If you’re preparing for bunion surgery you may be wondering what recovery will look like. Healing from bunion surgery takes time, but knowing what to expect each week can make the process much more comfortable and predictable. This guide walks you through the typical recovery timeline so you can plan ahead with confidence.
Every recovery is unique, so your surgeon may adjust your plan based on your healing progress. This overview provides a helpful starting point.
Weeks 0-2: Rest, Protection, and Pain Control
Right after surgery, the focus is on protecting the correction, controlling swelling, and allowing the fusion site to begin healing.
Footwear & Weight Bearing
- You’ll wear a wedge post-op sandal on your operated foot.
- You will be non-weight-bearing across the forefoot for 6 weeks. Gentle transfers through the heel only are allowed when necessary.
- Weight bearing as tolerated is permitted in the wedge sandal, using the heel to avoid pressure on the front of the foot.
Pain Management
- Your provider may prescribe a combination of medications, including opioids and acetaminophen.
- NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) are generally avoided because they may interfere with bone healing.
Swelling & Comfort
- Keep the foot elevated as much as possible.
- Use ice as directed to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
This is your time to rest, protect the correction, and allow early healing to begin.
Weeks 2-6: Early Healing and Gentle Motion
Your first follow-up appointments typically occur during this phase.
Stitches & Dressings
- Around days 10-14, sutures and dressings are removed.
- Your surgeon will take initial X-rays to evaluate early bone healing.
Footwear & Weight Bearing
- You will continue to walk in the wedge sandal, avoiding any pressure across the forefoot.
- Maintaining this protection is essential for the Lapiplasty® fusion site to heal properly.
Range of Motion Exercises
- You’ll begin gentle big toe range of motion (ROM) exercises, aiming to gradually match the mobility of your non-surgical foot.
- Your surgeon or physical therapist will show you how to perform these safely.
This phase focuses on careful protection while preventing stiffness through early, controlled mobility.
Weeks 6-12: Transition to Supportive Footwear
Around the 6-week mark, your surgeon will reassess healing and determine when it’s safe to transition out of the sandal.
Imaging & Follow-Up
- At your 6-week visit, new X-rays will help confirm whether the bone has fused adequately.
Footwear Transition
- Once your surgeon confirms adequate bony healing, you can gradually transition out of the wedge sandal.
- You’ll move into supportive shoes with proper arch support, which help stabilize the foot as you resume a more natural walking pattern.
Continued Mobility Work
- You will continue big toe ROM exercises, working toward symmetry with your other foot.
- Physical therapy may introduce gentle strengthening and gait-training exercises.
This phase often brings noticeable improvements in comfort and function as normal walking mechanics return.
12 Weeks and Beyond: Building Strength and Returning to Activity
Entering this phase, most patients feel increasingly confident on their feet.
Increasing Activity
- You can slowly increase daily activities as tolerated.
- Once cleared by your surgeon, you may begin dynamic weight-bearing exercises, including light jogging or early plyometric training.
Long-Term Goals
- Restoring strength, balance, and normal gait
- Maintaining big toe flexibility
- Continuing supportive footwear during higher-impact activities
Remember: Everyone progresses differently. Avoid rushing back into high-intensity exercise until your surgeon gives you the go-ahead.
A Personalized Approach to Healing After Bunion Surgery
This week-by-week recovery guide outlines a typical progression, but your surgeon may adjust your timeline based on your X-ray findings, healing speed, and overall health. Always follow the specific recommendations provided at your follow-up visits.
If you have questions about pain, swelling, activity levels, or recovery milestones, please call Anderson Clinic today. Our medical assistants and surgical team are here to support you every step of the way.
Sources:
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/bunion-surgery-bunionectomy
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bunion-surgery
