The dressing for the hallux valgus operation
Doctor Lopez will make the dressing for the hallux valgus operation at the end of your operation for appropriate healing.
Why do a hallux valgus dressing after the operation?
At the end of your operation, the surgeon makes a hallux valgus dressing to ensure support for the big toe and limit the risk of complications. Once your dressing is done, you will be taken to the recovery room. Read about the other steps of the hallux valgus surgery by clicking here.
The realization of a post-surgery hallux valgus dressing has several objectives:
- The first function of the dressing after a hallux valgus is to keep the big toe in its axis. Indeed, the bandage plays an essential role in the success of the operation of the hallux valgus. It constitutes a real strapping and participates in the stabilization of your fractures. It also allows the healing of soft tissues in a good position.
- The second function of the dressing is to completely and correctly cover the wound. The dressing made must be completely waterproof in order to allow for optimal protection of the wound. The goal is to prevent external elements from entering the wound and causing infection. Fat is applied to the scar to improve skin healing and to facilitate subsequent removal of the dressing.
- The bandage after the hallux valgus operation can also be used during walking. The surgeon makes a large, thick bandage that can serve as a slipper. You will be able to take support on this shoe in order to move around.
The dressing of the foot for hallux valgus surgery plays a central role in the success of the procedure and in the recovery process after hallux valgus. It is important to take care of it and to strictly follow your surgeon's instructions.
Go here to learn more about hallux valgus surgery.
Hallux valgus bandage: what to do
In the case of minimally invasive surgery, no hallux valgus bandage treatment is required. However, it is important to follow the recommendations and advice of your surgeon to the letter and especially not to touch your dressing. This is how you can ensure your recovery in the best possible conditions.
The dressing of the hallux valgus foot will be changed directly by the surgeon during the first postoperative appointment. This appointment usually takes place 15 days to 3 weeks after your intervention. Remember to bring the equipment that was prescribed to you for the preoperative consultation. After removing the post-operative hallux valgus dressing, here are the instructions that will be given to you by the surgeon:
- Remove the dressing: The small dressing placed by the surgeon can be removed the same evening. Then it is not necessary to continue to wear a bandage except to protect against friction with shoes.
- Authorized showers: Take short showers and avoid baths. Dry the wound well after showering.
- Apply the healing cream every night before bedtime.
- Footwear: you can wear classic shoes. Most of the time, the foot remains swollen and it is necessary to continue the therapeutic shoe for a few days.
- Start physiotherapy sessions
- Do the self-rehabilitation exercises every day
- Icing is no longer necessary
Hallux valgus and post-operative dressing: the procedures to adopt
In the case of a hallux valgus operation, the postoperative dressing requires very specific procedures.
Abnormal appearance of the dressing
If you notice that your bandage is stained with blood, there is nothing to worry about. This is a completely normal reaction. In fact, the percutaneous technique requires making a small 2mm incision which is usually not sutured. No one except the surgeon has the authority to undo and redo the dressing. If you ever notice that your wound is bleeding abnormally or if your toes are very painful, do not hesitate to contact Doctor Julien Lopez as soon as possible. He will be able to advise you on what to do or see you in consultation to change your dressing if he deems it necessary.
If the hallux valgus dressing after surgery comes off or changes, if you experience severe pain or itching, or if you have a fever, contact his secretary..
The shower
Once back at home it is important to be careful not to wet your scar, and by extension, your bandage. This could cause infection of the wound. Remember not to get your feet wet when you wash. You can do this by protecting your feet, for example, with the waterproof protective cover prescribed for you.
It is advisable to take these precautions for the first three weeks after the operation, that is, until the first postoperative appointment. If the scar looks good by week 3, you can wash your entire foot with soap. The baths will only know possible when the threads and scabs are gone.
In the event that you accidentally wet your hallux valgus surgery dressing, it is important to contact the secretary of Doctor Julien Lopez in order to undo the dressing and make a new one.
