Hallux Rigidus Surgery Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for hallux rigidus surgery: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Footwear Guidelines
- •Wear the surgical boot/shoe as directed until cleared
- •Transition to stiff, supportive shoes with a wide toe box
- •Avoid narrow, pointed, or high-heeled shoes permanently
- •Custom orthotics may help prevent recurrence
Hallux Rigidus Surgery recovery, day by day
Immediate Aftercare
- ELEVATE your foot above heart level as much as possible, aim for 90% of the time
- Keep the surgical boot/cast/splint on at all times
- Ice behind the knee or around, not directly on the surgical site: 20 min on, 20 min off
- Non-weight-bearing: use crutches, knee scooter, or wheelchair. Do NOT put weight on the surgical foot.
Pain Management
- Take pain medication on schedule for the first 48-72 hours. Do not wait for pain to get bad.
- Swelling is the #1 cause of pain. Elevation is your best treatment.
- Wiggle your toes gently to promote circulation
Wound Care & Mobility
- First post-op visit for bandage change and wound check
- Continue non-weight-bearing or limited weight-bearing as directed
- Keep the foot dry. Cover with a plastic bag for showering.
- Swelling will peak around day 3-5. This is normal. Keep elevating.
Transition
- Transition to a stiff-soled shoe or walking boot. No flexible shoes yet.
- Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises as directed
- Swelling may increase with activity. Elevate after being on your feet.
- Follow up for X-rays to confirm healing
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Toes turn blue, white, or are numb for more than a few hours
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Severe pain not controlled by medication
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Calf pain, swelling, or warmth, sign of blood clot
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Fever above 101°F
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Wound has foul smell, pus, or increasing redness
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Cast or boot feels too tight or causes skin breakdown
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 7
Post-Op Visit
Wound check, bandage change, X-ray
- Day 14
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 28
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 29
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 42
Ongoing Recovery Review
Review any remaining symptoms or restrictions with the care team before changing your routine.
For clinics
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