, it will start hurting. This is just my experience and I know everyone is different with healing, just hang in there. Mine has taken a long time to feel better, but that could also be due to the fact that I have had 3 other surgeries on this foot too! Just have to take it easy for a while on the ole foot!
I got my bunionectomy 2 weeks ago and I am 18 years old. I was put under general anesthesia during the process so I was fully sedated. Completely knocked out cold without feeling a thing. My bone was cut and shaved down on both sides near my big toe and pinky toe with screws to hold the bones in place. The first 3 days my foot was completely numb so it was relatively comfortable keeping my foot elevated with ice. After that I began to get feeling back little by little. When I would put my foot down to go to the bathroom, it felt very uncomfortable. The blood rushing down would hurt therefore I tried to get my foot elevated again as soon as possible. After the first week that discomfort with the blood flow ended. Week 2, my internal stitches were cut and the pain after that was unbearable for the rest of the day. Even with my medication (Dicoflen and Cefadroxil), the pain did not go away until the next day. This by far was the most painful day of my recovery process which is not bad. When I would bathe, I just put a regular shopping bag over the foot with surgical tape to avoid any water getting in and sit on a stool in the tub with a large cup pouring water over me. Very easy, I do it alone. I am on crutches and will not be able to walk on it until another 4 weeks, and I am 2 weeks in so far. It kind of sucks being in bed all day but it’s better than having 2 enormous painful bunions on each side of your foot for the rest of your life. When I am done with my healing process I will update everyone!
I'm 15 and i developed tailors bunions within the past year due to unethnical orthotics. I went to the podiatrist and they had told me that the bunions had about 40 years of growth in a years time. I had surgery on my feet to have both of my tailors buions removed two days ago. At first, i didn't experience any kind of pain until the day after. I'm now in excruciating pain but i'm on pain killers, they seem to help a little as for dulling the pain. But the pain killers have also given me some nasty side effects such as itchiness, the feeling of being over-heated, dizziness, as well as a stomach ache and vomiting. As for the surgery, it went extremely well and i'm excited to see what my feet will look like after they are fully recovered. At this point, both of my feet are swollen, black and blue and it feels as if the stitches are going to come out when i put pressure on my foot. It is as hard to walk as anyone could imagine. I'm confined to my bed except when needed to use the restroom. I'm using a walker but i would rather use a wheelchair. I am also still bleeding through the dressing that they've put on. In the end, i'm sure it'll be worth it though.
Hi,
I had surgery for a tailor's bunion on June 12, 2009. I was only supposed to be out of work for a week & in a surgical boot for 6-8 weeks. Well, I was out of work 2 weeks and was just put in a hard cast today for 4-6 weeks. Aparently, there is some "seperation" of the bone and one of the pins has moved. The doctor is hoping that the cast will help the bone fuse together. I have no feeling at the base of my little toe & therefore have no pain.
I had surgery for a tailor's bunion on June 12, 2009. I was only supposed to be out of work for a week & in a surgical boot for 6-8 weeks. Well, I was out of work 2 weeks and was just put in a hard cast today for 4-6 weeks. Aparently, there is some "seperation" of the bone and one of the pins has moved. The doctor is hoping that the cast will help the bone fuse together. I have no feeling at the base of my little toe & therefore have no pain.
I had surgery nearly 3 weeks ago on my left foot. Had a Tailor's bunion on and had the bone realigned and pinned. I was under general anesthesia and didn't feel a thing. It was day surgery, so was home the same day. Was put in a boot and was allowed to walk to the restroom and to eat. I climbed the stairs to go to bed. Not a lot of pain and the painkillers worked well. My doctor would not give me crutches and told me I was not to walk on my foot except as necessary up to 2 hrs. per day. I was to keep it elevated the other 22 at hip level for 3 weeks. I only have 2 more days to go. That was the most difficult part. The swelling has nearly gone and I hope to be in shoes next week. I am a physical education teacher, have taken a short leave so I can give this the kind of time it needs to heal. I need to be able to be on my feet 7 to 8 hours a day and also be active. My doctor assures me I'll be good as new, start to finish in 6 weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed.
I have Just had surgery, 2 day's ago 16/09/09 on both little toes, pins in each toe. Not too painful, I need paracetamol every 4 hours ish and this does the trick. keep feet elevated. Just boring sitting all day with feet up! can walk about a bit loo etc. no cast just bandages.
Hope it works! as have had painful soft corns for years due to tailors bunions, so rather have a bit of pain now and have my problem fixed.
:-)
Hope it works! as have had painful soft corns for years due to tailors bunions, so rather have a bit of pain now and have my problem fixed.
:-)
I am 5 days post op. tailor bunionectomy. feet are feeling ok but my knees keep locking up on me. Is this from having feet elevated or just lack of movement? When i bend them and then go to straughten them they feel like they are tearing. Anyone else experience this.
Hi had my right foot bunion removed just over a week ago under local anaesthetic, not too painful to be honest.Worst bit is having to stay in all the time.I have them on both feet but will be getting one done at a time. I had some bone taken from my little toe also as it was turning 180 degrees.I ventured out today on crutches and that was hard work.I will definitely have the next op on my right foot when foot is fully recovered.They can be the cause of knee, hip , tibial band, and shin splint pains.
Hi
i have tailors bunions on both feet and im (hopefully) getting surgery on them this spring. I want to do them both separately because I think it would be easier with school and work and everything, but some people have told me to just do both at once and get it over with. what are your opinions?
and im wondering how quick i could get back to work after surgery.
i work at a daycare where im on my feet basically the entire time.
i have tailors bunions on both feet and im (hopefully) getting surgery on them this spring. I want to do them both separately because I think it would be easier with school and work and everything, but some people have told me to just do both at once and get it over with. what are your opinions?
and im wondering how quick i could get back to work after surgery.
i work at a daycare where im on my feet basically the entire time.