When is a good time for bunion surgery?
The best time to get bunion correction surgery is when you’re ready to commit through the healing period.
Healing time from bunion surgery will depend on
the type of bunion procedure performed (there are hundreds)
what was actually encountered during surgery (weak bones take longer to heal)
your physiology, diet, lifestyle & how closely you follow aftercare instructions
Breaking down the different types of bunion surgery, there are 5 main categories, ranging from least invasive (faster recover time) to major reconstruction, which include
shaving the bump
breaking bone and shifting it to a new position
joint replacement
fusing a joint
major reconstructive foot surgery in severe cases of flat foot, metatarsal adductus or other deformity
There are new advances with minimally invasive foot surgery (MIS) without hardware that reduce down time and pain with smaller incisions. These are appropriate for shaving the bump (ostectomy) and breaking the bone to shift it in a new position (osteotomy). You will be in a surgical shoe for about 2 weeks, and return to sensible tennis shoes at 4 weeks. You remain walking right after surgery.
Joint replacement requires removing the joint cartilage which is replaced by an implant to create a new joint. This may be offered for end stage arthritis like hallux rigidus or a large bunion deformity. Recovery time is similar to the above with you being able to walk in a protected surgical shoe for 1-2 weeks and when swelling has reduced to fit a sensible shoe at around 4 weeks.
Fusing a joint (Lapidus or first metatarsophalangeal joint) is appropriate when there is an unstable bunion or large deformity. Since this is where two bones must heal to become one and is supported with screws or plates, healing time is longer. Bone bridging (healing) starts around week 2 and can take up to 8 weeks or more to be stabilized without a cast or boot.
Major reconstructive foot surgery may be recommended if there are other influences to the bunion deformity, such as metatarsal adductus (where all the metatarsals are leaning towards the bunion) or flat feet. The more bones that need to be corrected, the higher the relative healing time. Healing time may take up to 3 months for major foot reconstruction.
What I normally tell my patients about when they should consider doing bunion surgery is never rush healing. That means do not schedule an elective surgery right before you have big commitments, travel plans or other obligations. Although complications from elective bunion surgery is rare, it is not impossible. You can improve your healing potential with rest, a clean diet and following instructions from your surgeon.
Accidents like tripping, falling, a dog or child landing on your foot is always possible and can delay healing. Infection, persistent pain, prolonged healing and revisional surgery are considerations in deciding on foot surgery. Consider your healing period as a mini-vacation for me-time.
Ultimately, you want to have a safe window to heal that doesn’t add stress in your healing journey. You certainly don’t want to wait on fixing foot pain so learn about your options by consulting with Dr. Tea.
