What Happens 3 Weeks After Bunion Surgery with Dr Ozan Amir (Podiatric surgeon).

Disclaimer: There are many types of bunion surgeries. The video applies to the Chevron bunionectomy and the are protocols are specific to myself. Other surgeons may perform alternate procedures and have their own post operative instructions.
3 week post-operative appointment after bunion surgery is important.
In this video we go through this process with a patient.
_________________________________
Dr. Ozan Amir is a Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgeon based in Sydney Australia.
Specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. Specialist in reconstructive Foot and Ankle no surgery, including bunion surgery, hammertoe surgery flatfoot surgery, neuroma surgery, ingrown toenail surgery, removal of plantar warts, Haglunds deformity, Achilles Tendon surgery, minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery.
www.podiatricsurgerycentre.com.au

[@bsantiago945]

This should have a disclaimer stating that it does not apply to all bunion surgeries . Surgeries are different, cases are different and we all are individually different on how slow or fast we recuperate. Follow your doctors instructions and if you have questions call the office. I had a minimal invasive surgery but I’m on a boot for outside walking or the medical shoe for inside walking. Bear weight as tolerated. I’m instructed to wear this boot untilI my next appointment. I’m on 3rd week almost 4th. Next appointment in a month. So as you can see is not one size fits all. Please be safe.

[@patriciamahanrecker4556]

This has helped me SO much! I'm two weeks into this surgery, and I had no idea what to expect.

[@kw8532]

Thank you. I had bunion surgery with additional pins placed to correct my big toe as well. I was not given any instruction or PT on how to resume walking. I have not walked comfortably in the 5 months since surgery so I’m looking forward to trying this.

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi KW, I hope the taping and range of motion exercises help. If you are still struggling, an appointment with your surgeon to evaluate you progress would be recommended.

[@carolinalopez3648]

Same here. On my first surgery March 30/ 22 my last 3 toes were mostly numb, one of the screws or pin never correct an area( I think that was bad practice) they repeat my surgery to correct the mistake. I’m just 3 weeks from my second surgery. I found this information very helpful since I was never recommend PT.

[@jbrenesm]

Hi Doctor, im 2.5 weeks post op. I had a SERI procedure so i still have the kirschner wires in each side. I notice one was inserted in a higher position then the other one and is changing the alignment of the big toes (one is more straight than the other one). Im trying to align them when im doing the wrapping (one pulled to inside more than the other one). Do you think that helps? I believe it is still fresh and the wrapping will be the one defining where are they going to stay. Any feedback will be much appreciated. Thanks!

[@helpwitheverything]

What is the minimum amount of time where you would remove the single screw?

[@nameisprivate5429]

I need this surgery…..I went in my 20’s and the doc told me to come back when I was older. Well….i sure wish he’d done it in my 20’s. Mine is congenital so it was only ever going to get worse. I’m having spinal surgery tomorrow. I plan to get this foot surgery in the fall since I will have met my insurance deductible and won’t have any copay’s.

[@sarahrogers6659]

I had my bunion op done 2 weeks ago. Had the stitches out last week and was over the moon with the result. Have to wear a shoe for another 4 weeks. Haven’t had any pain what so ever . Just mustn’t put pressure on my toes until I see the surgeon next month for check up.

[@habenghebregergish3823]

This is good to hear! My surgery is on Friday! I’m nervous

[@sarahrogers6659]

@@habenghebregergish3823 Don’t be scared it will be fine. Good luck.

[@arc6100]

@@habenghebregergish3823 how did your surgery go? I just had mine last week

[@SherrelleWright]

@@habenghebregergish3823 how did everything go?

[@sohazafar8066]

Is it pain full surgery i have a bunion

[@kelleywyskiel3478]

Just wow that foot looks amazing. Mine actually looks worse than before the surgery. On both sides, big and little toe. I’m two surgeries in and refusing more because each one looks more deformed bunion that what I walked in with. But this is helpful because the range of motion wasn’t explained this well, just hold your big toe and move it a few times a day, wear danced pads and spacers. But Anyway Thank you this is helpful

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, I'm happy you've found the vid useful. Sorry to hear the surgeries didn't end up being successful.

[@susanvaughn8234]

I’m 23 days postoperative I go for my visit this Friday or will be 25 days. I am walking around in the boot and used to it with minimal pain just itchy healing incision. My doc told me to keep the boot on for 8 weeks

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi Susan, there are many different surgical techniques for bunion surgery. A few of them require a boot to be worn for a longer period to allow proper bone healing.

[@dharmendra00574]

Can I join into army after bunion surgery? Anyone reply me

[@vertriciaburgess2551]

I had bunion surgery with hammer toe repair. June 1 ,2022 and I was in a cast for 6weeks followed by a air cast boot my ankle was so swollen. Now I just came out of physical therapy been there since September 6 weeks and 6more afterwards then an extra 4 weeks. Leg has no feeling down it along with the toes everything is painful, ankle, toes and foot. I have a doctors appointment on 12th January 2023 to determine what is wrong with my leg and foot and toes.

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi Vertricia, there are a few bunion correction procedures that require cast immobilisation. If the bones have healed, it's possible the pain you are experiencing, even at sites that weren't operated on, could be nerve related. You're surgeon will be able to evaluate this.

[@cicliolmo7152]

Hello Dr Amir - will I be able to manage alone once I get home post-surgery ? Or will I need some sort of assistance from someone for a couple weeks ?

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, it is best that someone stays with you for at least a few days. You will be recovering from the anaesthetic and will find it a bit hard to move around, so having someone with you is best. If they can stay with you for a couple of weeks, then this is even better.

[@maia3790]

I wish I could of had both of mine done at the same time

[@tammylombard]

That's what I said.

[@ninang_nursie4134]

Hi Doc I had bunion surgery post op 7 weeks .. my question how long can I tape my affected foot .. my big toe not perfectly straight like your patient.

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, I sometimes will get patients to tape for 12 weeks post op, so give it a try.

[@ninang_nursie4134]

@@DrOzanAmir thank you !!

[@Ejay3887]

It’s 3 weeks now for me and I’m trying to move my thumb but it still causes a good amount of pain near my bunion, I’m also still kinda bruised and my foot is still feeling sensitive.

[@DrOzanAmir]

It is normal to still experience stiffness and pain at week 3 in and around the joint. I ask patients to contact me if the pain or swelling feels excessive so I can have a look and have xrays taken.

[@alemzewdholsey248]

Hello Dr Amir how many weeks or months do I need to recover because I’m planning to get surgery in few months

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, it will depend on the type of bunion procedure you are having performed and if you have any issues that may delay healing. For the Chevron bunionectomy patients are back in a jogging shoe around 3 weeks after surgery, however the bone won't be fully healed until week 7 and the surrounding soft tissue till week 12. There is continued healing even for 12 months after surgery.

[@alemzewdholsey248]

Thank you Dr Amir

[@happydrawing7776]

It's been 2 months since I got bunion surgery, I don't feel any pain right now, can I walk without a walker.

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, it is best to confirm with your surgeon as he/she will know how your bones and soft tissue are healing. It is a good sign that you are not in pain.

[@leevize6045]

I came out of surgery with a numb great toe. 4 months later it is just the same; numb 😢

[@princessjulia5646]

I have two very painful bunions but i am 66 year's old abd enjoy the gym and walking. I want to have them removed any suggestions of a brillant surgeon in U.K.. thanknyou

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, yes I have a few colleagues in the UK. Please look up Podiatric surgeon's Dr's Ben Yates, Ian Reilly and Anthony Wilkinson. Hopefully one of these surgeons practices close to you.

[@42807996mv]

I got bunion surgery on May 11 and I’m able to walk now but my foot still gets swollen, is that normal?

[@alinadurneva4369]

I had my surgery in March and my foot still gets swollen and I’m still in therapy. I didn’t expect to have such a long recovery process. But to answer your question yes it is normal from what the doctor and therapist told me. It just sucks.

[@abdulmateen7754]

How much operation cost is required for Bunion surgery of both foot @Dr.Mr Ozan Amir?

[@DrOzanAmir]

There are 3 costs involved including the surgeons fees, anaesthetist and hospital. These 3 fees can vary substantially as there is no set fees for any of these. One Surgeon may charge x, while another charges y. For example a day surgery hospital fee will be less than having the procedure done in a private hospital. I am in Australia, and I would estimate the total cost for both bunions would be between $6-$10,000 without any health fund rebates.

[@linolivia4792]

@@DrOzanAmir I have four sections must to be removed by surgery. They are Big toe and fifth toe of outside extra bone from both of my foot also very curved about the four sections. I also wonder know how much surgery cost is required for my four sections of both foot plz, thank you?

[@arlenerevill9857]

How long does it take for a bunion surgery. Can late me no.thankyou.

[@DrOzanAmir]

Sorry for such a late reply. Did not get your notification. It takes me approximately 45min to perform.

[@MariaLeon-jn6uu]

Did she do both at the same time???

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi Maria, yes both feet at the same time.

[@zyrianaarenee453]

I am not a tennis shoe girl but what other choices are they....

[@princessloveelissa5774]

I've had bunion surgery 3 weeks ago, beginning to worry about my foot, swelling hasn't gone down. I can't walk on it, only on my heel. It is very sore. Is this normal? I had fever for two days. When i try to walk without holding on to something, i lose balance and can't walk straight because of pain. I'm going back to see my doctor next week again and i have physiotherapy next week, let's hope they'll help me to walk on my foot again. 😥🤒

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, pain and swelling can vary among people. The best thing as you mentioned is to have your surgeon look at it.

[@princessloveelissa5774]

I also wanted to ask if it's ok to have physiotherapy, my foot is still swollen and it is still sore, i cancelled my appointment because it will be very painful. It's been a month now, i'm able to walk on my heel for now. Any advice will be appreciated, thanks. Melissa sevgi

[@DrOzanAmir]

@@princessloveelissa5774 Hi Melissa, I do not know which bunion procedure you had (there are many methods), so it is difficult for me to comment. Was your surgeon happy for you to start physio?

[@princessloveelissa5774]

@@DrOzanAmir Yes I've been referred but was reluctant to go ahead because my foot didn't heal properly, it was badly swollen, i nearly ended up going to the A&E. I'm going back to see my surgeon this week. Hopefully he'll suggest an alternative treatment. I couldn't feel my foot, ankle for a month, a nerve block injection was done to numb my foot. I kind of lost all my senses around my foot and leg.

[@princessloveelissa5774]

@@DrOzanAmir I had physiotherapy today, i just found out he's put pins in my foot which feels very uncomfortable. I'm no happy that he's done this because it was only a bunion surgery. This is probably why my foot didn't heal properly and was badly bruised and swollen, what is your opinion. I even thought about going to Istanbul to have it removed. I hate it and i can feel it. I didn't have a major problem, it was just a bunion surgery. Now i regret having it, what is your opinion doctor?

[@jenniferlawry7785]

Tuesday for me

[@eniolaoluwole1312]

Her wound looks nothing like the 3 week post op wound I have. Was this a minimally invasive procedure?

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, no it wasn't the minimally invasive technique, however with the Chevron bunionectomy the incision can be kept short.

[@tammylombard]

Good question. Mine is 4 1/2 weeks out and my food didn't look like that. Swollen and minimal tie movement.

[@asphaltwarrior1]

I’m a bridge construction worker and at some point I’m going to need bunion surgery on at least one foot. What am I looking at for an approximate return to work time ?

[@DrOzanAmir]

For some reason, I haven't seen comments people have made. I would say at least 7 weeks.

[@iamwhatever1394]

So its been almost 3 months since my surgery and its been hell, the incision still hurts and hasn't healed, foot is still vary swollen and still can't walk normal because if I put to much pressure it hurts really bad. Ever since the removal of pins surgery, I've been going to my follow up appointments for x-ray, doctor has only seen me once, they keep putting me in a cast and every 10 days they change it, my foot for nearly 3 months now has not felt or gotten any better!

[@DrOzanAmir]

Sounds like there maybe an issue with bone healing? Ask to speak with your surgeon, to discuss the progression of healing seen on each xray you have had taken. Hopefully it won't be long before you can properly weightbear on the foot.

[@iamwhatever1394]

@@DrOzanAmir Thank you for your feedback, and also what is the procedure that takes place if the incision does close up properly?

[@DrOzanAmir]

@@iamwhatever1394 do you know the type of bunion surgery you had done? It can depend on the technique.

[@tammylombard]

I wish I had both done at the same time.

[@levity90]

How long did you wait between surgeries? How was your recovery?

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, both feet were operated on together (same day).

[@zyrianaarenee453]

None of this applied to me 3 weeks I was still in pain

[@DrOzanAmir]

Apologies, I just saw your comment. It's been 7 months now, and hopefully, you are now ok.

[@user-wp4yp9qn7c]

Whit is the tiknaik surgey

[@DrOzanAmir]

Chevron bunionectomy

[@user-wp4yp9qn7c]

@@DrOzanAmir

[@jodigirl11]

I am three weeks out from surgery. I am still in so much pain every day. I need to walk/use the foot (in a boot) tomorrow and I'm scared to death I'm going to set myself back in progress.

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi Jodi, there's no rush and people can take different periods to rehabilitate. Let your surgeon know about your pain levels and how you feel. He/she may decide to keep you non weightbearing for longer.

[@jodigirl11]

@@DrOzanAmir Thanks for your reply! My doctor has given me the ok to use the boot tomorrow for a few hours (it's a chef job interview). I'm just feeling insecure I will cause damage to the surgery by using the foot too early. But I watched a video on how to use the boot properly, and that helped a lot. Wish me luck. Right now, I fully regret having this surgery.

[@DrOzanAmir]

@@jodigirl11 take it nice and easy, and good luck with the interview:)

[@jodigirl11]

@@DrOzanAmir Thank you! I will. I honestly can't wait to get back home and baby my foot for another week..;)

[@drtoorealformost]

I still can’t imagine putting on a shoe or bearing full weight. Monday I will be four weeks post op. 😢

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, possibly a different procedure was performed that requires a bit more time to fully weight bear.

[@cindyjohnson6993]

Nail polish? I was told to not wear any nail polish before appt

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, three weeks after surgery there's no harm wearing nail polish.

[@cindyjohnson6993]

@@DrOzanAmir yayyyy. What about a pedicure? No? I should do it myself/

[@DrOzanAmir]

@cindyjohnson6993 At 3 weeks, I'm ok for patients to do a self pedicure:)

[@lasonshinesonyasummertime2821]

I'm 4WEEKS post op on 2nd foot

[@DrOzanAmir]

I hope you are recovering well.

[@AIRMANBEAR]

I HAD MINiMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY //WIDE AWAKE .. WITH NOVACANE ONLY ...NEVER HAD ANY PAIN DURING OR AFTER.. BUT NOW 10 WEeKS AFTER I STILL HAVE A LITTLE soreness and WEEPING at THE INCISION SITE IS THIS NORMAL..?? ed.. in.. usa

[@DrOzanAmir]

Yes some soreness can be normal at 10 weeks, however, have your surgeon assess the weeping to make sure there is no infection.

[@edallyn4276]

@@DrOzanAmir thank you the discharge is clear?

[@DrOzanAmir]

@@edallyn4276the clear fluid indicates healing is still occurring. If its discharging regularly, it may indicate too much bacteria at the site. If your surgeon feels it's necessary, they can take a swab of the fluid and incision site and send it off to pathology.

[@Indigo_HUMAN_MUTANT]

2:00 when he moves the toe wouldn't that hurt considering the patient is still healing?

[@DrOzanAmir]

At 3 weeks, the joint can be moved gently.

[@nikitagracias7267]

I'm the only one seeing the female isn't 3 weeks post surgery ❓ That's SUS

[@Del-Canada]

I want to get bunions so I can have that surgery done and the healing pain, the stitches, pins, etc. Love that stuff.

[@DrOzanAmir]

I have to say, most people aren't as enthusiastic about the surgery:)

[@Del-Canada]

@@DrOzanAmir I'm a pain freak. Love that sensation of pins coming out, stitches being removed, the itchy nature of an injury as it heals, the tight swelling, the aching. I can't explain it.

[@Del-Canada]

@@DrOzanAmir I also love having something in place to keep something in a single position over time. Like a wrist brace or cast, a finger splint. Stuff like that. Love the stiffness you experience when they are finally removed and the slow process of getting the digit moving again.

[@DrOzanAmir]

@Del-Canada you would enjoy being in theatre observing surgery:)

[@Del-Canada]

​@@DrOzanAmir​@DrOzanAmir I watch these sorts of videos all the time and read volumes of anatomy tomes. I used to watch alot of surgical shows in the seventies and eighties also. One of those was Lifeline: Operation which aired in the late seventies.

[@user-wp4yp9qn7c]

with wire

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, yes there is a small internal k wire or screw.

[@African.Diaspora.InLondonUK]

From London UK. there is no way this video is 3 weeks post op..r u kidding me Doctor! I am at one of the best orthopedic clinic in the UK. Dear viewers considering buinon, that is not a patient after 3 weeks. r u kidding me. My surgery was minimally invasive - key hole with 3 holes. NOTE: Doctor, You forgot to mention the post operative immediate throbbing pain. On a scale of 1-10. Mine is 9. I was given morpine. swelling, and the foot shedding new skin. dry foot while in the cast. If you're bunion is not painful. Live with it. I won't be rushing to do my right foot. Omg ...my recovery I need morphine.

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi Jessica, pain does vary between people, but rarely have I seen patients having 9/10 pain immediately post-op. I understand why you wouldn't want the other foot operated on.

[@BambiBooS222]

Heyyy 🙋🏽‍♀️ I'm a Londoner too, 2wks Post Op both feet😳. Gosh you're so right about the pain, mine was 9/10 for 3 days straight after Op but 6 days in, i no longer needed pain relief or at least the strong stuff. Every now & then I'll take an ibuprofen. Today i went in for a dressing change & asked how long the special shoes are needed ~ his reply was 6wks😫 My Life ha!! After seeing this video i got high hopes. Maybe it's a different type of surgery this doctor has performed, maybe even different countries work different🤷🏽‍♀️. How are you healing now ? Lots better i hope ❤️

[@rebekahwatts2904]

I too had bunion surgery on both feet (five years apart) at a very good hospital in London. I would say the first foot was the most painful recovery as I had no idea what to expect and I did not get offered a wheelchair to leave the hospital. This time with the other foot I have kept dosed up on painkillers and have not walked on it at all but it’s been much more manageable pain wise. Codeine really helps! I’m 9 days post op and only now have been able to use my special boot to walk. Before this it was too painful.

[@vsd1988]

my cut is almost 10 cm's long :o wtf

[@DrOzanAmir]

Hi, There are several methods of surgically correcting bunions. From the length of your incision, you would not have had the procedure in this video. I hope you continue to recover (from your other post I can tell you've had a tough time).