Can you walk after bunion surgery?

Tennis and bunion surgery?

• I went to my orthopedic doctor due to bunion pain that is only getting worse in the recent months. I have tried the shoe inserts and night splints and yet i still have pain, but the pain only comes from when i walk or run, sometimes it comes and other times it does not. I have bunions on both of my feet due to genetics. The doctor suggests surgery, on both feet, saying that it best to do it that since the bones in my feet have stopped growing and it is only to get worse as i get older. He took an x-ray and showed me that my big toe on both feet is pushing my other toes. He advised to do the surgery in the summer so i do not miss school. But here is the thing, i was planning to play tennis in September for school ( i am in high school). He also said that the since it is minor, the degree at this point, they will only be shaving the bone so that is positioned correctly the big toe. If the surgery is done in mid to late June, would i have enough time time to rest and possibly play tennis in September? If anyone has experience with this type of surgery i was wondering how long/how is the recovery? Much thanks... Here is the thing: 1. due to the amount of rest i need, my parents will only allow the surgery to be in the summer, they do not want me to miss any time from school. thus, i do not think i will be able to push the surgery into the winter or some other time (my winter/Christmas break is just 1 week). 2. My pediatrician and parents are advising my to do the surgery as soon as possible because it is best to do it before my insurance gets cut which could be at any moment. 3. I am really bummed out that i will be basically have a terrible summer AGAIN because i spent my last summer with a knee injury which kept me from tennis. Then also, my parents and everyone else keeps on saying my health comes first...

• Answer:

  I had bunion removal surgery last May on my left foot, and my doctor said it would take 3-6 months to completely heal. To be honest with you, if you really want to play tennis, DON'T have the surgery until tennis season is over. Even if you have it done in June, your foot won't be in good enough condition to play. You're going to be in a surgical shoe for at least 4 weeks, and after that you still have to take it easy. Summer is a bad time for foot surgery, especially if you're a teenager. I am not kidding, it will ruin your summer. I couldn't swim until LATE JULY because you're not supposed to submerge your foot in water for excessive periods of time. I spent the entire week at summer camp wearing a surgical shoe, and I couldn't do most of the games that involved physical activity. I also want to play tennis this fall, which is why we are waiting until at least winter to have my right foot operated on. I am advising that you do the same. Yes, you'll still have a bunion, but at least you'll be able to play. Oh, and Robert's right. See a podiatrist, preferably one that also does surgery. They specialize in feet, so they are more skilled at bunion removal surgery than an orthopedic surgeon. My podiatrist does this surgery at least once a week.