Following the right steps during bunionectomy recovery can make the difference between a fast, full recovery and a lifetime of wearing special shoes. Your range of motion is affected by the surgery, and has to be restored with specific, targeted exercises throughout the recovery. The precautions you take not only improve your longterm recovery, but can speed the process along by preventing infection or other complications. While a full recovery can take eight weeks or longer, you might be able to walk immediately after the surgery, although you'll need to wear proper shoes during this time.
Range of Motion Exercises
Range of motion exercises are essential in improving the long term outcome of your recovery. These exercises can reduce painful scarring, speed your recovery time and allow a wider range of shoe styles post-recovery. (CE: see reference 3) Consult your doctor about the proper times and techniques to observe during range of motion exercises, and inform your doctor immediately if you have any difficulty performing your exercises.
Exercise Timetable
Do not put strain on your foot by exercising or walking too much during the first two weeks of recovery. Rest and elevate your foot until the third week. During the third and fourth weeks, grasp the big toe and gently flex it upward as far as is comfortable, then hold it for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise three times, then flex it downward three times. Repeat this exercise three times daily. Increase this exercise to six times per day during the fifth and sixth week. By week seven, begin lifting your heal, keeping your big toe on the ground and using body weight to force flexing on the toe. Stand on your toes for 10 seconds, then relax. Because recovery times can vary, remain in touch with your physician for observation and advice during this period. (CE: see reference 3)
Crutches
While some patients may be able to walk immediately after surgery, (ref 1) you should generally rely on crutches to keep weight off of the affected foot. Your doctor may allow you to put some weight on it for balance, but your crutches will support most of your weight, most of the time. (CE: see reference 2)
Bathing
Avoid getting your foot wet throughout the entire recovery period unless your doctor allows it. Use of a shower bag or other tightly sealed waterproof bag will allow brief bathing, but avoid extended soaking or exposure to water. Do not go swimming or soak in a bath, hot tub or jacuzzi even if you have your foot covered, as prolonged exposure to water increases the chance of contact with water. (CE: see reference 2)
Side Effects
Check your temperature every day and examine your skin for redness or swelling. A fever or inflamed skin around the surgery area often indicate an infection, and you should alert your physician right away if these symptoms manifest. Cramps or difficulty breathing during recovery may also indicate a blood clot, which can cause other dangerous complications for you. While some blood may be visible on the dressing after surgery, continued or heavy bleeding are signs that you are not healing properly. If these symptoms appear, inform your doctor right away.
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