Having bunion & hammer toe surgery. does it hurt much afterwards?

Pain medication : Depending on the type of procedures performed, the surgeon will choose medication and dosage to control post surgical pain. Ice, elevation, and rest also helps. I always discuss post op pain with the patient.

Yes.: But the amount of pain is variable and pain medication is provided to help you through the process. The pain is similar to the pain of a broken bone. The worst of it usually occurs in the first 24-72 hours after surgery, then begins to taper off gradually.

Not that much: I find patients tend to have as much pain as they anticipate having. If your surgeon works carefully, prescribes antiinflammatories and pain medications and you follow post-op instructions to ice, elevate and rest the foot faithfully, you'll be surprised how little pain you have. Expect the best and that's likely what you will get.

Rest and relax: The amount of pain following bunion and hammertoe surgery may vary depending on how you take care of your foot following the surgery. Immediately after surgery your best bet would be to rest and elevate your feet. Post operative pain will be less if you limit the swelling by elevating the feet. Take the pain medication as needed and as recommended.

It's not painless!: Post-operatively the first three days are typically the most painful, but your surgeon will minimize your pain as much as possible with bandaging and a pain medication prescription. At home, the more you elevate, the less you swell, and the less you swell, the less you hurt. Ask your surgeon about icing, and follow all weight bearing restrictions.

Surgery: Postoperative pain is related to the procedure(s) done. Having said that , it is also related to how much pain you were having before surgery . As said , a positive attitude and following post op instructions to the letter helps a ton. The long term results outweigh the short term discomfort. Always speak to your surgeon for any concerns.