Your feet are one of your most precious commodities. Therefore, we understand it’s a difficult decision to make when contemplating surgery. The thought of a long recovery time can sway a patients decision. Traditional foot surgery is in the past and now we offer a better way to get rid of your bunionshammer toe, and heel spurs.

 

A bunion is a common foot condition that affects up to 25% of 18-to 65-year-olds and 40% of people over the age of 65.

Today, outpatient foot procedures are available. A lot of bunions no longer require a long recovery. Doctors have found amazing ways to keep people moving, even after foot surgery. Different surgeries require different recovery times.  Your procedure will depend on your specific case.

Post-Surgical Self-Care

For the first few days after surgery, you should keep your foot elevated and applying ice as your doctor recommends. You should keep your foot dry and stay off your feet for 3 to 5 days after your surgery. You should use a walker, cane, knee scooter or crutches to get around. Follow your doctor’s recommendations exactly for any medications you have been given after surgery. You should expect swelling and some pain after surgery. If you experience pain out of proportion, don’t hesitate to contact the office.

Signs of Infection

Be alert for signs of infection, which can include fever, chills, and a feeling of persistent heat or warmth in the affected foot. Persistent or worsening pain can also be a sign of infection, as can a swelling in the calf of the affected foot.

Later Recovery

After the dressings are removed, you can return to wearing shoes once your doctor gives you the okay. Most patient’s sutures are removed 2-3 weeks after surgery. Dr. Butler at Cornerstone Foot and Ankle notes that 60 percent of patients will be able to resume wearing shoes in 6 weeks, with 90 percent able to wear shoes at 8 weeks after surgery. Cornerstone Foot and Ankle recommends wearing athletic shoes or soft moccasin or oxford-type footwear, and gradually putting more weight on your foot and walking farther as your incision heals. Do not wear high heels. You should also wait 1 to 2 months to begin driving again, and refrain from driving until you feel confident that you can come to an emergency stop.

Untreated bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoeArthritis and bursitis may also develop in the joint area. Wearing properly fitting, supportive footwear or custom orthotics is a good way to prevent or slow down bunions. If you think you may have a bunion seeking early medical attention is your best bet. If this described your condition you are in luck! Cornerstone Foot & Ankle offers a variety of treatments to get you back on your feet. 

Cornerstone Foot & Ankle is a full service foot and ankle specialty office with locations in SewellCherry HillMarltonMt. Holly, and Glassboro; serving the South Jersey region. We offer a full suite of services including surgeryfracture carefungal nail carediabetic foot carepediatric podiatrycustom braces and orthotics, wound care, limb salvage, and treatments for arch pain, heel pain, and sports injuries; just to name a few. If it hurts below your knee, we can help you!  CALL NOW or request your appointment online TODAY!

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