After MIS bunion surgery: 6 weeks in and still swollen?

I’ll be 6 weeks post op tomorrow (Monday) and have my final appt with the surgeon on Wednesday. I have a few questions for this knowledgable group. 1-How long after surgery until you no longer had swelling and could fit into your pre op shoes? I don’t have much swelling but I tried on my shoes last night and it felt very tight and my foot is tender. (I’m still using the surgical shoe but will most likely be told on Wednesday that I can go back to regular shoes.) 2-Did any of you find benefit from doing PT post MIS bunionectomy + akin osteotomy? My surgeon said he wouldn’t recommend it before 6 weeks and most people don’t need it. I have tenderness and stiffness. Not sure if I should pursue PT. 3-Any particular shoes you’d recommend for post op as I’m transitioning back into being a regularly walking human?

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Community replies

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Community comment#1

My surgeon originally didn’t recommend PT either but since my swelling was excessive; he has ordered it and it’s helped get the swelling under control

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#2

That is helpful to know. Thanks for the reply. I hope your swelling continues to stay under control.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#3

Thx!!

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#4

I will be 11 weeks post op and have found PT to be very helpful. They have educated me on timelines and increasing specific exercises based on my ability. I have a new sheet of exercises every couple of weeks. I would say go and have a consult, learn what you can and take it from there. I know there are exercises on YouTube etc but it’s nice to have a plan from where you are in the recovery. They have challenged me in a way I would not have done myself. I’m working really hard to walk normally after a big toe fusion and it’s been tough. At 8 weeks I got a pair of Hokas in a half size bigger. I have managed to squeeze into a pair or wide toe box boots but they are too snug. I had a pretty significant procedure so may be doing things a bit later than many.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#5

This is very helpful! Thank you for sharing your experience!

Community comment#6

I’m around the same time frame as you and had similar surgeries. Have you tried removing the insole of your regular shoes? I was able to fit into a few by doing this (it feels a little off between the two feet, but better than the boot). I sized up in Altras too - those have worked well for me since they have a wide toe box. I also like wearing compression socks. Good luck!

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#7

Thank you Julie! I haven’t thought to remove the inside of the shoe and will give that a try. Anything has got to be better than the boot! I’ve also never tried Altra shoes. At this point, I don’t think I could point my toe enough to get a compression sock on, and my foot would still be too tender to pull on a tight sock. I’ve been wearing thin, soft ankle socks. I’ll look into getting some compression socks. I appreciate your advice!

Community comment#8

My surgeon didn’t recommend PT but at 6 weeks he wrote me a script. I don’t think it helped. I was approved for sneakers at 6 weeks but waited a week. I bought Hoka Clifton in a bigger size and they worked great. I’ll never wear another brand. My big toe is still stiff 8 months out but I have no swelling. Not sure it will ever get better. Still glad I did it. I did the other foot 10 days ago. So far so good. Best of luck.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#9

Thanks for the reply! I figure it can’t hurt to give PT a try. I hope you regain some range of motion in your big toe. I’ll check out the hoka Clifton. There’s a nice shoe store near me where I can shop. You’re brave doing the other foot so soon! I think I’m planning to wait a year (or at least 11 months) before I do the other foot.