When bunions get so serious that they cause chronic pain or stop you from doing things that you love, you can have a bunionectomy procedure. This is a surgery that involves shaving down the bunion and realigning the joints in the big toe. It has a great success rate, and most people are happy with their results. The recovery does come with some pain and discomfort, but you can manage these symptoms and navigate your recovery with the tips below.

Prepare your recovery room before you come home.

When you first come home, you will need to wear a boot, walk with crutches, and avoid using your foot at all for a few days. Make sure your home is set up so that you don't need to move around more than necessary. If you use your bedroom, stock the nightstand with some good books to read, any pain relievers your doctor has recommended, and some snacks and bottled drinks. Bring in some extra pillows; you may want them to rest your leg on. You should also make sure the path from your recovery room to the bathroom is clear. Pick up any area rugs or runners so you do not trip on them.

Ride home in the back seat.

After bunion surgery, you will want to elevate your leg as much as possible. This is easiest to do if you ride in the backseat on the way home. You can put your affected leg up on the seat. Ask your driver to take the smoothest way home possible. 

Stay off your foot for as long as recommended.

There are a few different kinds of bunion surgery. How long you take to recover will depend, in part, on the exact procedure you have. So, listen to your doctor's exact instructions when it comes to resting and staying off your foot. If they say to stay off it for one week, listen to them. Don't push it and walk too soon, even if you feel up to it. You could rip out stitches or dislodge the recently realigned bones.

Go to physical therapy.

Chances are, your doctor will recommend physical therapy that starts a week or two after surgery. Make sure you go to PT as advised and do your best to work through the exercises. They are necessary to strengthen your foot so that you can begin walking normally again now that your bunions are gone.

Navigating your recovery from a bunionectomy won't be painless, but it does not have to be that bad. Follow the tips above for speedy healing.