How long is the recovery time for cheilectomy?

The recovery time from a cheilectomy is comparatively short, according to Arlington Orthopedic Associates. For the first two weeks after the surgery the patient wears a stiff-soled shoe while the toe heals. For up to several months later, the toe and surrounding area may still be swollen.

A surgeon performs a cheilectomy to remove bone spurs and a portion of bone from a patient's big toe, which relieves arthritic stiffness and gives the patient's toe more bending room, explains Arlington Orthopedic Associates. Patients generally enjoy long-term relief after healing from the procedure, during which the doctor surgically opens the top of the patient's foot to reach the bone spurs.