One Foot in Front of the Other: A Podiatry Collection

Bunion Surgeon: Recovery Without The Opioids

15 June 2020 by Elijah Turner

When you're looking for a bunion surgeon, you want to make sure you receive the highest level of care before, after, and during your procedure.

Here are some of the ways that the best podiatrists help their patients recover from bunion surgery.

Active Recovery

Most patients seek treatment from bunion pain to help them lead normal lives. When it comes to recovering from bunion surgery, sitting around isn't always the best way to heal.

Opioid Independence:

Although it might be convenient to treat the pain and discomfort you're likely to experience after bunion surgery with opioids, it probably isn't the best solution for long-term recovery. The best podiatrist can help you manage your pain by stimulating blood flow to your lower extremities and prescribing more natural pain management protocols.

Offsetting the Load:

Low impact exercise is a great way to start the recovery process. For instance, your podiatrist can refer you to a physical therapist who utilized in low impact treatments like aqua therapy or alter-gravity modalities. These methods drastically offset your body weight and the forces you exert upon your feet when you move. This can allow you to begin walking, jogging, and even running without placing too much stress on your body.

Stability and Mobility

As you begin to recover from your bunion surgery, your podiatrist can help you develop strategies to increase your strength, mobility, flexibility.

Stabilizing Activation:

Your neuromuscular system connects your nerves to your muscles. If you've suffered from bunion pain for an extended period, your body likely developed coping mechanisms to help you avoid painful physical movements. Thus, after the bunion surgery relieves your pain, your podiatrist may need to teach your body how to relearn basics skills like walking and pivoting. This process normally begins with a series of muscle activation exercises that focus on the stabilizing muscles your body uses when you walk or change directions. For instance, your podiatrist might outline a series of calf and quad exercises for you to perform every day to help your body reteach itself how to perform basic movements again.

Mobilizing Mobility:

Many post-bunion surgery patients are surprised by how more their feet and toes can move after their procedures. Your podiatrist can help you build on this increased mobility by prescribing a number of mobilizing exercises. For instance, your podiatrist can show you stretches and strengthening routines that help restore the power and flexibility in your feet and ankles.

For more tips on recovering after bunion surgery, reach out to a local bunion surgeon.

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