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.

Today renewed my belief that PF and Mortons Neuroma are mana

From Plantar Fasciitis Talk and Tips

Today renewed my belief that PF and Mortons Neuroma are manageable. I've had definite improvement from foot and leg strengthening and stretching plus Altras and toe socks but have found it hard going while holidaying in Vietnam. Yesterday I had a massage that included the lovely Vietnamese lady turning me into a pretzel with some great stretches and working through my leg from hip to toes extensively including quads (often missed in massages). Today I had the best day on my feet in 6 months solid. I only cramped up in my foot once after about 15000 steps and even that released fairly easily. This has reassured me that if we work the kinks out of our bodies as a larger system the pain can be significantly reduced or stop. All reactions:

Altra orthotics surgery custom orthotics orthotics massage cryotherapy stretching

Comments (5)

Claudia Hillstrom Great news, as I have suffered from both. I am relatively comfortable on my feet most days, but I do need to do more in strengthening and stretching. I too have found that massage has helped me to heal. I want to work toward barefoot shoes as I think that will be key to my feet getting stronger. Curious, are you wearing toe socks inside your Altras?

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View all 4 replies Comment as Justin Angela Carson posted to Plantar Fasciitis Talk and Tips Support Group After being up and down with PF for several months and not being able to get it under control with my physio I went to a podiatrist who says I also have Morton's Neuroma (inflammation of the nerve between 2nd and 3rd toes) which is why my experience with PF hasn't quite fit the mold. Podiatrist has prescribed anti inflammatories and, of course, custom orthotics Just wondering if anyone else has the same condition and has any tips for how they've managed it.

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Comment View more answers Connie Heidbreder I suffered with Morton's Neuroma for years both feet. I also had bunions. They didn't hurt but my big toe started to rotate . Had surgery to fix bunions and the neuromas. Finally healed and now years later I have PF

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Yvonne Wood I had Morton’s neuroma and had cryosurgery which removed it.

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Answer as Justin

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