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.

I am incredibly frustrated and depressed about my feet. I fe

From Foot Pain Community

I am incredibly frustrated and depressed about my feet. I feel like no one even knows what's wrong with them. Going on 7 years battling pain in the Tops of my feet. Resting them only makes them better until I start using them again. I've tried gabapentin (didn't work plus I hated how it made me feel). I've tried several pain meds that barely help, but also can't be on forever. Had xrays and even two emgs (testing nerves).

Gabapentin knee scooter X-ray gabapentin rest stemwave

Comments (7)

Have your heel fat pads ever been measured? Heel fat pad atrophy is a common yet VERY underdiagnosed condition

Community member

Same sinking boat. Following for advice. Quite literally feel your pain. I'm only 50

Community member

I took a recommendation of using B6 vitamin. I'm on day four using B6 and B12. Day three I felt a difference and today my feet don't feel so thick/inflamed/sore. On second day I also started watching how many oxalates I consumed (spinach, cashews, nuts, parsley etc) as that can be a cause of sore feet too.

Community member

I made a cayenne pepper balm for my husband's feet. Really does work on the pain. Recipes online

Community member

I had Rheumatoid Arthritis Bone Spurs Heel Spurs Plantar Fasciitis Haglunds Deformity Tendonitis heel Spurs Gout I could barely walk and always in pain I took all the meds and did all the therapy. Four years later using canes knee scooter. I had more tests and needed a Parathyroidectomy.

Community member

Yes!!! Four years here of similar pain. I've recently started the new Stemwave Therapy and have been pain free, it's literally a miracle!!

Community member

I often stand up and it feels like all the bones are crunching together across the tops of my feet. I can't wear laces in trainers anymore. Walking is unbearable after about 7-10 mins.

Community member