Keeping your range of motion after bunion surgery is essential for your recovery. If you have this procedure done and can’t move your foot properly after the recovery process is done – either the surgery was wrong, or you didn’t follow the recovery instructions. To prevent this from becoming a problem, there are several exercises you can do to keep your foot engaged post-surgery.
Is Focusing On Gaining Range of Motion After Bunion Surgery Important?
One of the main goals of bunion surgery and the recovery process, in general, is that you can normally walk again and participate in all activities that you can’t enjoy because of a hurtful bunion. Unfortunately, in order to fix this problem, surgeons will have to realign your foot bones in the proper position, and they’ll need to stay in this position for some time in order to heal correctly.
This is why it is essential that you understand how the recovery process gradually changes from simple to more complex exercises that will eventually lead you to function without any issues. If you don’t follow the doctor’s instructions, you might have some problems with screws after bunion surgery.
What Range of Motion Exercises After Bunion Surgery Can You Do?
The postoperative period can be different for every individual, but here are some core rules you should follow if you want to ensure everything heals properly. Follow these rehabilitation exercises, and you should be able to restore movement in the big toe.
3 Days Post Op
For this exercise, you can remove the medical shoe but keep the bandage on. Movements can feel slightly restricted with the bandage. Repeat exercise 5 times a day:
- 20 x Toe lifts: While sitting with a foot flat on the floor, try raising your toe as far as possible to the ceiling and back.
- 20 x Toe bends: Bend your toes towards the ground while they are resting over the edge of a book.
- 20 x Toe pulls: Pull your Toe up with your hand to discomfort and hold it in that position for 3 seconds, then relax.
- 20 x Toe pushes: Point toes and ankle down similar to a ballerina, push them with your hand to discomfort and hold for 3 seconds, then relax.
A Week After Post Op
After one week, you can try some different exercises:
20 x Seated heel raises: While sitting with your foot on the floor, bend your knees at 90⁰ while keeping your toes on the floor. Raise the heel to the pain limit and return.
Three Weeks After the Post Op
After three weeks, you should continue with the same exercise routine one to five times a day.
Six Weeks After the Operation
After six weeks, you can add some new exercises and repeat them five times a day:
- 20 x Standing both heels raise: Stand close to a wall, raise heels to the limit of pain and hold for 3 seconds, then relax.
- 20 x Standing single heel raises: Stand close to a wall, stand on one leg, raise the heel to the limit of pain and hold for 3 seconds.
- 20 x Standing lunges: Place the wounded foot one step behind you, bend both of your knees, concentrate on bending your toe, and hold it for 3 seconds in that position, then relax.
Ask Your Surgeon in Miami About the Range Motion After the Bunion Surgery
If you’re looking for a consultation, Luxe Foot Surgery in Miami has several experts on this subject, so don’t hesitate to contact us and book your appointment right away. Our doctor and surgeon will give you advice on the exercise routine you should follow as well as optimize it, considering the specific state of your recovery process.
FAQ
How Long Does Stiffness Last After Bunion Surgery?
Stiffness should slowly improve about six weeks after the surgery, but if the recovery process doesn’t go as expected, these symptoms can sometimes last for six months or even a year. No matter the case, you should consult with an expert about future treatment.
Will I Be Able to Bend My Toe After Bunion Surgery?
You shouldn’t bend your toe at the beginning of the recovery process, and you can expect pain if you do it immediately after the process. Once you start recovering, the pain will gradually disappear, and with the right exercise, you’ll be able to maneuver your toe like usual.
When Can You Wiggle Toes After Bunion Surgery?
About two weeks after the surgery is enough for your wounds to heal to the state where you can wiggle your fingers.
Should I Move My Toes After Bunion Surgery?
Yes, but you shouldn’t overdo it. In case you get extreme with the exercise, this might lead to a negative outcome.
