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Patient Questions  /  PT after bunion surgery

Foot & Ankle

What Is Physical Therapy Like After Bunion Surgery?

Physical therapy after bunion surgery usually starts once your surgeon says the foot is healing well enough, often a few weeks after surgery. It focuses on easing swelling, getting your big toe moving, and helping you walk normally and get back into regular shoes. Your therapist follows your surgeon's protocol, because the rules vary with the type of surgery.

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Before therapy starts

In the first weeks you'll likely wear a surgical shoe or boot and keep your foot raised to control swelling. How much weight you can put on your foot depends on the type of surgery you had. Follow your surgeon's instructions closely during this stage.

What therapy usually includes

  • Swelling control, like raising your foot and gentle movement.
  • Big toe motion. Gentle work to help the toe bend upward, which you need to push off when you walk.
  • Scar care once the incision has fully healed.
  • Walking practice. Rolling through your foot and pushing off your big toe again as you move out of the boot.
  • Strength and balance for your foot, ankle, calf and hip.
  • Shoe advice, usually starting with roomy shoes with a wide toe area.

How long recovery takes

Recovery is gradual. Swelling often lasts for months, especially at the end of the day. Getting back into everyday shoes, and later into running or snug dress shoes, happens in stages. Your surgeon and therapist will guide the timing.

When to see a doctor

Call your surgeon right away if you have:

  • Fever, or redness, warmth or drainage at the incision
  • Calf pain, swelling or warmth, which needs urgent attention to rule out a blood clot
  • Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain: call 911
  • Toes that turn pale, blue or cold, or numbness that is getting worse
  • Pain that is getting worse instead of better, or a sudden change in the position of your toe

How physical therapy at ARI can help

At ARI, we follow your surgeon's protocol and work one-on-one to calm swelling, restore your big toe's motion and get you walking comfortably again, with a home program to keep your progress going between visits.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Foot and ankle surgery rehab →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026