Hi,

I hope I’m not answering this too late. I think physical therapy after any surgery is a great addition and only helps to increase your function and ability to feel better after surgery. I have seen some bunionectomies cause a lot of pain after surgery.
I hope this helps.

I would ask your podiatrist. In most cases, PT therapy is a great choice.

Only if you end up with a functional limitation afterwards

It is ideal that after surgery, physical therapy is highly suggested due to complications that occur post- op.

Physical therapy is not typically necessary following bunion surgery. If prolonged pain, swelling, and/or stiffness is present, physical therapy may be beneficial to reduce those symptoms.

Your surgeon may or may not recommend physical therapy following your surgery. I always suggest it is a good idea to follow up with physical therapy to help in training the muscles of the foot and leg to help in reducing the risk of the bunion recurring.

Dr. Kristen Fogle, PT, DPT

Depends if you have problems with feet and toe mobility after surgery. Your surgeon will be able to help you with that after his post-surgery evaluation.

Regards,

Dr. Ramky Kavaserry, DPT

It is not necessary to need PT physical therapy under normal conditions, usually any exercise is taken home. However, in extensive surgery caused by comorbidities such as diabetes, may cause need for PT.
Thank you always for your questions.

Not always. It depends on what type of bunion surgery, your physical limitations following surgery and the level of pain you are in post- operatively.

Generally speaking, I do NOT send patients for Physical Therapy after bunion surgery. But I DO teach the patient stretching and range of motion exercises after the 2nd-3rd week of surgery in order to prevent stiffness of the joint, and to make recovery as seamless as possible.

Possibly, depends on extent of disability after Surgery.

I have found physical therapy to be beneficial after bunion surgery. I recommend you discuss with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for specifics.

Physical therapy is an adjunct to healing from injuries and surgery that limit functionality. In most cases, bunion surgery results in some temporary limitations in weight bearing and walking, but is not an indication for physical therapy as the pain and walking limitations are short term and are self-limited.
Hope that helps!

Kenneth D. Candido, M.D.