Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for bunions uses specialized instruments and smaller entry points than traditional bunion surgery. As a result, there is less tissue disruption and reduced scarring than with conventional bunion surgery, as well as a recovery process that allows most people to return to daily activities sooner.
If you’re considering minimally invasive bunion removal, it’s natural to wonder what to expect as you recover. Below, our Southern California podiatrists explain general expectations for the recovery process. Of course, recovery doesn't follow a one-size-fits-all path. The experienced foot specialists at Foot & Ankle Concepts, Inc. work closely with patients who visit any of our eight Southern California locations to provide personalized guidance based on individualized treatment plans.
What Happens Immediately After Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
The first 48 hours after minimally invasive bunion surgery set the foundation for successful healing and lasting relief from bunion pain. You'll leave the surgical center with your foot bandaged and likely wearing a specialized surgical shoe or boot designed to protect the correction while allowing limited weight-bearing.
Managing Swelling and Discomfort
Even immediately following surgery, most patients report discomfort rather than severe pain thanks to the minimally invasive nature of the MIS bunion procedure. Keys to managing post-surgery swelling and discomfort include:
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Elevate your foot, because keeping it above heart level reduces swelling and speeds up the removal of inflammatory fluids.
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Apply an ice pack every few hours, for 15-20 minutes at a time. This will provide additional relief without risking tissue damage.
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Take prescription or over-the-counter pain medicine to help manage discomfort while your body begins healing.
Weight-Bearing Guidelines
Many MIS bunion procedures allow immediate weight-bearing in a surgical shoe, though this is not appropriate for everyone. Your foot surgeon will provide specific instructions based on the correction performed.
Some patients walk out of surgery bearing weight, while others need crutches or a knee scooter for the first week or two. Precisely following the guidelines provided by your experienced Southern California foot specialist is very important to prevent displacement of the corrected bone.
The First Two Weeks: Protection and Initial Healing
Activity restrictions during the first two weeks help ensure the bone maintains its corrected position as the healing process begins. Key priorities during early recovery include:
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Limited standing and walking. Stand and walk for necessities only. Save extended activity for later healing phases.
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Consistent elevation. Aim to keep your foot elevated for 23 hours daily during the first week, then gradually reduce as swelling improves.
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Vigilant wound care. Keep bandages dry and intact and immediately report signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or drainage, to your podiatrist.
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Medication compliance. Take your prescribed antibiotics fully and manage pain proactively rather than waiting for discomfort to escalate.
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Follow-up care. You'll likely have a follow-up appointment within 7-10 days so your foot surgeon can assess your healing progress.
Most patients notice significant improvement in discomfort by day 10, though swelling tends to persist longer. This is to be expected because soft tissue healing typically lags behind pain relief.
Weeks Three Through Six: Increasing Mobility
As bone healing progresses, you can gradually expand your activity level. Many patients transition from a surgical shoe to a supportive walking boot or even regular shoes with modifications around week three or four. X-rays during follow-up appointments confirm bone alignment and healing progress before clearance for increased weight-bearing.
Returning to Daily Activities
Driving typically resumes between weeks two and four, depending on which foot was treated and your comfort level operating pedals safely. Some patients with desk jobs are able to return to work within two weeks, while those with jobs that involve extended standing may need to wait four to six weeks.
Physical Therapy and Strengthening
Some surgeons recommend physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength. Gentle exercises prevent stiffness while supporting proper biomechanics as you transition back to wearing regular shoes.
The Six to Twelve Week Mark: Returning to Full Activity
Bone healing reaches substantial completion by 6-8 weeks for most patients, though remodeling continues for months. Key milestones during this phase include:
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Wear regular shoes. Transition to supportive footwear such as athletic or walking shoes. Limit fashion footwear with heels or narrow toe boxes for special occasions only.
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Manage swelling. Residual swelling after activity remains common through month three; continue elevation and compression as needed.
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Progressive exercise. Start working out via low-impact activities like swimming or stretching, then gradually add impact as comfort allows.
Patience during this phase pays dividends. Don’t push too hard too soon, as this increases your risk of developing complications or experiencing prolonged swelling that delays full recovery.
Long-Term Outcomes and Lifestyle Adjustments
By three to six months after MIS bunion surgery, most patients enjoy a full return to activities with corrected foot alignment and eliminated bunion pain. Residual swelling may persist up to a year, particularly after long days on your feet or extended activity. This gradually resolves as final tissue remodeling completes.
Long-term bunion removal success includes continuing to make healthy footwear choices. Shoes with adequate toe box width, proper arch support, and reasonable heel heights help to protect your correction and prevent recurrence.