Three Practical Tips for Recovering after Bunion Surgical Treatment

Bunions occur when the joint at the bottom of the big toe becomes misaligned and deformed. This condition causes a bony protrusion to form and the big toe to point towards the other toes. In general, bunions can be managed through diverse methods such as using toe splints, doing foot exercises and using foot orthotics. However, if you want to permanently deal with the condition, surgical intervention is the best solution. The treatment will involve realigning the damaged toe joints. If you decide to go through with bunion surgery, use these simple tips for quick recovery.

Protect the Foot

You should protect your foot from pressure and stress after the bunion surgical treatment. This means that you might need to use crutches before your foot can heal enough for you to put weight on it. It is important to eliminate hazards around your house which can cause accidental trips when using crutches. Clear out some paths and remove the small throw rugs around the rooms. It is also advisable to avoid walking around unnecessarily to minimise the risk of foot strain. Keep everything within your reach.

Minimise Water Contact

Bunion surgical sites should not come into contact with water or moisture after the treatment. In general, the foot surgeon will dress the wound after realigning the affected bone and stitching the foot up. During the initial healing period, you should keep the dressing dry. When taking a shower or bathing, cover the dressing with a plastic bag. If your dressing does get soiled and detached from your foot, consult your doctor for guidance.

Check for Infection

Like other surgeries, bunion treatment presents some risk of wound infection. This problem occurs if the surgical area is not protected properly following the operation. You can prevent most infections by following the instructions provided by the doctor for protecting your foot. Also, you should take the prescribed medication as outlined. In addition, monitor your foot so that you will recognise the early signs of infection. For instance, if an infection occurs, you will feel the affected foot become hot, and there might be strange discharges. Moreover, you might suffer from chills and fever. If you notice any signs of infection, you should visit the doctor for immediate treatment before complications occur.

Finally, you should not neglect the follow-up appointments scheduled by your foot surgeon after bunion treatment. The doctor will confirm the correct alignment of your toe joint during these sessions. Additionally, they will provide advice on avoiding the recurrence of the condition. 


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