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Post op shoe: wearing it as your team intends, and what helps around it
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- Leg elevation wedge pillow. Best for: Keeping the foot above hip height while resting. See options on Amazon
- Foot cast and dressing shower protector. Best for: Showering without wetting the dressing. See options on Amazon
- Shoe leveler for the other foot. Best for: Uneven stride when the post op shoe sits higher than your other shoe. See options on Amazon
- Knee scooter. Best for: Procedures that need no weight on the foot. See options on Amazon
What a post op shoe does
After some foot operations you can walk straight away, but AAOS OrthoInfo explains that you then need a special surgical shoe to protect the correction. Other procedures need no weight on the foot at all, and crutches or a knee walker are used instead. OrthoInfo adds that the foot usually needs support from dressings or a brace for 6 to 12 weeks after bunion surgery, and that you should not put weight on the foot or stop using supports until your doctor approves.
Because the shoe is part of your surgical plan, this page does not suggest a substitute for it. If yours breaks or no longer fits over the dressing, contact your team.
Types your team may give you
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust says the therapy team will provide the right footwear for your operation, which may be one of these:
| Type | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Post-operative shoe | Protects the foot and dressing while you walk as allowed |
| Heel weight bearing shoe | Lets you walk with weight through the heel only, toes off the ground |
| Walker boot | A boot your team may choose instead of a shoe for some operations |
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital notes you may be asked to wear the shoe whenever you move around, and sometimes in bed if you have pins visible.
Walking with heel weight bearing
Heel weight bearing means your weight goes through the heel only, with the toes kept off the ground. The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt hospital says short strides are the best way to keep to it. You will usually have a walking aid as well, and your therapy team will tell you how long to follow these limits.
- Take short steps and land on the heel.
- Wear the shoe and use any walking aid you were given whenever you are up and moving.
- Stop and rest if pain builds. West Suffolk advises seeking advice if pain increases and is not eased by rest, pain relief or ice.
Elevation, dressings and showering
Swelling is common after foot surgery. West Suffolk advises keeping the foot higher than your hip when you are not moving about, for at least the first 7 to 10 days. OrthoInfo says some swelling is common for 6 months to 1 year after bunion surgery.
Keep the dressing clean and dry. OrthoInfo suggests covering the foot with a plastic bag when showering or bathing, and not changing the dressing yourself without talking to your doctor.
Back into normal shoes
Your surgeon decides when you can stop wearing the post op shoe. OrthoInfo warns that going back to tight shoes after bunion surgery can cause the bunion to return, so you may need to limit the shoe styles you wear long term. A roomy toe box is a sensible target; our page on bunion correctors for shoes covers some options for later.
What to look for when you buy
Leg elevation wedge pillow
Best for: Keeping the foot above hip height while resting
West Suffolk advises keeping the foot higher than the hip when not moving about for at least the first 7 to 10 days. A firm wedge holds that height better than stacked pillows.
Watch out: Leave the heel free if your team has warned about pressure on the heel.
See options on AmazonFoot cast and dressing shower protector
Best for: Showering without wetting the dressing
OrthoInfo says to keep the wound and dressing dry and to cover the foot when showering. A purpose-made protector with a seal is easier to fit than a bag.
Watch out: Do not stand on a wet plastic sole; sit to wash if you can.
See options on AmazonShoe leveler for the other foot
Best for: Uneven stride when the post op shoe sits higher than your other shoe
A strap-on leveler raises the non-operated side so the two feet sit closer to the same height while you walk.
Watch out: Ask your physiotherapist first, and only use it if it does not change the weight bearing you were given.
See options on AmazonKnee scooter
Best for: Procedures that need no weight on the foot
OrthoInfo says crutches or a knee walker are usually used when no weight is allowed.
Watch out: Only if your team agrees, and practise on a flat floor first.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How long do you wear a post op shoe?
- Your surgeon decides. After bunion surgery, OrthoInfo says the foot usually needs support from dressings or a brace for 6 to 12 weeks.
- Do you sleep in a post op shoe?
- Usually not, but the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt hospital says you may be asked to wear it in bed if you have pins visible. Follow your own instructions.
- What is heel weight bearing?
- Walking with weight through the heel only and the toes kept off the ground. Short strides help you keep to it.
- Can I buy my own post op shoe?
- Post op shoes are sold over the counter, but your team chooses the type for your operation. If yours breaks or stops fitting, contact them rather than buying a different one.
- How do I shower with a post op shoe?
- Take the shoe off only if allowed, sit down, and cover the foot so the dressing stays dry, as OrthoInfo advises.
Sources
- Bunion Surgery (orthoinfo.org), AAOS OrthoInfo
- Foot surgery advice: information following foot surgery (rjah.nhs.uk), The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Foot and ankle surgery: recovery (wsh.nhs.uk), West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust