Today marks six months since my foot surgery. The bunion and bunionette (the small chic French bunion on my fifth toe) of my left foot were removed and the bony alignment corrected – at least, that’s what I think happened. I frankly didn’t want to know the specific details. Despite being a health professional (who considered taking medicine!!), despite studying anatomy and doing cadaver dissection in university (I mention this strictly for street cred), I didn’t want to think too much about what was being done to my own body; it was just too surreal.
I made the decision to get the surgery because my feet hurt constantly – no matter the shoe or activity. My bunions developed because of how my feet are designed – in short, genetics. That plus years of walking = bunions. Contrary to popular belief, they are not caused by poorly fitting shoes, at least not in my case.
It’s not a decision to be made lightly. I could care less how my feet look and looks alone are NOT a good reason to undergo this surgery – or any surgery if you ask me.
After the surgery, I spent 7 weeks in an air cast…
And I did my best to stay off my foot and let it heal…
This was a major adjustment. I’m not used to needing help and I’m not used to rest (though I certainly didn’t miss pants!). I thought I would accomplish all kinds of things during that time, and being a typical recovering type A, I wanted to excel at healing. That led me to push myself too much too soon and I paid for it in pain. Luckily I have amazing friends, including an experienced physiotherapist, who reassured me that everyone makes this mistake after ortho surgery. More importantly, she assured me that this common, seemingly mundane surgery was in fact a big deal and would take time to heal.
After the 4 week check-up, the surgeon taped an anchor to the proximal part of my foot and used that to tape my toes into position. For 3 days and 3 nights, I was in excruciating pain. I took as many meds as I was allowed and watched Netflix all day and all night to distract myself from the pain. It was about 2 in the morning when I finally decided enough was enough and I cut the damn tape.
After the pain of removing the stitches, I was TERRIFIED of getting that pin pulled at my 7-week check-up.
My nerves hit the roof when I arrived to the appointment only to discover that the surgeon had cancelled her clinic without notifying me. Needless to say, I was not impressed. I wanted out of that cast. I wanted that pin out! I was due to go on vacation with my family and had already camped once with the cast and didn’t want to do it again. Thankfully, another doctor came around, yanked the pin and sent me on my way. It didn’t hurt at all, I didn’t feel a thing!! Hallelujah!!
There was still a fair amount of recovery to go. There were scabs and dead skin and swelling and loss of muscle mass.
Sounds like a good reason to put my feet up and paint my nails!
I saw improvement bit by bit…
I have been going to physiotherapy for a few months to gain strength and range of motion (and chat with my Physio!) and have ordered orthotics to support my foot and prevent recurrence of the bunions. I had no sensation in my forefoot and big toe for months but it’s *almost* back to normal. My scars look pretty good, I rarely get swelling and can manage a few hours in heels!
My end goal is to be able to wear any shoe for any length of time with no more foot pain than any other woman in heels. If you’ve been following along with my thrift hauls, you know that I have been collecting shoes!
I might have to give up a few more pairs – time will tell. For now, I’m content to wait and build up my tolerance and ponder when I might get the right foot done!
Before
After
The difference is remarkable! (And time for a pedi I would say!) I have had bunion pain since I was 18 years old. It is quite something to be able to walk around in freedom from pain!
This might be more than you ever wanted to know about bunion surgery but it was a major part of my life this year and I think sharing my experience might help others that are considering surgery. Now let’s resume regular business and start looking at my face and thrifted outfits – much nicer than my feet!
54 Comments
oh wow! that is incredible!
to live in pain, especially foot pain, is torture!
glad they could do something to help you out–will you get the other side done??? or does it not hurt???
congrats on beautiful your beautiful foot!!!
hugs
su
Thanks Su! I will likely get the other side done but it’s my driving foot and I live rural and have to get my kids to school (no bussing). So I don’t know when! It hasn’t been hurting as much but I think that’s b/c I’m so much more cautious about my footwear and how long I’m on my feet. I will see how things go once I am fully into my regular shoes and regular activities.
Thanks for all the info. Had my surgery 5 wks ago. My surgical experience mirrors yours. Trying to do everything to minimize swelling.
I found it a surprisingly long recovery and you are exactly right that minimizing the swelling is directly linked to reducing pain. As an update, I have not noticed any significant regrowth of the bunion since my surgery and because I now mostly wear flat shoes, my right foot (still have the bunion on there) hasn’t had as much pain. I hope your healing is going well. Thanks for reading and commenting.
You should look into 3D bunion surgery or Lapiplasty. I just had it done and they offered a boot after 1week. If you need to drive they will let you by giving you a shoe, that you can use for driving.
Might be worth looking into. I wouldn’t go to a podiatrist, see an orthopedic surgeon like i did.
Thank you for the tip! I think options have improved even since when I did my left foot. If I end up doing my right foot, I will definitely take up these suggestions and FOR SURE I will only see an orthopedic surgeon, which is what I did in Canada for my left foot. I have some heart issues that need to be considered. Now in the US, the problem is that healthcare isn’t universal and we have a high deductible. Almost 3 years in and I still find the health care system here hard to navigate!
Thank you for sharing your journey. I just had a bunionectomy and felt bad about not wearing better shoes in my youth and am not looking forward to the upcoming pain. You’re inspiration and honesty is a big help!
Allison, Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I am glad you found this helpful. Do not feel bad about the shoes you wore – most of us did and many made out just fine because usually, it ain’t the shoes! It’s how our bodies are made. I’m happy to report that my bunion has NOT returned on my left foot and now that I wear sensible shoes most of the time, the right bunion rarely bothers me. I have considered getting it removed here in the US but not sure it’s worth it if it’s not causing me discomfort. Hope your healing is going well! Keep in mind the long term!!!
Thank you for sharing. Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your posts. I have to make sure I’m not drinking hot tea at the time because snorting can be very painful! God bless you!
Well thank YOU so much! You just made my day! God bless you back! 😉
Brava you for getting through it! That was some surgery.
Now to get ready for the other foot!!
I had bunion surgery a week ago. Because I am on Medicare, it should cost very little. I did the surgery because a lump on the top of my foot hurt. I have almost no pain. I just hope I can go back to walking 5 or. 6 miles a day. However, I have to have bunion surgery on the other foot first because of severe hammer toe. That one sounds more challenging. I wan to have it at Christmas so I don’t loose two summers of walking.
Thank you for your comment. How are you doing? I imagine it will be important to get into supportive running shoes with orthotics to prevent recurrence with so much walking. All in all, foot surgery is no small thing. It’s like any bone break – takes at least 6 weeks to recover.
Thank you so much for sharing! I just had my right foot done on November 30 and am having the Left Foot done on December 7.
I have to be ready to start a new job in February or Narch working 12 hour clinic shifts on the floor. I was able to take 3 months off right now to complete the surgeries and recover. Trust me…..it’s day 4 post op and I have already questioned my decision to complete the second foot right away!
Honestly, I don’t have a choice….it took me years to build up the paid time off for the surgery and it will be years before I can again. I’m in way too much pain (have been for 10 years) to continue my healthcare career if I do not have these corrected.
I look forward to seeing more of your journey to healing!
Thanks so much for reading! I hope your recovery from both surgeries is going well. I can’t imagine doing my other foot so soon after, and may not in fact do it at all since it’s my driving foot and I can’t go without driving for 6 weeks. Thankfully, my right foot is not causing me as much pain as my left did so I’m managing for now. It is not an easy surgery, that’s for sure. I’m 2 years out now and the bunion has not recurred and my left foot doesn’t have much pain. I’m glad I did it. I do have to make different footwear choices now – I rarely wear heels and when I do, I can only manage for short periods. I am glad I had the surgery done and glad it was done in Canada where it cost me NOTHING *and* I had 6 weeks of medical leave from work automatically. I couldn’t do this in the US, even with good health insurance. Hope you are well!
Hi! I so appreciate you telling your story, it’s really making me consider getting the surgery. I also live in Canada and did not realize that it was covered??? That’s amazing news!!! I was curious as to who your surgeon was and where you got it done, if you didn’t mind telling. Even if you could tell me through email! I’d like to look into it! 🙂
Hi Michelle, I am so sorry about the late reply. I returned to Canada for my Dad’s memorial service right after you commented and I am only now catching up. I had my surgery in Edmonton. Since it was not urgent, I did wait a while but the timing worked out well. I can’t remember the surgeon’s name – it can be performed at smaller hospitals but because I have a heart sitch, I had it done at the U of A Hospital just in case (I didn’t have any complications). I started looking into it when I found I would wake up and feel pain even though I had been off my feet all night. I went to my family doctor who referred me to ortho (which was a wait) and they just basically made sure it was a legit need due to pain and not a cosmetic thing and then I saw a second ortho doctor several months later and got my surgery date, which was delayed once and then happened a couple weeks later. I was off for 7 weeks and then went into summer break (I worked in the school system) otherwise I probably would have needed a few more weeks to be able to fully get around after my boot was off. The cost for everything was $0 which is astounding to me now that I live in the US and pay a $7K deductible every year in addition to monthly premiums. It is a deterrent to getting my other foot done. Sigh.
Hi there.
I’ve just had my big toe fused 5 weeks ago! I think the hardest part is the recovery even though being able to heel walk around the house helps a bit. You say that It might heal on week 6? Thats when Il be going to get my x rays to find out.
Colin
How are you healing up? Bones take at least 6 weeks to heal, often longer. The biggest thing is to be patient and keep moving (within what your doctors recommend). Many years later, I feel the whole ordeal was totally worth it!
Thank you for sharing your experience. It can be difficult to find information on how challenging this procedure TRULY is. I too had a bunion and a bunionette removed from my right foot, October 5, 2018.
I did have a question for you about the recovery. It has been a little over 3 months (14 weeks), since my surgery. (I just transitioned from a surgical boot to a shoe two weeks ago) My foot still looks and feels “bruised” and purple-ish, like my circulation is not back to normal.
Did you experience this? And if so, how long did it last? Any intel would be greatly appreciated!!
I stayed in my boot cast for 7 weeks I think then just wore adjustable sandals. My foot was too swollen to fit into any of my shoes. That summer after I got out of my cast, I moved very slowly. It took time to build up my strength for walking. I can’t recall exactly how long it took for skin colour to come back but longer than expected that’s for sure. I also had reduced sensation for a good year – so long I thought it was never going to come back, but it has. Perhaps most encouraging is that my bunion and bunionette have not recurred. I knew that could be a possibility since mine are caused by how my foot works. I have less tolerance for heels now but have found plenty of comfortable flats and low heels or wedges that I wear for special occasions or short periods. I’m glad I did the surgery. {But I’m not anxious to do the right foot!} Hope your recovery continues to go well and please get in touch again if you have more questions!
Thank you for sharing. I had surgery for Hallux Limitus (almost a bunion) in January 2019. I was in my boot for about 11 weeks and I also travelled twice, refusing to fly with the boot the second time. I have a pin in my left big toe but the foot is so much better. I, like you, was in constant pain no matter what shoe I wore and I love cute shoes and sneakers. Since I don’t do hurting feet and my job required me to be on my feet all day, I chose the surgery. My doctor is excellent but didn’t know I didn’t get crutches until my first visit. I bought a cane and made do OK. My left foot is also discolored still and it’s May 30th. It’s still darker than my right foot but the doc didn’t seem to have a problem with it. I still compress the foot daily. I will say that wearing the boot compromised my hips until I found a shoe the same height as the boot. The pin stays unless it causes me a problem. Your timeline is really nicely done and you are really funny. My foot is beautiful so I wish you blessings on the right foot surgery. I was jut curious to see if anyone else had the discoloration problem. Peace and blessings.
11 weeks is a long time in the boot! Glad you found a solution to make walking more comfortable. I had discolouration on my foot for well over a year but it seems to have diminished now – a few years later. I was terrified of getting my pin out but it ended up being painless – mine was sticking out though and had to come out. I don’t know if I’ll get the right foot done. The health care system is so different in the US so I would have to pay to have it done. In Canada, it cost me nothing, though I did wait because it was a non-essential surgery. Thank you for commenting and for your kind words! xoxo
Hi Nicole,
Thank you so much for writing about your bunion surgery. I just had the surgery two weeks ago and hearing others experiences are so helpful. I expected to get the stitches out today but it looks like they will stay for another two weeks.
I did see my “Franken-foot” when they removed the cast to take x-rays before re-casting it. It looked to be healing well, but pretty swollen. Were you afraid of stepping down on your foot when they finally put you in the boot? I think I’m going to be totally paranoid, not to mention weak. Ugh, my calf muscle has already shrunk so much!
Glad you surgery was a success and thanks again for sharing with everyone. It sure helps to know what the path forward will look like. Wishing you and your family a very happy 2019!
Jennifer
Thank you for your comment Jennifer! Heck yes I was scared to step down and probably guarded it too much throughout the whole recovery process. I had my boot on 7 weeks (I think, I can’t remember now) and had to ease back into activity once it was off. It took time and I continued using my crutches for a bit. I would get overly confident then overdo it and end up in pain so… err on the side of caution! It’s major surgery. I had the benefit of a good friend/fab PT so was able to get advice on how much to do. How are you doing now?!!
Thank you Nicole for your site. I had a large bunion on both pfeet and put off surgery for a long time. Doctor told me they were very large. She did my right foot Sept 20, 2018 and the left on Dec. 2018. (Same year so deducible on our health insurance was taken care of.) I had my boot on for 6 weeks night and day. IThere really wasn’t much pain at all for me.
I was lucky I had 2 boots at home so I washed the insert and switched back and forth. At my first week appointment it was just to look at the swelling. I did excellent! The second week after surgery appointment, I got the stitches out. This really made me emotional, but happy. I was glad you mentioned the reduced sensation and the fact it will return. I was wondering deep down if I’d ever be normal again. Both feet are heeling nice but there’s swelling still and I have to put my feet up because I overdo. Did I mention I have 6 screws and a metal plate the Dr. put in to hold the fusion? I have been lucky with my job and time off. I won’t go into detail but hope to be back by late March 2019. Thank you again and I hope your next foot gets fixed up and you do great!
You are brave to get both feet done so close together – makes sense now that I understand US health insurance deductibles. I would give yourself a good year to be fully back to normal. Bunion surgery IS major surgery and it takes time to recover – especially because rest off your feet is so hard to do in every day life! Best wishes for continued good recovery! Don’t push yourself too hard and come back here whenever you need encouragment!
I am so glad I stumbled on this blog post! I am 6 weeks and 3 days post-op from bunionectomy + bunionette-ectomy on my right foot and feeling frustrated at the slow progress of healing. I didn’t have an air cast, just a velcro-strapped surgical sandal. Doctor says I need to start bending my all toes when I walk and putting full weight on it now but my foot feels like a sausage that’s ready to split open when I do. It’s not terribly swollen though so that’s kinda weird. I can move my other toes a little bit without too much pai. but my big toe won’t listen to me! Does any of this relate to what you experienced?
I did post-op physiotherapy as soon as I was able to start – I can’t remember when exactly but shortly after I got my cast off. That helped me regain my mobility – and the PT measured my progress which was otherwise hard to see. I had reduced mobility and sensation in my big toe for months. I worked on walking with a normal gait so that I wouldn’t guard and end up with a maladaptive gait! PT helped with that too! That would be my best advice – go to PT! (hope it’s covered, in Canada, post-surgery PT is covered)
I am glad I stumbled upon your site. I am 6 weeks post surgery to remove 1 screw and 1 wire from bunion surgery I had 33 years ago. The wire did not heal inside the bone and I always had a bump that straps or even shoelaces would irritate. Now into my 60’s, bone loss, a fall last year all contributed to pain that over the course of one year became unbearable. I had the metal removed and my swelling and pain is similar to what I have read here. I am thankful to know it’s not abnormal to have so much swelling and bruising weeks after. I only remember the terrible pain when I had surgery 30 years ago. It definitely can be a life changer losing not just being able to walk but enduring the level of pain that disrupts your life. I knew there was a problem 30 years ago but only brought myself to get it fixed when pain was constant. Thank you Nicole and others who have shared here. It is altogether a different experience for each person and often the doctors are not always sympathetic. Best wishes to you all.
Thank you for your comment! I concur that the doctors are not always sympathetic; my surgeon wasn’t and she was well reputed. I kept thinking, they need a patient mentor! Someone who’s been through the experience and can support those who are not sure if what they’re experiencing is “normal” or not.
I’m sorry you had to go through a second surgery!! I was surprised how long it took to heal but I now realize it’s typical. So glad we can find a community of sorts and support one another! xoxo
Thanx for sharing I just got mine done in March. Tomorrow hopefully they will let me walk with the air cast. I’m going crazy it’s been 4 weeks.
Oh my! I was up and walking in the boot cast before 4 weeks. I can see how you would be going crazy!! Hang in there! One day soon this will all be behind you!! xoxo
Hi Nicole, I pretty much had the same foot surgery had, ten years ago. Unfortunately over time, the big toe ended up crossing over the second toe and causing a large bunion once again. So about 4 weeks ago I had a new procedure done to straighten the toe and fix the bunion. Check out Lapiplasty for bunions. My surgery was practically painless. No kidding. I need the other foot done too. So, I’m thinking next spring I will do that foot. Google it…Lapiplasty.
That is amazing! Thank you for sharing. I will look it up if I ever get the other foot done – but since I’m in the US now without Universal Health Care, I probably won’t – can’t afford it! Nonetheless, good to know! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Lapiplasty is the best!!
Wow yrs looks great, even with stiches inn looked better than mine ! My big toe is 1/2 in. Shoter, my stitches are on top, and my tailor bunion scar is 3xs longer than yrs! I definately got the short end of the stick on mine..it is ugly! Im 5 mnths post op. 7 mnths is my left ft. Surgery.what could be worse..best of luck and count yr blessings *
I am so sorry to hear that! I hope you are able to get proper medical or surgical care for the remaining issues. It’s too painful to go through and have a bad outcome. So sorry.
Thx for sharing I get my surgery done next week and I am kinda scared
I am a mother of 4 kids at home but all are in school during day and husband works so I hope I can do this
YOU CAN DO IT! Your kids will step up in the most amazing ways to help you and you will enter a lovely stage of enforced rest. I watched a lot of Instagram videos and read books and journalled. I would just kind of set myself up before anyone left so I had snacks and meds and drinks and remotes and chargers at hand – especially before I was able to bear weight on my boot cast. It’s a change of pace but in retrospect it was a gift. Hope the surgery went well and you are well on your way to recovery!! Cheering you on!! xoxo
Thank you for sharing your journey. I am 7 weeks post op and still in boot. It is reassuring to see your outcomes and how similar your pictures are. Hope you are still doing well. I did right foot first. Need to do left as well. Will wait and see how things go. Best wishes.
Hang in there! Left will be easier because you’ll be able to drive!!! It’s not an easy recovery. I wish you well! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi!
I just had the latest bunion procedure (lapiplasty) and am in an aircast 2 weeks post op (walking on it) and have had zero pain. I highly recommend the lapiplasty procedure which is more precise than the lapidus procedure used and restore normal foot anatomy. I’ve had bunions since I was 10 as I inherited my grandmothers flat feet. I’m now 39 with two small children and opted for the more advanced procedure as it’s biggest features are restore anatomy and rapid weight bearing.
That is good to know! I will have to consider it for my right foot if I ever get it done!
I am so glad you have this blog, I was reading up on various reviews on bunion surgery and I enjoyed reading your story. I also just had the Lapiplasty 3D surgery 2 weeks ago today. Best thing I have done! I also have bunions and the left foot was in constant pain. I feel great, I had my surgery on Wednesday and was back at work on Monday. I was walking in my boot on Saturday and had minimal pain. I have to wear the boot for 4 weeks more then to a tennis shoe. They gave a nerve block that lasts for a good 24 hours and the procedure was about 1 1/2 hours out patient. I am so happy I did it, my other foot isn’t in pain so no need until it’s needed . If you do consider your other foot, I would recommend this surgery. I don’t think I would have done the traditional surgery if that was the only option…….Eeeek!
Wow! That is a quick recovery! I’m so glad to hear it! I too am so happy I did it. Even though I experience a fair amount of pain and recovery time, it was still worth it. But if I ever do my right foot, it will be a different story!! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Thanks for sharing!! I go under the knife in a few weeks fir this and an accessory bone removal. Your experience is very helpful AND encouraging. Thanks!!
Good luck to you! It was quite an experience but many years later, my bunion and bunionette have NOT regrown and I have little to no pain in that foot. It was well worth it. I hope you have a successful surgery and recover quickly!
I had bunion and hammertoe surgery Nov. 5 2019. It is now four and a half months later. The toe doesn’t hurt at all. The problem I am experiencing is the top of my foot really hurts. I try icing it, but the swelling doesn’t go down. My surgeon is 1000 miles away, so can’t see him. Do you think walking should be limited?
I’m so sorry I missed your question. How did things turn out with the top of your foot? I would think a visit to a local physician would be in order if you are experiencing significant pain so long after surgery. I will say that my foot took a good year for swelling to completely go away and full sensation to return. Hope the problem has resolved by now! Thank you for reading!
Hi,
I had bunion surgery March 2020 it’s been 6 months now and l still can’t put shoes on. I still have alot of swelling still angry l did both feet. Right foot very happy but the left foot my big toe started drifting back. I have also noticed that my second toes are lifted is that normal during the healing process also they’re causing some discomfort like burning pain.
Hi,
I had bunion surgery March 2020 it’s been 6 months now and l still can’t put shoes on. I still have alot of swelling still angry l did both feet. Right foot very happy but the left foot my big toe started drifting back. I have also noticed that my second toes are lifted is that normal during the healing process also they’re causing some discomfort like burning pain.
It can take a while for the swelling to go down. It definitely took me a long time before I could wear my regular shoes. If your toes are starting to drift, I would suggest a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. I wonder if you need some foot orthotics? I was warned that they could regrow but I haven’t noticed any drift or regrowth on my foot. Hoping it all resolved for you!!!