Bunion surgery recovery, anyone?

[KS_Flatlander]

Anyone got any tips for bunion surgery recovery? I had my right foot bunion done on May 21, 2026. Got cleared by my doc to walk without the surgery shoe (whatever I could tolerate) beginning this week. Sunday did .4 miles in cushioned walking sneakers (Hokas), Monday did the same, today made it one house down the street and that was it (.1 mile). Pain in the big toe joint too much; in the recliner now with ice pack on my foot. I’m guessing that’s how this recovery is going to be for awhile (a little progress, a little setback) Anyone been down this road before?

MT elk hunt coming up in Oct, …feels like an impossible challenge to be ready at this point.

 

[bigsky2]

How was the surgery itself?

 

[KS_Flatlander]

How was the surgery itself?

Lasted about an hour. I was knocked out. Day surgery (modified McBride and Akin procedures both done), doc said it went well. Then for 5 weeks I was mainly in a recliner with ice packs, on and off. Foot was bandaged, taped, put in a surgery shoe. I could hobble around to the bathroom, kitchen, bed on crutches. Showers were with a waterproof sleeve over the shoe. All that’s gone now thankfully, and incisions (2) both healed up.

 

[Badlandcat]

Had it done a couple years ago on June 1st. I did archery elk hunt that fall. I hunt out on the plains the terrain so wasn't too bad. The sidehill and steep up and down were a killer. Fairly sure I wouldn't have made in the mountains.
First thing to do is go and get a pair of Crispi Briksdal MTN SF GTX, they have the roomiest toe box I could find and are very lightweight with great ankle support. Have a container and ice available to be able to give your foot an ice soak every night. Follow p/t to the letter and have them help you with calf strength training also, as your calf will shrivel up during recovery. Tylenol 8hr 650 mg and tramadol regimen helps also.
Plan on skipping an evening or morning hunt every couple days also helps. After a year I had a couple screws removed and that helped a bunch.
Good luck and shoot straight and often!