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 had minimally invasive surgery on my foot on 1/22. Pain ha

From Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

I had minimally invasive surgery on my foot on 1/22. Pain has never been severe and I’ve kept on top of the medication. However, I see all these posts online about how easy and how great this was and I feel at a loss. While there is no excruciating pain- I’m a quite honestly very uncomfortable quite often. For the first time I had my foot unwrapped and tried to sleep that way last night and it was honestly horrible for me. I just don’t know if I expected to feel less or if I Julie B. Witter Anyone have experience with your foot getting really purple? I’m on week 5 post op and often, my foot just fills up with blood when I’m up and about. Julie B. Witter How was surgery for you? Was yours a similar experience: 1st step: 10+ shots in the foot for “nerve blocker.” 2. No anesthesia. Just wore sound canceling headphones phones. 3. Laid on a flat surgical table; chose not to look, but I could have chosen to watch the whole thing. 4. Doctor had a hand-held x-ray machine. (No scope inside the foot.) She did many x-rays throughout the procedure. She would lift my foot (with my help) onto a s Caroline Graham Last October, I had minimally invasive bunion surgery with two pins and a plantar plate repair. One pin had to come out about 6 months later because it was pushing against the side of my foot. At the same time, I had a neuroma surgery. After several months I was good but recently when I used flippers in the lap pool, not only did the pain where I had the neuroma start again (this seems to have resolved itself) but my big toe is real Julie B. Witter I just came out of surgery today. It seems that some people have very little pain, and before I had my surgery I questioned that: how can it be possible??? Well, I hate to break it to y’all, but I’m in a LOT of pain. Trying to settle in for the night and waiting for 8:50 to roll around for me to take my Tylenol. Can’t seem to get in a comfortable enough position to sleep. If anyone has any encouragement or tips/tricks to get over the first few days, please feel free to share! February 26, 2025 Learn More January 15, 2025 January 3, 2025 December 11, 2024 December 10, 2024 Learn More

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