After your bunion surgery, your foot needs protection, elevation, and limited weight-bearing for a period of time. Moving around may feel slower or awkward at first, especially if you’re using crutches or a surgical shoe or boot.
While part of surgery recovery includes pain management and physical therapy, another (very important!) part includes home prep. Below, our team at Manhattan Podiatry Associates in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, New York City, shares four tips to get your home ready for bunion surgery recovery.
In the days leading up to your surgery, take time to prepare your home for your recovery. You should:
Before surgery, clear all walkways throughout your home:
Reducing tripping hazards is especially important when balance and mobility are limited. It also creates more space for you to maneuver around with crutches.
Designate a comfortable spot where you’ll spend most of your time during the first few days of recovery.
Your recovery station should include:
If possible, create this recovery station on your main floor to avoid unnecessary trips up the stairs. If stairs are unavoidable, for example, if you live in a condo or walkup without an elevator, plan to limit trips up and down as much as possible.
If you need to use stairs, take them slowly, use a handrail, and follow our team’s weight-bearing instructions. When in doubt, have someone assist you.
Simple tasks can feel harder right after surgery. Between discomfort and limited mobility, you should expect some changes to your routine for the first few days.
Consider:
Food tip: Researchers estimate that many people undergoing surgery only hit 36% of their protein needs. Since protein is necessary for healing, make sure your freezer meals and snacks contain plenty of protein.
Loose, comfortable clothing makes dressing easier after surgery. Slip-on shoes or sandals (for the nonsurgical foot) can help you get around safely. Consider buying wide-leg sweatpants (or snap-up pants) to accommodate any post-op dressings or boots.
As always, follow your Manhattan Podiatry Associates surgeon’s instructions closely regarding surgical footwear and weight-bearing limits.
Bunion surgery recovery takes time, and rest is part of the process. Build flexibility into your schedule, plan time off work if needed, and allow yourself space to heal without rushing.
That said, recovery after minimally invasive bunion surgery is often faster than with traditional open surgery. While you’ll still need to follow post-op instructions carefully, many people can return to light activities sooner than they expect.
If you have questions about your upcoming bunion surgery or would like to explore surgical options, call our location closest to you. Or book an appointment online today.
