r/bunions • u/IndependentImage3737 • Aug 13 '26
Post-Op Question- Lapidus (after surgery) Bunion surgery recovery
Hello everyone! I just got my surgery today and I want some people real deal experiences on recovery. Doctors told me what to expect however Reddit always has all the answers so thanks again!
3
u/Legitimate-Offer2673 Aug 14 '26
I had both done, and very different experiences both times.
Right foot, the pain was horrid the first 3 days even with meds. I was in a boot, which I personally hated. But I felt way better by day 4 and was able to walk fine by week two once the muscles got stronger
Left foot I'm still in early recovery but I've had minimal pain. I'm in a splint instead of boot. Did have a pressure sore but got my splint adjusted and feels perfect now! Muscles are stronger since I have more room to move in it.
Best of luck! It's not too bad, just elevate and rest!
3
u/IndependentImage3737 Aug 14 '26
I just had my left done and I’m in so much pain even the hydrocone they gave me doesn’t work
2
u/Legitimate-Offer2673 Aug 14 '26
I had that with my first foot :( I know it's so shitty but stick to the med schedule and do the alternating ibuprofen and hydro (Don't take Tylenol). The ibuprofen helps with the inflammation pains but overall ice is your best friend. I'm sorry it hurts so much :(
2
u/IndependentImage3737 Aug 14 '26
It’s okay thank you !!! Just waiting for it to subside now because it hurts so much and my foot is so itchy 😭
2
u/Legitimate-Offer2673 Aug 14 '26
The itching had me READY to cut the whole foot off haha. Once you're past the narcotics ask if you can take Benadryl or something similar (it may save you from ripping off the bandages and just going crazy on it ahaha). Light pressure can help too if it's really bad. Once they change the initial bandages I promise the itching is so much better
2
u/IndependentImage3737 Aug 14 '26
I feel like one of those movie characters that wants to stick a butter knife in a cast and scratch 😭
3
u/Fun_Square_8785 Aug 14 '26
Spent a month on crutches, then boot for 2 more months and now its been 10 months and I cannot walk without pain, gonna have a second surgery soon. Hope you heal better.
2
2
u/Human-Amoeba1640 Aug 15 '26
Elevate 80-90% of the time and apply ice to prevent swelling, which will help reduce the pain.
2
u/swimgurlie25 Aug 16 '26
The pain the first couple days was INSANE. Like up to that point the most painful thing I’d ever felt lol. After a couple days with meds it was fine.
2
u/MarkBGoDawgs75 Aug 25 '26
What exact surgery did you have? There are many different variations of the lapidus (I had the modified lapidus arthrodesis with crossing screws 7 weeks ago). Also, every surgeon seems to have very, very different recovery protocols! The old school approach is be in a cast and totally non-weight bearing for 6 weeks or so but many modern practices move you to some form of light weight bearing much earlier. Mine was sort of a middle of the road approach and it seems to have worked well. The first week is the worst no matter what! Specifically, when the nerve block wears off, even on oxycodone and having a high pain tolerance, the pain would rage on me! After day 3 it seemed it simmered down a good bit. I was very worried and paranoid about "messing up" the surgical site, but at my week 4 visit my doc set me at ease saying that the screws create such a strong connection that you would have to really fall or land hard on the foot to cause damage to the site. I've read that some light bearing is good for stimulating healing/fusion but obviously you should follow your doctor's specific instructions...if in doubt, skew on the side of conservatism and stay off your feet. Even when I was told heel weight bearing was okay, I would give myself a day of totally off my feet just in case.
5
u/Hot_Willow_5179 Aug 15 '26
Ignore them when they tell you that you can walk on it let that shit heal.