dependent cyanosis and pain after bunion etc. surgery

I had bunion surgery (hallux valgus and tailors) and 2 hammer toes (2nd and 3rd toes) repaired (arthroplasty with ostetomy) 6 weeks ago. I am still not able to put my foot down or ambulate.  When I put my foot down it turns bright red, then blue/purple and immediately starts to swell.  The pain is quite intense and accompanied by parestesias. When I return it to an elevated poition, it returns to normal and the pain/paresthesias resolve.

Why is this still happening so far out?  Is this normal...will it improve?  Hw can I start to walk/bear weight when this is happening?  Should I be concerned that this is RSD?

[Yena H Do, DPM]

the color changes are normal.  when the foot is down, gravity pulls fluid downward: causing increase swelling, numbness, and dependent rubor (color changes you are describing).
however, this usually only happens after the first several weeks.  make sure you get an xray to see if the bones are healing and the correction has not been lost.  if the films are ok, i wouldn't worry about it. it will improve within a few more weeks.
RSD, which is now termed CRPS usually happens wether the foot is up or down.  

[Mariah55]

Hi.

I recently had the same surgery done on May 10th. I got the bunion removed and the 2nd toe (Hammer toe) straightened. On my left foot.  I didn't have the colour change.  I got the cast off in 5 weeks.  I was wearing sandals and walking after that more and more. It is still sore when I walk and I'm slow moving, but doing better. My foot was red for a while. It has been 2 months now. My toe nails on the toes I had surgery on are white. That will get back to normal. I'm sure the colour in your feet will get back to normal too in time.

It all depends on the person. I asked my doctor what he did.  He told me everything he did for the surgery. They do a lot to the foot, bone, muscles and all.