It’s now three weeks since I had my bunion operation and am continuing to recover slowly but surely. Still needing to keep my foot elevated as much as possible, but can get around more than I have been. I’m still sleeping with my foot out from under the covers (if it was winter I’d do as the nurse suggested which is to buy a cat house and sleep with my foot inside it) as having anything pressing down on my foot is uncomfortable still. Fortunately, the weather has warmed up enough (and my peri-menopausal night sweats mean I’m not cold in bed) to allow me to do this.
Now dressing in a moonboot or post-operative shoe is a little tricky at times, so I thought I’d share some tips if this is something you may need to do sometime in the future.
What to Wear Immediately Post Surgery
So, for the first couple of weeks, you’re not allowed to take off your post-operative shoe and this means even getting out of the hospital gown into your own pyjamas is tricky. So either choose to wear a nightie or get pyjamas with really wide legs so you can it the shoe + big bandage through the leg. Not something I’d thought of, but fortunately I had brought PJs with a big enough leg opening to do this.
Dressing in the First 2 Weeks After Bunion or Foot Surgery
So you have this massive bandage on your foot and then the post-operative shoe and you need to be able to put your clothes on without taking the shoe off. Originally I thought I’d just wear my athleisure leggings as they’re comfy, and then I realised that the leg opening was just too small to fit over my shoe. What to wear?
- Wide leg trouser
- Trouser with a stretchy opening that will fit over the shoe
- Dresses
- Skirts
For the first two weeks of lying around (and really you should be lying around) you want to be comfortable, so I found that some harem style pants in a soft stretchy fabric that would stretch over my shoe worked well.
After 2 Weeks Post Bunion Surgery
I was now allowed to take the shoe off to shower and to get dressed, making the whole “what to wear” issue so much easier. But, wherever I was, I still need to be able to put my foot up, which meant either pants or voluminous skirts or dresses are required.
Now there is no way of making that post-operative shoe look glamorous, or even a tiny bit stylish, it is a big black clumpy thing, but if I’m out to make it less obvious, a maxi dress is a way to go.
So I can now wear any sort of clothes I want as I can slip anything over my foot, but it’s more a matter of what’s comfortable or practical day to day.
What Shoe to Wear with a Post-Operative Shoe
So that you don’t end up with a sore back from having uneven hips, find shoes that have a similar height sole as your post-operative shoe as this really does make getting around more comfortable as it means you limp less.
I’ve found that a sneaker has too thick a sole, but I’ve got some sandals and flat slip-on shoes that are around the same height and provide good options.
Imogen, I’m admiring your positive attitude as well as these lovely outfits!
Thanks Cathy! Got to stay positive – just hoping when I’m out of the post-op shoe that I can get back into some of my shoes as my foot is still very swollen.
You look wonderfull! This outfits are a pull together and I hardly notice the boot, wishing you a good recovering, best wishes, Francesca
Thanks Francesca! I think people notice the limping more than anything!
I’ll be having bunion surgery besides a few other things done to the foot. What about capris?
You may want to wear a nude sneaker or flat sandal!
What kind of pants are recommended other than stretch? legging? bell bottom? Im most likely going back to work right after so would like advice
Skirts and dresses – things you don’t have to get over your foot!
Having just had Osteotomy surgery myself (which included fixing a hammer toe caused by the bunion) I luckily found your blogs before it was undertaken. Thank you! Your account has been honest and invaluable and has really helped me to prepare and to get through it. I’m 10 days in and the best bit of advice was to wear a shoe on the left foot – before this my hips were killing me even though I was only shuffling around to head to the bathroom!
Thanks again!
You poor thing – hope you feel better soon!
This is really good advice, thank you. Having mine done next week and there’s quite a lot to think about!
If i had know then what i know now i would never have done it
Hi Imogen
I just came across your blog and really enjoyed reading your post on your surgery and all the helpful advise you gave. I had the exact same surgery done a week ago and have pins in my toes. I had deformities that was caused by my autoimmune issues which was making it difficult to walk not to mention wearing a lot of my shoes as you had mentioned. I am doing well so far following doctors orders. I love your fashion taste and I also happen to love maxi dresses which I plan to wear a lot while recovering. It also helps that I live in Florida. I hope your recovery went well and thank you again for your helpful advise. It really helped me.
Thanks Gloria – good luck with your healing! Do all the physical therapy too – otherwise your toes get very stiff.
Hi Imogen
I had the same operation 7 weeks ago now and hoping to have bandages removed and not having to wear the boot anymore.
What footwear did you use after the boot? I can’t wear flipflops as I also had the akin so have stitches in between my toes. Was is trainers? was they a size bigger or something else?
I’m conscious that I can’t put too much pressure on the wound as I know it’ll be a few more weeks before fully healed. Just unsure whether I buy a leather supportive shoe or a softer material shoe.
Thanks
Hi Karen – hope the pain is subsiding – it’s a long process – here are some more posts https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2018/11/bunion-surgery-update-6-weeks-post-operation.html and https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2018/10/how-to-choose-shoes-with-style-when-you-have-foot-issues.html https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2018/11/how-im-feeling-9-weeks-after-bunion-surgery.html
Didn’t change size – just had shoes that were not tight with a big toe bed