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 - i have PF and a neuroma. I have done stretching, ice, s

From Plantar Fasciitis Talk and Tips

Hi - i have PF and a neuroma. I have done stretching, ice, splints, Vibit,etc. for 5weeks. No real improvement. I also have Hoka Giralto(?), Arachi, NB 1080s - wonder if these have made worse. Any viable other treatment options before shots that have worked for you? Thanks

Hoka ice therapy rest stretching

Comments (3)

Anyone have insight into whether you should /can do gentle walking with PF? If so, do you walk until twinging or stop before. I am also doing stretching, ice, splint, etc

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I reduced my walking for a few months but then I figured that my feet were getting generally unconditioned which can’t be good, particularly if you get walking again too quickly.

Community member

You can walk but keep it minimal. Assessing 24 hours later to see if PF symptoms have increased. If they haven't then walked the same again for another few days in a row. If everything is ok then consider increasing duration a bit. An inspiration of mine was a guy who walked 5 minutes a day. After 2 weeks was PF symptoms not increasing he increased walking by 5 minutes. He rinsed and repeated until he was walking an hour a day. Which from memory equates to 6 months of walking. He healed through slow and progressive loading while not re-injuring. I healed through slow and progressive high-loading. It means I achieve the same result but in 1.5 months as I was increasing load. I also did my regime once every two days, resting on the 2nd

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