Bunion Surgery Information Sheet

What is Bunion Surgery?

  • The surgery involves either several small incisions on the inside of the foot or one long incision. Dr Graff usually performs this surgery wth keyhole.
  • The top of the bone near the bunion is cut, and the bump is shaved off.
  • The top of the bone is shifted and held with a rod or screws.
  • The bone in the toe (the phalanx) is usually cut and held with a screw.
  • Often the lesser toes (toes 2-5) may need a procedure as well
A person 's feet are standing on a purple yoga mat.

The Hospital Stay

  • You will wake up with bulky bandages and a Darco shoe.
  • Your foot will be elevated overnight, and you will have antibiotics.
  • You can walk on your foot the same day, but just for necessary things like going to the toilet. Otherwise, your foot will become swollen and painful.
  • You will need to take blood-thinning medication to prevent DVT and vitamin C to help with pain and wound healing.
  • You will likely be in hospital overnight.


‍When You Go Home

  • You will need medications for pain relief; regular paracetamol (2 tablets four times a day) is recommended, as well as strong painkillers, especially at night before bed. These can have side effects of drowsiness, nausea and constipation, and other tablets to help with these side effects may be required.
  • You will need to take antibiotics, blood thinners and vitamin C 1g daily as prescribed.
  • You will need a shower chair and bags to keep the dressings dry for the first 2-3 weeks.
  • Please leave all dressings intact until your appointment with Dr Graff.
  • You will need to wear the Darco Shoe for walking but can remove it for sleeping.
  • You will need to attend your post op appointment in 2-3 weeks, where the wounds will be checked

‍

Bunion Surgery Rehabilitation

All patients are different. These timelines are only guides; some patients may progress faster or slower than others. The rehab may also be slower if both feet have surgery simultaneously.


0 - 3 Weeks

  • You will be in a Darco shoe for walking; you can remove it for sleeping, resting and showering
  • You can weight bear in the Darco shoe but only for essential activities such as getting food or going to the toilet
  • You will need to keep the dressings intact until the post op reviiew
  • You will need to bag the foot for 2 weeks and keep the dressings intact; you may need a shower chair
  • Pain relief: Please take regular paracetamol with meals and before bed; stronger painkillers are often needed, especially before bed.
  • Please take antibiotics, blood thinners and vitamin C as prescribed


2 - 3 Weeks

  • Post-op appointment for a wound check and X-rays.
  • After this, showering is allowed (you may still benefit from a shower chair).
  • You will need to continue walking with the Darco Shoe but can remove it for showering and walking.
  • Physiotherapy can commence for range of motion exercises and static strengthening.


6 Weeks

  • Commence normal shoe wear if swelling allows this
  • Swelling may persist for up to 6-9 months
  • Increase strengthening and range of movement with physiotherapy


3 Months

  • You may continue to have swelling for several more months
  • The final results of surgery are felt 6-12 months postoperatively


When can I return to work?

  • Seated work at 2-4 weeks
  • Prolonged standing 12 weeks
  • Heavy labour work 4-6 months in supportive shoes/boots

‍

When can I drive?

  • Left foot: 2-3 weeks (if driving an automatic car)
  • Right foot: 4-6 weeks

‍

Bunion Surgery Risks

While the procedure is generally safe, potential risks include:

  • Anaesthetic problems
  • Wound/scar problems
  • Blood clots
  • Infection
  • Ongoing pain/swelling
  • Chronic regional pain syndrome
  • Nerve/vessel/tendon damage
  • Nonunion (the bones do not heal)
  • Malunion (the bones heal in the wrong position)
  • The need for further surgery


Contact Us

If you have any questions or problems, please contact