In these situations, surgery and postoperativephysical therapy (PT)are often needed to address your symptoms.
This article will review what bunion surgery is and when physical therapy may be necessary after the procedure.
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What Is Bunion Surgery?
Halfpoint Images / Getty Images
While bunions may cause your foot to look deformed, this usually is not reason enough to have surgery.
While individual situations will vary, PT typically focuses on several goals for rehab.
In some cases, it may take up to two years for your foot symptoms to completely resolve.
Gait Training
Avoiding bearing weighton your affected foot is usually required after bunion surgery.
While the timeline differs depending on the procedure, this protective period can last for six weeks or longer.
A home stretching program typically is recommended to improve your progress between therapy sessions.
This weakness can impact your ability to walk, negotiate stairs, or navigate uneven terrains.
Typically, a home exercise program is created for you.
Activities will progress and become more challenging as your strength and balance improve from week to week.
Physical therapy after bunion surgery involves pain and swelling management and gait training early on.
It eventually will include stretches to improve range of motion and exercises for balance and strength.
It is important to remember, however, that surgery is only the first step in your recovery.
Massachusetts General Hospital.Physical therapy guidelines for hallux valgus correction (bunion reconstruction).
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery.Bunion surgery.
2016;37(10):1071-1075. doi:10.1177/1071100716653084
