The aftermath of the hallux valgus operation

Once your operation is finished, many postoperative procedures for hallux valgus surgery must be put in place to ensure that healing goes well and to avoid possible complications. Your surgeon will give you all the advice and information you need for hallux valgus surgery and recovery in the best possible conditions. Doctor Julien Lopez makes every effort to explain the post-operative instructions in as much detail as possible.

Recovery of hallux valgus: after surgery

Recovery from hallux valgus begins immediately after your procedure. The hallux valgus operation is performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you will be able to return home just a few hours after your hallux valgus surgery.

Once your procedure is finished, you will be taken to the recovery room and then to your room, where you will receive a snack. The nurse will then come to see you, her role is to monitor you and to ensure that the post-operative effects of the hallux valgus surgery are proceeding correctly.

1. Initially, the nurse will have the role of monitoring your foot
2. Then the first lift to walk after the procedure and hallux valgus surgery will be performed. In particular, you will be explained how to walk without a cane using your post-operative shoes.
3. The secretary or nurse will also visit you to provide you with your operating report, your discharge papers and to check the dates of the next appointments.
4. You will leave the clinic walking with the aid of the crutches and the shoe.
5. With the agreement of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, your discharge may be considered. Returning to your home should be done with your feet raised in the car.

Once back home, you must strictly follow the instructions given to you for recovery after the hallux valgus operation under the best possible conditions (refer to the sheet "Post-operative instructions after hallux valgus" which was given to you during programming).

Postoperative procedures for hallux valgus

Here are the post-operative hallux valgus procedures that you will need to adopt when you return home.

The bandage

Your dressing will be made directly at the end of your operation. It should be kept for 21 days.

In the case of hallux valgus, after the operation and making a good dressing are very important to benefit from good bone and tissue healing. Although you do not have to perform any dressing, it is mandatory to keep the dressing made by the surgeon until your next consultation appointment. The dressing will then be removed directly at the clinic.

Walking

Walking is permitted with your full weight with the shoe on. For the first few days, we recommend that you avoid walking for more than 30 minutes without resting. It is also very important to keep the operated foot in an elevated position. As soon as you are in a sitting or lying position, consider placing cushions under your foot to keep it elevated.

Also, consider icing over your bandage 5-7 times a day for 15-20 minutes. You can use a packet of frozen peas, gel packs, or your prescribed splint.

Pain

Many patients fear a hallux valgus procedure because of the pain. However, the use of percutaneous surgical technique can significantly reduce the pain experienced before, during and after hallux valgus surgery. Doctor Julien Lopez brings great importance to pain management.

To ensure your recovery after hallux valgus surgery without pain, the surgeon sets up a treatment of painkillers throughout the treatment process:

• The hallux valgus intervention is performed under locoregional anesthesia. This type of anesthesia eliminates the pain during the hours following the operation by anesthetizing the limb for 6 hours to 24 hours. This will allow you to wake up without pain.
• Once the effects of the anesthesia have completely worn off, painkillers are provided to gradually relieve the pain. Doctor Julien Lopez recommends that his patients take the painkillers prescribed by the oral route systematically, and without waiting for pain, during the 2 days following the operation. These analgesics will be prescribed to you before you return home. From the 3rd day, take analgesics only if you are in pain.