As a podiatrist in Powder Springs, Dr. Alvin Cowans regularly performs foot surgery. From bunions to hammertoes, neuromas and more, many conditions require surgical correction. But what should you expect during recovery from foot surgery? Here's what you need to know.
A General Guide to Recovery from Foot Surgery ![surgical tools | Powder Springs podiatrist]()
Many factors affect the length and nature of your recovery from foot surgery. Your age, your specific procedure, and your underlying health can all impact how you feel after your procedure. If you have an operation involving bones in your foot or ankle, healing will take up to three months, and soft tissue procedures may result in longer healing times.
After your procedure, you will also need to keep weight off the affected foot for some period of time. In some cases, we may be able to have you walk while wearing a surgical boot, but in other instances, you'll need to keep all weight off the limb by using crutches or a knee scooter.
Of course, the number one question on everyone's mind is when you can resume your normal activities. And, once again, that timeline will depend on the nature of your procedure. However, most people will be able to resume normal activities within two months of their surgery, avoiding high-impact training for three months and sticking to sneakers or other supportive foot wear for that amount of time.
Surgery-Specific Recoveries
The time it takes you to recover from surgery depends on the specific procedure you undergo, and the method used to perform your procedure. Here in our Powder Springs podiatry practice, Dr. Cowans performs both minimially invasive surgery (MIS) and open surgery, and the approach used can also impact healing times.
Bunion Surgery
When you undergo an MIS bunion correction, smaller incisions and more precise tools can reduce your post-surgical pain and recovery time. If you aren't a candidate for MIS, or prefer a conventional surgical approach, your recovery could last up to 12 weeks. (Or longer, if we implant surgical plates or screws for stability.) During your recovery, you will have to keep weight off your foot for a certain period of time. However, if you choose open surgery, you will be less likely to experience a recurrence after your procedure.
Hammer Toes
If you develop a hammer toe deformity, you'll have a noticeable bend or curl in your toe that is difficult to straighten. In some cases, your toes may overlap. After undergoing a surgical correction for this deformity, you'll need about eight weeks of recovery, and should return to your full former activity levels within three months of your procedure.
What to Expect Each Week of Your Recovery from Foot Surgery
The first week after foot or ankle surgery will be the hardest. At this time, your pain will be most apparent, and you will likely be forced to have some down time, keeping weight off your affected limb. Set yourself up for success before your surgery: create a first-floor bedroom for yourself if you live in a home with multiple levels. Try to place important items in easy reach of your resting place. Fill all prescriptions for post-operative medications, and, if possible, tap a friend or loved one to be on call providing extra assistance this week.
Week 2-3
If you have a cast, stay diligent about keeping it clean and dry, and avoid using sharp objects to scratch the skin beneath. If your incision site is covered with dressings, follow all your post-operative care guidelines for cleaning and re-dressing the wound. During this time, you may be advised to begin physical therapy. Doing so can help you regain strength and mobility, and help your recovery progress at a faster pace. While your pain should be much improved by this point, Dr. Cowans can help you manage any lingering discomfort. You can also ask if laser therapy for pain can help speed up your recovery from foot surgery.
Two-Three Months into Recovery from Foot Surgery
At this point, you should be able to bear at least some weight on your affected foot or ankle. Our team will help you ease back into your former routines so that you can avoid reinjury during this time. We can also suggest strengthening exercises that will help you regain balance and rebuild your muscles to support your recovery.
During this time, you may need to return to the office for follow-up appointments. At these visits, we can monitor your progress and ensure that you're healing properly. That may mean ordering x-rays or MRIs to get a full picture of your recovery. By this time, your pain should be gone or almost gone. By sticking with physical therapy, making smart shoe choices, and listening to your body, you can keep building on your progress and getting back to your former self.
More Ways to Support Recovery
Clearly, coming back from foot surgery takes time. But you can partner with us to help reduce your down time. To begin with, follow all the post-operative instructions you receive. Keep all your follow up appointments, and rest and ice your foot whenever possible. Finally, if anything doesn't feel right during your recovery from foot surgery, call our office right away or click here to request an appointment.
