If you’re pondering the thought of undergoing bunion with surgery, I recently found myself in the same shoes—quite literally—and decided to undergo the Arthrex minimally invasive bunion surgery. Now, one day shy of two weeks post-op, I’m eager to share my experience because I could not find ant testimonials online other than people saying “I’m fully recovered!”
The Big Decision: Why I Choose to Do This Now
My original bunion pain started over 20 years ago. I spent way too much time walking and dancing in super high heels. That combined with genetics, did me in. I went to the podiatrist and had my foot x-rayed. They told me then I needed surgery. I was not ready.
I avoided it with good custom orthotics for two decades. Really, that worked pretty well – Until it didn’t. This past summer I joined my childhood friend Samantha in putting on The Om festival in Southern Vermont. I ran around way too much for 5 days in sneakers that really needed to be replaced (But I thought “Why ruin NEW sneakers?”) This decision did my foot in.
Because of the bunion misalignment, it shoved my other toes out of alignment too. I ended up injured. Capsulitis of the 2nd metatarsal and last 2 toes numb.
Right After Surgery: The First Few Days
The first few days post-op included a lot of TV, ice packs, and hobbling about the house as little as possible. My husband had to fetch everything for me. You do not want to do this surgery and be alone, at least the first few days to a week.
My foot was purple and tender. The initial discomfort was bad, but much more manageable than anticipated, thanks to the minimally invasive approach. It was vital to keep weight off the foot and rest, ice, compress, and elevate—It became my new routine.
I was taking Vicodin and Zofran (to make you not feel nauseous with it), Tylenol as needed, and THC Gummies especially for sleep at night. You would do well to get those if its legal in your state!
HOT TIP: Anyone doing this: Listen up, you NEED to get a LEVEL-UP Shoe balancer! This thing is a life saver. It straps on to a sneaker and evens out your gate so you aren’t walking around like an off balance pirate.
Two Weeks Later: Where I Am Now?
Today is just 1 day shy of 2 weeks. I just saw my amazing Surgeon here in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Nicholas Campitelli. I cannot recommend him highly enough. From day 1 through the surgery and beyond he is supportive, encouraging, happy go lucky, and highly skilled. If you have a bunion issue, go see him.
I am healing well, the issue of the Capsulitis in the second toe is resolving and i have no more numbness in my other toes! I even felt comfortable driving the short distance with the surgical shoe on to the follow up appointment. I am now cleared to shower with out the plastic bag over my foot and shoe and next week I hope to be in two normal running sneakers!
Things I Wish I Knew Beforehand
As I mentioned above – get a LEVEL UP for your other shoe. Make sure you fill your prescriptions before hand and take them with you to take right after you leave the hospital WITH crackers or something to go in your stomach.
Rest rest rest. Be easy on yourself. Visualize yourself as well. Wiggle those toes! Movement is good. Keep your shoe on at home at all times even though sleeping with it on is weird.
UPDATE: 5 Months post surgery
I think 4 months was the major turning point. I began to wear shoes again and live a normal life. But Month 5? Fantastic. While I realize that my foot will never bend fully again to a 90 degree angle like you need for high heels, I realize that is likely the Universe protecting me against myself… after all, super high heels is how I ended up in this mess in the first place.
I can wear sneakers, dress shoes, even wedges just fine! I am up to 20 minutes on the treadmill and only minimal swelling sometimes in the evening. MOST of the time I don’t think about my foot anymore and that is beautiful.
If you have just had this surgery? Hang in there!
If you are considering it? I do feel for me that it was worth it. But do be ready, cause its a lot and it feels like a long time sitting around. Move as much as you can and make sure you do not only physical therapy after but deep tissue massage as well. This is hard on your entire body because even with the Even-up, your gate is wonky for a while.
Sarah