(Bunionectomy With Soft Tissue Release -- Leaving the Hospital
Before leaving the hospital, you will be given specific discharge instructions for wound care, driving, activity level, medication, and any other restrictions if necessary. Your healthcare provider will also let you know of symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
You will also be given pain medication as it is normal and expected to have mild to moderate foot pain for several days. This pain is normally relieved by pain medicine.
It is also important that you plan on being driven home with the help of a relative or friend. You should not drive for at least 24 hours following your procedure.
You are encouraged to keep the foot elevated above your heart for the first few days after surgery to limit swelling. A special post-operative shoe is used for 3-4 weeks and a splint or bandage is often used to maintain the correction during that time. A wide toe box shoe is then worn for 4-8 weeks. It is often 3-4 months until a reasonably attractive shoe can be worn. Your doctor will inform you of when you can bear weight on your foot or if you should use crutches.
The first follow-up visit with your doctor will be approximately one to two weeks after your surgery. Your stitches will be removed between one to three weeks.
