Gentle Foot Care Clinic
Dr. Jairo Cruz, Jr., DPM | 📞 (813) 502-5904
📍 Brandon & Zephyrhills | 🌐 www.gentlefootdoctor.com

You’ve undergone a Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy, which corrects the bunion deformity using tiny incisions and specialized instruments, allowing for less soft tissue disruption, less pain, and a faster return to normal activities compared to traditional bunion surgery.

• Do NOT walk barefoot.
   
• You may walk with the post-op surgical shoe or boot provided by Dr. Cruz, unless instructed otherwise.
   
• Walk heel-weight bearing only for the first 1–2 weeks, placing weight on the heel, not the front of the foot.
   
• Avoid excessive walking and keep foot elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling.
   

• Keep the dressing clean and dry at all times.
   
• Do not remove the surgical bandage unless instructed. It helps maintain the corrected alignment.
   
• If bandage becomes soaked with blood or fluid, or loosens, call the office.
   

• Take prescribed pain medication or Tylenol/Ibuprofen as directed.
   
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take the full course as instructed.
   
• Avoid aspirin unless specifically directed.
   

• Apply ice to the ankle or behind the knee for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times daily, for the first 3–5 days.
   
• Elevate your foot above heart level whenever possible.
   
• Expect some swelling and bruising for several weeks.
   

• Wear your surgical shoe/boot at all times during the initial healing phase.
   
• Do not switch to a regular shoe until cleared by Dr. Cruz.
   
• Do not wear high heels, tight shoes, or anything that puts pressure on the forefoot during recovery.
   

• No soaking the foot until cleared by the doctor (no baths, pools, hot tubs).
   
• Avoid smoking or nicotine use, which impairs healing.
   
• Avoid driving until you are cleared (especially if the surgery was on your right foot).
   

• Your first post-op appointment is typically 7–10 days after surgery for a dressing change and to assess healing.
   
• Further visits will be scheduled every 2–4 weeks depending on your healing process.
   

• Increasing pain or swelling not controlled with medication
   
• Fever over 101°F
   
• Foul-smelling or discolored drainage
   
• New numbness, tingling, or change in toe color
   
• Loosening of the bandage or bleeding that won’t stop
   

• Week 1–2: Heel weight-bearing only; swelling management
   
• Week 3–4: Possible transition to a wider shoe (if advised)
   
• Week 6+: Return to regular shoe gear and normal activities
   
• Full recovery and bone remodeling can take up to 3–6 months
   

Call or text our office anytime:
📞 (813) 502-5904
🌐 www.gentlefootdoctor.com