Is there a risk of swelling after bunion surgery?

After undergoing bunion surgery, one question lingered in my mind: would there be swelling to fear? The days after the operation were marked by apprehension mixed with curiosity. This worry proved justified when swelling appeared as an unwelcome guest. Nothing dramatic, but enough to raise questions. It was as if my foot was expressing its own opinion on the recent transformation it had undergone.

Navigating daily life with this post-operative swelling added an extra layer of complexity to my recovery. Shoes suddenly seemed too tight, and the very idea of walking took on the appearance of a challenge. However, over the days, with patience and the wise advice of my medical team, the swelling began to recede. It was as if my foot was gradually resuming its place in this new phase of healing, transforming the initial discomfort into a step towards complete recovery. Thus, the temporary presence of swelling may have added a note of challenge to my journey, but it was also the silent witness of a transformation taking place, not only in my feet, but in my resilience and my understanding of healing.

Why does the operated foot swell?

What we commonly call “swelling” is medically termed “edema”. Edema is a perfectly normal phenomenon following surgery. However, swelling takes on greater proportions when the operation is performed on the feet. In reality, the peripheral location of the feet relative to the body facilitates fluid retention and hinders their reabsorption, which can lead to swelling of the feet during the healing of a bunion correction surgery. It is therefore quite common for the feet to be swollen during convalescence. However, there is no need to worry, as they tend to return to their normal appearance a few months after the surgery.

What are the aggravating factors of foot swelling following bunion surgery?

After foot surgery, several factors can aggravate swelling problems. Indeed, these factors are related to the patient's overall health as well as the surgical technique chosen.

The first category of diseases includes problems such as varicose veins, venous insufficiency and obesity. They aggravate swelling because these conditions are an obstacle to fluid reabsorption. By particularly weighing on the iliac veins, the accumulation of abdominal fat related to obesity considerably alters the blood circulation of the lower limbs by hindering the venous return to the heart. It is therefore essential to take into account this major impact in the treatment of obesity.

It is important to consider the technical aspects of the surgical intervention when examining the factors that can influence the presence of extended and persistent edema in the affected area. Concretely, it has been observed that more invasive surgical interventions tend to have a more significant impact on the presence of this edema. Thus, it is essential for a surgeon to choose the most appropriate intervention technique while keeping these potential risks in mind.

What is the average duration of swelling?

The average duration of swelling varies from one person to another and depends on several factors, such as the nature of the incident or injury. In general, swelling can persist for a few hours to several days. It also depends on the individual reactivity of the body and how the person takes care of the affected area. When it comes to treating swelling, methods differ from one person to another. Some opt for cold compresses, while others prefer to simply rest and elevate the swollen area. In all cases, it is essential to carefully monitor the evolution of the swelling and consult a healthcare professional if it persists or worsens. Although the duration of swelling may vary from one person to another, taking appropriate measures can often speed up the healing process.

Who gets bunions?

Did you know that bunions mainly affect women? About 90% of people affected by this condition are indeed female. In addition, it has been observed that the rate of bunion cases increases significantly with age. However, some very young women and also men have bunions: So the cause of bunions is not determined by foot overload but by genetics. Bunions are rarely seen in countries where people are barefoot or wear comfortable, open-toed shoes or sandals. In Japan and China, where it is considered fashionable to wear small, tight shoes, bunions are very common.

What to do to limit swelling?

During the first 20 days after the operation, it is imperative to strictly follow the postoperative instructions to ensure optimal recovery. First of all, limit your movements as much as possible, prioritize rest, and make sure to keep your foot on a pillow or stool. Avoid any effort on the feet and promote rest with the foot slightly elevated, a practice beneficial for facilitating the return of fluids to the upper part of the body.

Beyond this initial period of convalescence at home, especially if your surgery took place in summer, incorporate into your routine long walks in water, to a depth exceeding 80 cm. The benefits of vasoconstriction induced by cold water combined with the pressure difference between the water surface and the seabed will play a crucial role in draining fluids.

Gradually, after these crucial 20 days, resume your daily activities, including work and sports. To improve the blood and lymphatic circulation in your feet, it is essential to follow regular movement. By taking care to follow these steps meticulously, you increase your chances of recovering completely while promoting the health of your feet as a whole.

What are the mistakes to avoid for the smooth running of the postoperative period?

First mistake during convalescence: leaving the house

It is absolutely forbidden to leave the house. Even to get some fresh air, take out the trash, and everything else. Taking four steps outside the house or worse, walking a dog on a leash, are situations that unnecessarily expose the foot to the risk of accidental trauma, predictable or not. It is true that postoperative indications do not prohibit small movements, but these must take place in a protected environment such as the home, away from unpleasant unforeseen events that could affect the smooth running of the convalescence.

Second mistake: driving a car

Yes, it is absolutely necessary to avoid driving a car for the first 20 days. Even if your foot is well wrapped and protected by a thick layer of bandages. Even if the operated foot is the one that intervenes the least in driving.

Third mistake during convalescence: working, even if it is sedentary work

It is true that sitting at a desk does not involve a risk of falls and other trauma, but it forces the leg into an incorrect position for the postoperative period. For the first twenty days after the operation, it is advisable to keep your foot on a cushion or stool when sitting in an armchair or chair. This is particularly important because after the operation, it is common for the affected area to be swollen due to edema, fluid accumulation and temporary venous circulation problems. These problems can appear immediately after the operation and mainly affect the foot. To avoid excessive swelling of the foot, it is therefore necessary to keep the foot elevated, which promotes venous return.

Fourth mistake during the convalescence period: housework

Even if it is often difficult, especially for a housewife, to stay home without doing any work, doing housework could be detrimental to the good healing of the foot. The home environment, as extremely familiar, is very insidious: activities and movements are performed mechanically, “forgetting” the very delicate condition of the operated toe. The smallest and most insignificant accidents, such as the impact of the foot against a piece of furniture or the fall of an object on the foot, can have non-negligible consequences.

Fifth mistake during convalescence: not properly planning the postoperative period

Percutaneous bunion surgery requires twenty days of absolute rest at home. If you think you will not be able to respect this period at a given time of year, simply schedule the operation for another time when you can take time off, stay home, and do everything necessary for a good recovery.

Bunion on the foot

A bunion is a bump that forms on the outside of the big toe deviation. This foot deformity results from years of pressure on the big toe joint (the metatarsophalangeal or MTP joint). Eventually, the toe joint misaligns and a bony bump forms. The medical term for bunions is hallux abducto valgus.

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