It is common to experience some pain and discomfort after bunion surgery, as it is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and rearranging the bones in the foot. The amount of pain you experience may depend on the extent of the surgery and your individual pain tolerance. During the healing process after bunion surgery, it is essential to keep off your feet as much as possible. Additionally, follow any instructions given by your doctor regarding activity restrictions and rehabilitation exercises, so you can make a full recovery and get back to enjoying the activities you once did. 
Why Your Foot May Hurt After Bunion Surgery
After bunion surgery, it is common for patients to experience pain and discomfort. This is especially true in the weeks following the procedure as the foot adjusts to its new shape. While this pain may seem unbearable at times, it is important to remember that most of it should subside in a few days or weeks, depending on individual circumstances.
Pain can vary depending on the type of bunion surgery performed. Bunion surgery can be done to remove bones, remove and reshape a damaged joint, or realign bones and fix them in place with pins or screws. Although pain may feel never-ending at times during your post-surgical recovery process, it's important to keep in mind that with proper care and attention from both yourself and your medical team, you will soon be able to get back on track with your day-to-day life.
Common Reasons Your Foot Hurts After Bunion Surgery
- Swelling. Swelling is a common response to any surgery and can cause pain and discomfort. The swelling after bunion surgery may last for several weeks or months.
- Nerve irritation. Bunion surgery may cause irritation to the nerves in your foot, which can result in pain, tingling, or numbness.
- Bone healing. As the bones in your foot heal and recover, you may experience some pain or discomfort. This may last for several weeks or months.
- Scar tissue. Scar tissue may form around the incision site, which can cause pain or stiffness.
Common Post-Operative Instructions
- Take medication such as anti-inflammatory pain medication or prescribed painkillers
- Keep your foot elevated
- Wear a special shoe or cast
- Keep your foot bandaged with a clean dressing
- Keep off your feet as much as possible, so the area around the surgical site can settle evenly
- Perform certain rehabilitation exercises to restore movement in your foot
In addition, depending on what foot was operated on, you may be restricted from driving until the foot has completely healed.
Warning Signs of a Problem After Surgery
Although bunion surgery generally yields very positive results, there could be some complications during or after the procedure. Some of the most common complications include infection, nerve injury, stiffness of the joint, and recurrence of the bunion.
It is normal to expect some degree of foot pain after bunion surgery, but it is important to contact your podiatrist if you believe your pain has become worse than expected or if you develop any other symptoms such as:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Fever or chills
- Bleeding
- Drainage from the incision site
- Trouble breathing
Seeing a podiatrist at the first sign of a problem can help you avoid more serious complications. Your doctor will assess your condition and advise you on what kind of treatment would be best for you following your surgery. Additionally, they can provide guidance on which activities can help reduce discomfort during the healing period and how long until full recovery can be expected.
Contact Our Austin Bunion Podiatrist
If you had bunion surgery and are experiencing pain, contact our experienced podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists for an evaluation today. We can evaluate your foot and determine if any additional treatment is necessary. To schedule an appointment, contact us online, or call our office at 512-328-8900.
