Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery - 10 Important Things for Recovery
Following a Lapiplasty bunion surgery, which involves removing a bone lump and straightening the big toe joint, expect initial pain and swelling. Over six weeks, these symptoms will diminish, but minor discomfort may persist for up to a year.
Wearing a cast or specialized shoe for three to six weeks is crucial to protect and align the toe, potentially longer in some cases. Stitches come out around two weeks post-surgery, while removable pins, if used, are typically removed in four to six weeks.
Keep in mind that individual recovery rates vary. To enhance your recovery, follow the recommended steps.
1. Avoid Pressure on the Toe After Surgery
Following the lapiplasty surgery, your foot will be bandaged to maintain the correct toe alignment, with dressings covering the wound and stitches. In some cases, your foot may be placed in a cast.
You'll be provided with a special shoe for walking during the initial weeks of bunion surgery recovery. These shoes are wide to reduce pressure on your foot and often feature a wedge under the heel to prevent weight on the front of your foot during the early stages of recovery.
2. Keep Your Feet Elevated
Elevating your foot is crucial post-bunion surgery lapiplasty. For a minimum of two weeks, keep it elevated to reduce swelling and pain. Prolonged dependency causes throbbing, swelling, and increased pain.
Position it above your groin to facilitate excess fluid drainage and ensure proper knee support to prevent soreness and stiffness. Whenever seated, maintain elevation. Remember that this may help your bunion surgery recovery time.
3. Try Walking
When you do need to walk, always wear the provided special shoe to protect your foot, and ensure that you're putting all your weight on the heel, avoiding the front of your foot.
During the initial phases of lapiplasty surgery recovery, limit your walking as it can exacerbate foot swelling when it's in a downward position.
Continue to use your crutches for the duration advised by your surgeon, typically around two weeks, but may extend to six weeks, depending on the specific surgery type.
Following this period, you can gradually increase the weight you put on your foot and the distance you walk as part of your foot surgery recovery.
4. Use Packs
Frequent use of ice packs during the initial weeks following lapiplasty 3D bunion correction surgery is beneficial for minimizing swelling and pain. It's essential to position the ice pack carefully to avoid applying pressure to the operated area.
5. Mind Your Diet
You can maintain your regular diet after bunion surgery. In case of stomach upset, go for low-fat, bland food like yogurt, toast, broiled chicken, and plain rice.
It's common to experience irregular bowel movements immediately after surgery. Consider taking a daily fiber supplement to prevent straining and constipation during bowel movements.
6. Keep the Dressing Clean
It's crucial to keep the dressings intact and dry during an initial couple of weeks after lapiplasty surgery until the stitches are removed. It is essential for correct wound healing and the correct toe alignment.
To ensure the wound and dressings stay dry, exercise caution when washing. You can use a waterproof plastic bag secured with waterproof tape while bathing or opt for strip washes.
Stitches and dressings are typically removed after two weeks, at which point it's safe to get the foot wet. However, depending on the type of operation, you may still require dressings or a cast to maintain toe alignment for a few additional weeks after bunion surgery recovery.
7. Follow Your Doctor’s Advice on Your Medication
Your doctor will provide the necessary medications to support your lapiplasty surgery recovery. It's crucial to take your painkillers as prescribed to manage pain effectively. You might also receive antibiotics to lower the risk of infection.
It's important to discuss any concerns about medications, especially those like aspirin that can increase the risk of bleeding, with your doctor and adhere to their guidance.
8. Exercise Regularly
Exercise plays a crucial role in bunion surgery recovery. The timing for starting these exercises may vary based on the surgery type, but your physical therapist will guide you. These exercises enhance foot and toe movement, flexibility, and strength.
Consistently following your exercise program is essential, as it helps prevent toe stiffness and ensures a successful lapiplasty surgery for bunions.
9. Only Drive When You Can
The timing for resuming driving after a bunion operation varies based on the surgery type and car you drive. If you have an automatic vehicle, allowing you to operate the pedals with your unoperated foot, you can typically start driving after a couple of weeks.
For other cars, you'll need to wait until you can bear total weight on your foot and perform an emergency stop, which generally takes 4-8 weeks.
It's essential to inform your insurance company about your operation before returning to driving to ensure the validity of your insurance coverage.
10. Follow Your Surgeon’s Advice About Resuming Work
When you can return to work after a lapiplasty surgery varies depending on your occupation. If you have a sedentary job that allows you to keep your foot elevated, returning to work at around six weeks may be possible if your bunion surgery recovery is progressing well.
For more physically demanding jobs, it may take up to three months before you can return to work. It's advisable to follow the guidance of your surgeon in determining the appropriate time to resume your work duties.
Work With the Best Foot Doctors
Don't let foot issues hold you back. At Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists, our dedicated team of foot specialists is ready to provide the care you need.
From lapiplasty bunion surgery to routine check-ups and everything in between, we've got your feet covered. Experience expert, compassionate care that puts you back on your feet quickly.
Take the initial step towards healthier, pain-free feet — schedule your appointment today and let us help you walk confidently again.