Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Why am I being given this advice sheet?
Our experience tells us that most patients can be safely discharged from clinic between 4 and 6 weeks after bunion surgery, assuming the wounds are healing and your x-rays are ok. This information sheet is to answer the common questions you may now have and forgot to ask in clinic.
Can I bathe my foot?
Yes. Unless your surgeon says otherwise, your wound will have healed and you can get it wet without concern.
When can I stop using the special shoe?
6 weeks after your surgery. At this point, the bone is usually healed enough for you to stand and walk barefoot or in your normal shoes. Avoid shoes which are very close fitting since this can aggravate any pain and swelling you may be experiencing.
If I have a toe spacer, should I keep wearing it?
Yes. Some of our patients are given a toe spacer to help stop the toe from drifting back while the tissues heal. Your surgeon will have decided if a spacer is necessary and if you have been given one, you should continue wearing it until 3 months after your operation.
Can I drive?
Maybe. Driving is at your own discretion and the DVLA advises it is your responsibility as a driver to ensure that you have control of the vehicle at all times and are able to demonstrate that is so, if stopped by the police. Drivers should check their insurance policy before returning to drive after surgery.
When do most patients return to driving?
If a patient was driving before surgery without any concerns, then they tend to resume driving a car between 6 and 12 weeks after surgery.
Is swelling normal?
Yes. Swelling is extremely common after bunion surgery because the foot is at the lowest part of your body so it is harder for the fluid which collects to drain away. This is why you will have been advised to elevate your foot after surgery.
How long will swelling last?
6 months. Even after this time, some patients will report ongoing swelling affecting the foot and toe and if it continues past 12 months, it is unlikely to improve further.
Is sensitivity of the scar normal?
Yes. Surgery to the toes can cause lots of sensitivity because of the nerve endings which are in the foot. Massaging the scar daily for 6-12 weeks with moisturising cream or skin oil will help soften the scar, improve the appearance and reduce the sensitivity.
Do I still need to take painkiller tablets?
Usually not. Most patients will stop needing painkillers between 2 and 6 weeks after the surgery. If your pain is manageable and you do not require painkillers for another medical condition, then we would advise either reducing or stopping them.
Should I do any exercises?
Yes. To avoid stiffness of the big toe, we recommend you perform three exercises at three different times every day for the next six weeks.
Exercise 1: With your hands, move the big toe up as far as your pain allows and then down as far as your pain allows and repeat 10 times.
Exercise 2: While lying down, curl the toes down as far they will go and then lift them up as far they will go and repeat 10 times.
Exercise 3: Stand one foot away from a wall, place your hands on the wall to help your balance, go up on your tip toes as high as possible, slowly lower yourself down again and repeat 10 times.
Can I do more or less exercises than recommended?
Yes. The exercises we suggest are a guide only. If you cannot perform each exercise 10 times, do as many as possible but try to increase the amount every week. If you find the exercises easy to accomplish, then you can perform more as your pain and comfort allows. It is important though that you make sure the toe moves as far as possible in each direction.
Can I be re-referred at any stage for follow-up?
Yes. Your GP can re-refer you if you have concerns about the outcome of the surgery, although we do advise that you make sure you have done all the exercises and waited for the swelling to reduce before seeing them.
Who can I contact if I have a concern not covered by this advice sheet?
We have a specialist nurse-led outpatient clinic who should be able to address most queries. You can contact them between Monday and Friday, 6:30am - 3:00pm on 0300 614 7207. If they cannot answer the question, they will liaise with the surgeons and call you back.
Useful Contacts
Heatherwood Hospital:
- Orthopaedic pre assessment 0300 614 7778 / 0300 614 7147
- Arthroplasty Nurse Heatherwood 07789927177
- Nurses Station Treetops Heatherwood 0300 614 4175
- Physio/OT Office Treetops Heatherwood 0300 614 4178
Frimley Park Hospital:
- Frimley Park Physiotherapy 07570 974390
- S2 Elective Ward Frimley 0300 613 3781 / 0300 613 3783
- Elective Helpline Frimley 0300 613 2556
Wexham Park Hospital:
- Ward 1 Wexham Park 0300 615 3010 / 0300615 3012
- Outpatient Physio Wexham 0300 615 3501 / 0300615 3500
- Wexham Park Physiotherapy 07717 199851
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Orthopaedics service.
About this information
Service:
Orthopaedics
Reference:
N/049
Approval date:
13 February 2024
Review date:
1 January 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.