At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide comprehensive care to support you both before and after surgery or procedure. Learn about Bunionectomy surgery, its procedure, recovery process, and rehabilitation. Find out how Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health can support your recovery after bunion surgery. Let us guide you through every step of your journey with personalised care and proven results.

Bunionectomy: Surgery, Recovery & Rehabilitation

What is a Bunionectomy?

A bunionectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a bunion, which is a bony protrusion that forms at the base of the big toe. This condition, known as hallux valgus, occurs when the big toe pushes toward the second toe, causing the joint to become swollen, red, and painful. A bunionectomy is typically recommended when conservative treatments, such as footwear adjustments, orthotics, and physiotherapy, fail to provide relief.

Reasons for Bunionectomy:

• Persistent pain or discomfort due to the bunion.

• Difficulty finding comfortable shoes or walking due to the bunion.

• Decreased mobility or difficulty performing daily activities.

• Arthritis or joint damage in the big toe.

The Procedure

Preoperative Assessment:

• Before surgery, your surgeon will conduct a physical exam and request X-rays to assess the size and severity of the bunion.

• The surgeon will review your medical history to ensure you're fit for surgery, especially if you have other medical conditions that could affect healing.

During Surgery:

• A bunionectomy is typically performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case.

• The surgeon will make an incision over the bunion and remove the bony prominence. In some cases, the surgeon may also need to realign the bones of the toe or remove damaged tissue.

• There are various techniques for performing a bunionectomy, such as osteotomy (bone cutting), exostectomy(removal of the bony lump), and arthrodesis (joint fusion). The exact technique used will depend on the severity of the bunion and the patient's specific needs.

Postoperative Care:

• After surgery, your foot will be bandaged, and you may need to wear a special postoperative shoe to protect the foot and keep it in the proper position.

• You will be instructed to keep weight off the affected foot for several weeks to allow for healing. Crutches or a walking boot may be recommended during the initial recovery period.

• Pain management may involve prescription medications and anti-inflammatory drugs to manage discomfort and swelling.

Healing and Recovery Time

Initial Recovery (Weeks 1-2):

• For the first few weeks after surgery, you will need to rest the foot and avoid putting weight on it. You will likely be advised to use crutches or a walker to help you get around.

• Swelling and bruising are common and can be managed with ice packs and elevation.

• Pain management will be a key focus during this time, and your surgeon may prescribe medication to help control the pain.

Intermediate Recovery (Weeks 2-6):

• After about 2 weeks, the stitches may be removed (depending on the type of surgery), and you may be allowed to start partial weight-bearing using a walking boot or surgical shoe.

• You will also start gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness in the foot and ankle.

Full Recovery (3-6 Months):

• Full recovery typically takes 3-6 months. During this time, you can gradually return to normal walking, and low-impact activities may be introduced.

• High-impact activities, such as running or jumping, should generally be avoided for 6 months to allow full healing of the bones and joints.

Rehabilitation After Bunionectomy

Rehabilitation is essential to restoring mobility, strength, and function to your foot following bunionectomy surgery. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we offer a personalized rehabilitation program tailored to your specific needs to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.

Rehabilitation Phases:

1. Prehabilitation:

   • Prior to surgery, we can help you optimize your strength and flexibility with a series of foot and ankle exercises to prepare for the recovery process. This helps reduce the risk of stiffness and promotes a smoother recovery.

2. Phase 1: Early Recovery (Weeks 1-6)

   • After surgery, we focus on managing pain and swelling and begin restoring gentle range of motion in the foot and toes.

   • Early rehabilitation exercises will target improving circulation and reducing stiffness. We may also provide massage therapy to address swelling and improve healing.

3. Phase 2: Strengthening & Functional Rehabilitation (Weeks 6-12)

   • After about 6 weeks, we begin incorporating weight-bearing exercises, improving muscle strength, and gradually introducing more functional movements.

   • Exercises to restore balance, foot mobility, and gait mechanics will be a focus during this period.

4. Phase 3: Full Recovery & Return to Activity (3-6 Months)

   • Once your foot is fully healed, we will work on reintroducing low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking. These activities will help restore strength and flexibility.

   • After 6 months, we can reintroduce high-impact activities like running, once you’ve regained sufficient strength and mobility.

Rehabilitation Gym at Palms Physiotherapy:

• Our rehabilitation gym is equipped with specialized exercise equipment, balance tools, and foot and ankle supports to help you recover effectively after bunionectomy surgery.

• We provide one-on-one sessions tailored to your recovery needs, ensuring the best outcomes for your foot and overall mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to recover from bunionectomy surgery?

• Full recovery generally takes about 3-6 months, with most of the healing occurring in the first 2-3 months.

2. Will I be able to walk immediately after bunionectomy surgery?

• Initially, you will need to rest and avoid putting weight on the affected foot for about 2-6 weeks. Gradual weight-bearing will be allowed as the recovery progresses.

3. How can I reduce swelling after bunionectomy surgery?

• Elevation of the foot, ice packs, and compression bandages can help reduce swelling during the early stages of recovery.

4. Are there any risks associated with bunionectomy surgery?

• While bunionectomy surgery is generally safe, potential risks include infection, nerve damage, joint stiffness, and non-union of the bone. These risks can be minimized with proper surgical technique and post-operative care.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Can Help

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we specialize in providing expert post-surgery rehabilitation for bunionectomy patients. Our team of physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and rehabilitation specialists will guide you through each phase of recovery, from pain management and swelling control to full rehabilitation and return to activity.

We design personalized rehabilitation programs to help restore your mobility, strength, and function, using a variety of therapeutic techniques, exercises, and state-of-the-art equipment. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet with a smooth and effective recovery.

Additional Resources:

For more information on bunionectomy and related topics, please refer to the following reputable Australian resources:

• Better Health Channel - Bunion Surgery: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

• Australian Podiatry Association - Bunion Treatment: https://podiatry.org.au/

We look forward to supporting you on your recovery journey after bunionectomy surgery. Book your appointment today with Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health!