Sleeping after surgery can be difficult. Sleeping can be even more challenging for those who have had bunion surgery. Bunion surgery is difficult and often requires anesthesia, large incisions, and sedation. In addition, you will require crutches after the operation to help with walking.
At the same time, your foot heals, in addition to wearing rigid footwear such as casts or shoe inserts which are commonly recommended by surgeons if not already using them beforehand based on their experience during operations like these types of treatments. Here are some things you can expect after bunion surgery.
What to Expect After Bunion Surgery
People who have undergone bunion surgery experience intense pain, which prevents them from getting a good night’s sleep. Most people will spend the first night after their bunion surgery in the hospital. This is so that the medical staff can monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly. Once you return home after surgery, you will likely be able to sleep in your bed.
You may find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep in the weeks following surgery. This is because your foot will still be healing, and you may experience discomfort when trying to sleep in your usual position.
Read more: What You Need to Know About Painful Bunions? It will help better understand the pain after surgery and how to get relief.
Here are a few things you can do to get a comfortable sound sleep after bunion surgery
Keep Your Foot Elevated While Sleeping
After bunion surgery, it is essential to keep your foot elevated while you sleep. This helps reduce swelling and pain and speeds up the healing process. The best way to elevate your foot is to prop it up on a pillow.
You can also use a special bunion surgery recovery sock, which helps to keep your foot in the correct position. It’s important to keep your foot elevated for at least the first week after surgery and preferably for two weeks.
After that, you can gradually lower the elevation, but sleeping with your foot propped up for several weeks is still a good idea. Following these simple instructions will help ensure a successful recovery from bunion surgery.
Take Pain Medication
The pain after bunion surgery is manageable with over-the-counter medication. However, some people may require prescription pain medication to get relief. Prescription pain medication can help you stay comfortable and heal properly after surgery. If you are experiencing a lot of pain, talk to your doctor about whether or not prescription pain medication is right for you.
If you are having difficulty sleeping after bunion surgery, contact your doctor. They might be able to recommend additional treatments or suggest changes to your sleep position. With a little time and effort, you should be able to get a good night’s sleep and start on the road to recovery.
Advanced Foot and Ankle Institute offers the best treatment options for bunions in Marietta. We have an experienced team of doctors who can perform bunion surgery to correct the faulty foot structure. Get in touch with us today.