Leaving the Hospital After a Bunionectomy
Before leaving the hospital, you will be given specific discharge instructions for wound care, driving, activity level, medication, and any further restrictions if necessary. Your healthcare provider will also let you know of symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
You will 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 medication.
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. Your doctor will tell you if you can place weight on the 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 after the procedure.
After they are removed, your activities can gradually be increased unless otherwise specified by your doctor.
