When should I start physical therapy after bunion surgery?

Most surgeons recommend starting physical therapy 3-4 weeks after surgery, once initial wound healing has progressed. However, gentle range-of-motion exercises may be encouraged even before formal PT. Always follow your surgeon's specific protocol before starting PT.

What exercises help recover faster from bunion surgery?

Common PT exercises include: toe flexion and extension, ankle pumps, gentle calf stretches, toe spreads using a towel, walking progressions, balance exercises, and intrinsic foot muscle strengthening. The specific exercises depend on the recovery phase and your surgeon's recommendations.

How long does physical therapy last after bunion surgery?

Most patients do PT for 4-8 weeks, with 2-3 sessions per week. However, the full recovery period is longer, and self-directed exercises should continue for several months. Some patients benefit from longer PT if they have stiffness or balance issues.

Do I need to do exercises at home after physical therapy?

Yes. Home exercise compliance is crucial for optimal recovery. Most PTs provide a home exercise program that should be done daily or several times per week. Consistent home exercises often determine the difference between good and excellent outcomes.

Hi Everyone, 11 weeks (tomorrow) post minimal invasive surge

From Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Hi Everyone, 11 weeks (tomorrow) post minimal invasive surgery for both bunions and bunionettes (taylors bunion) on both feet, I have beet trying to move more to get a normal walk pattern which I should be able to by now according to my surgeon, however the more I do the more pain I get in front of my ankle and calf muscle, especially if I have been resting or when I get up in the morning its worst and can barely walk shoeless, has any one else experienced this and what did you do to get better please Thank you See less

surgery minimally invasive

Comments (5)

I'm worried also about mine. I am 7 weeks post op. Mininal bunion and plantar fasciitis release. I was given a nerve block for pain, Which for days it was wonderful. Could not feel a thing! 7 Weeks later, that same leg is numb and tingly from the knee down! I still have "THE WALK" your talking about also. My lower back is starting to hurt so much because of not walking properly. I hope yours gets better soon. I am waiting for a EMG, to see if nerve damage

Community member

I'm 20 weeks behind all of that and I do remember those days. Mornings were stiff and painful and my feet were swelling a lot, but I must say that weeks 13 and up were magical. I just became more active and i stop thinking about my feet that much, so pain, swelling, everything started minimizing... now, 20 weeks behind, no pain and swelling are manageable. I'm going to a concert in 2 weeks, planning to dance for 10 straight hours Good luck to you and yes, keep moving, trust in the process.

Community member

have questions? Get Answers! Hey Guys, For those that have had Minimal invasive surgery Need to ask if any one else has had this happen I am 9 weeks post op from bunion and bunionette (taylor's bunion) surgery in Australia, the pin for the bunionette was removed at 3 weeks. I have been weight bearing from the day after surgery however on left foot I have this hard bit that feels like its either bone or screws, I did show it to my surgeon at 5 weeks which he was ok with it and just put some tape on it. I should have been able to wear shoes from about 4 weeks, which I have only been able to put runners on since week 8, but wearing them for short period it rubs where this hard bit is, and its also very sensitive, I feel like something isn't right, still have some pain in the left foot and cannot walk properly on it, my next appointment is on the 19th but want to know has anyone else had something like this? See less

Community member

I have the same thing. Went for last hospital appt last week. (Surgery was 3 months ago) they weren’t concerned at all. But like you ,wearing shoes is uncomfortable. The rubbing gets to you after a little while.

Community member

Yes. I had that happen to me, also in Australia. The surgeon kept saying it was scar tissue. I knew it wasn’t. Finally she agreed to do an X-ray which confirmed it was a pin which the surgeon subsequently removed with another surgery to remove a neuroma - 6 months after my original surgery

Community member