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How Soon Can I Walk after Bunion Surgery?

Dr. Neal Blitz

“I want bunion surgery for my painful bunion, but I commute to work on the train every day. How long will it take until I can walk?”

It’s understandable to be concerned about what happens after a bunionectomy – or any foot surgery, for that matter. Many of us take walking for granted, until something happens and we can’t.

But if you’re worried about not being able to walk after bunion surgery, there’s good news. There are minimally invasive bunion surgery approaches, like Dr. Blitz’s Bunionplasty® procedure, that allow a patient to walk the very same day as their bunionectomy.

What Makes a Bunion Painful Enough to Need Bunion Surgery?

A bunion (or “hallux abductovalgus”) forms when a bone in the first toe shifts towards the second toe. When these bones are out of alignment, they cause a bump on the inside of the foot. That bump gets bigger as the bones continue to shift over time.

The change in the positioning of the bones can become painful, especially for people who are constantly on their feet. As the bump grows and presses against the skin, clothing, and shoes, it can cause extreme pain, along with redness and swelling.

Can I Have Bunion Surgery and Still Be Able to Walk?

There’s good news: Dr. Blitz’s Bunionplasty® 360° Bunion Repair™ solution allows patients to walk the same day as their bunion surgery. Many are able to walk out of the surgery center wearing just a small surgical sandal – No Casts No Crutches®. That’s true even if they’ve had a bunionectomy in both feet at once, or the bunion is large.

That doesn’t mean you can run a marathon the day after your bunion surgery, of course. You’ll need to go slow, and Dr. Blitz recommends that patients plan to take it as easy as possible while recovering from this type of bunionectomy.

But for people who prefer to be constantly on the go, Dr. Blitz’s bunion surgery techniques can get you back on your feet fast. After the Bunionplasty® procedure, many of his patients are walking immediately in a surgical sandal, wearing sneakers and walking comfortably after six weeks, and back to their favorite activities and shoes after two months.

Updated May 30, 2024

Dr. Neal Blitz
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