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 have worn BIrkenstocks for years. And even after getting P

From Plantar Fasciitis Talk and Tips

I have worn BIrkenstocks for years. And even after getting PF in my left foot from overuse from taking on a new activity and trying to do it 3x per week to 6 days per week because I wanted to learn if quickly so I thought. (Golf) I still found these sandals more comfortable than any other shoe I owned except my New Balance runners with custom orthotics. Podiatrists view Birkenstocks as a solid, supportive option for everyday wear. They praise the cork footbed, which generally helps with arch pain, flat feet, and bunions. However, experts warn they aren’t for everyone; their rigid, firm design can aggravate severe foot conditions or fail to offer enough shock absorption. What Podiatrists Like Arch Support: The built-in arch support prevents the foot from collapsing. It acts as a helpful "cradle" for people with mild plantar fasciitis or flat feet. Deep Heel Cup: It cradles the heel, stabilizing the foot and controlling overpronation. Roomy Toe Box: The wide, open design allows toes to spread naturally, preventing deformities like hammer toes. Zero Drop: Most classic styles are flat (no elevation from heel to toe), which is better for overall spinal alignment than heeled footwear See less

New Balance Altra cortisone orthotics taping elevation stretching custom orthotics rolling arch support epsom salt

Comments (5)

Yes, they are pricey but it is so worth it. I LOVE my Birkenstocks. I wear Boston and Arizona.

Community member

Birkenstocks were one of the biggest contributors to my healing, I wear them all the time unless sleeping or running. I ended up with 3 pairs (indoor sandals, outdoor sandals and then closed toe)

Community member

My story: .I have had plantar for 1.5 years from over use from learning golf . I also have worn orthotics for over a decade . I used to work for a chiro. So when my podiatrist said my orthotics are too flexible and I need more rigid ones I was highly skeptical. Why would I want more rigid I thought . Well you do . More on that later. I did the calf stretches, had a cortisone injection & continued to golf (January- April) until i couldn’t do it anymore which is now 2 months later . Now it’s April I’m back from Palm Springs and so I went back to my podiatrist. Got a 2 nd cortisone shot which they have stopped my pain immediately but the first one lasted 2 months. Ordered new orthotics and continued calf stretches. Luckily I’m not working so I’m able to rest it. I used to wear Birkenstocks for years no problem but now I feel I can only wear them for a couple hours . I dont get pain wearing my new orthotics to my surprise in my old New balance runners I’ve had for years. Cortisone immediately took all the pain away . The first shot only last 2 months but I continued to golf . The 2 nd shot has lasted for 2 months then some pain returned but not too bad at all and I’m still progressing so I recommend getting them. Only 3 in a year is standard practice. This is such a slow healing process. I thought resting it would be all I would need . How people recover from this while working is beyond me. My podiatrist says 3-4 months before golfing again. I have progressed now to strengthening exercises like heel raise on my stairs. I’m 59 year old female. I joined a gym as it gets me to commit to doing exercises. Riding a bike or elliptical is ok but not a treadmill. Podiatrist said start at 10 mins. I can now do it for 30 mins then I move on to weights. I never go barefoot as podiatrist recommended and I can tell it’s too much for my flat feet. I only have left foot PF. I swear calf stretches really help. When I have a flare I ice it right away and that works. So I am going on 3 months and pain has gone down to 3/10 from 8/10 and it’s way less frequent. My podiatrist will not recommend Hokas but yes to New Balance and Birkenstocks depending on how you feel . I also had met pads put in My orthotics for Morton’s neuroma on my left foot which stopped all that pain years ago so I continue to keep that in my new orthotics which took 3 weeks . I hope someone finds this useful. It’s not a life sentence it takes commitment and months to heal. Physio recommended taping it in the beginning of the pain which did help until it got too bad because I tried to keep on golfing. Had to stop to let it heal. See less

Community member

Most of that is the opposite of what I did and I healed in 11 weeks. Cortisone shots do nothing for healing PF. In most cases it makes it worse. I wore orthotics for just 3 weeks then transitioned to zero-drop shoes. Altra Paradigm wide toe box zero-drop shoes. Stretching & strengthening exercises 3 times a day along with massaging my calves and feet were the most important thing for my healing. Also, nightly Epsom salt soaks helped a lot.

Community member

Tennis shoes wear out and breakdown. If you have had the same shoes for years you need new ones. Heel raises tighten your calf muscles, opposite of what you want. Heel drops and back to only neutral are more beneficial. You need to strengthen the intrinsic muscles in your foot.

Community member