From the Guidelines
No, you should not run after a Lapidus procedure until at least 7-10 days have passed and you have been cleared by your surgeon, as running can be considered a strenuous physical activity that may interfere with the healing process [ 1 ].
Postoperative Care
When considering physical activity after a Lapidus procedure, which is not directly mentioned in the provided study, we can draw parallels from the postoperative care instructions for maxillary sinus floor augmentation.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity such as swimming, aerobics, or running for the following 7–10 days.
- Do not use a straw to drink.
- Try to avoid sudden pressure changes.
- If blowing your nose or sneezing is inevitable, try to do it gently and with your mouth open.
Rehabilitation and Activity Progression
While the study focuses on maxillary sinus floor augmentation, the principle of gradual progression to more strenuous activities can be applied to rehabilitation after a Lapidus procedure.
- Initially, patients should avoid high-impact activities.
- Progression to low-impact activities like swimming or cycling can be considered after the initial healing period, typically around 3 months post-surgery.
- Gradually introduce short walking/jogging intervals when cleared by your surgeon.
Importance of Surgeon Clearance
It's crucial to follow the specific instructions and timeline provided by your surgeon, as individual healing rates and surgical complexity can vary [ 1 ].
- Most patients can return to running between 4-6 months post-surgery.
- The fusion created during the Lapidus procedure provides good long-term stability for running once fully healed.
From the Research
Running After Lapidus Procedure
- The Lapidus procedure is a surgical treatment for hallux valgus deformities, which has evolved over the years to improve patient outcomes 2.
- Studies have shown that the procedure allows for early weight bearing and range of motion, resulting in rapid return to physical activity 2, 3.
- The use of a weight-bearing plate in the Lapidus procedure has improved overall patient care, minimized the risk of nonunions, and allowed for early physical therapy 2.
- Patients who have undergone the Lapidus procedure have reported significant improvements in functional outcomes, with increased AOFAS Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal Scale scores and decreased pain 3, 4.
- While there are potential complications associated with the Lapidus procedure, such as nonunion and hardware removal, the majority of patients have reported high levels of satisfaction and few complications 3, 4.
Return to Physical Activity
- The Lapidus procedure has been shown to allow for early physical therapy and rapid return to weight-bearing activities 2, 3.
- Patients have reported significant improvements in functional outcomes, including increased range of motion and decreased pain, which can enable them to return to physical activities such as running 3, 4.
- However, it is essential to follow the surgeon's instructions and rehabilitation protocol to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications 2, 3.