Bunions are usually treatable without surgery, but certain situations require it. A swollen big toe that won't go away even with medication, a deformity of the big toe, stiffness in the big toe, extreme pain that limits walking and a general failure of medication and exercise to control the bunions usually means surgery. Though surgery is typically effective for correcting bunions, you will need to do some post-surgical recovery.
Post-Surgery Care
Exercises after foot surgery restore strength and mobility in the foot. But exercise cannot be done immediately following surgery. Bandages hold your feet in place after surgery and you'll be sent home wearing a cast or surgical shoe that prevents too much pressure being put on the foot. Exercise has to wait a few days. Also, take your medication, elevate the foot and apply ice as directed by your doctor.
Weight-Bearing Activities
After a few days, you can walk short distances. But don't ditch the crutches and walk as much as you normally would. Gradually increase the distance over a few weeks. Use crutches or a walker for at least a week after surgery so that too much weight isn't placed on your recovering foot too quickly. Driving is likely alright after a week.
Foot Strengthening
Foot exercises to recover strength are another part of postoperative recovery. Usually, physical therapists recommend strengthening exercises that use marbles or exercise bands to work the muscles of the feet, toes and ankles. One exercise you can do for strength and dexterity is to sit down and place some marbles on the floor in front of you. Use your toes to pick up the marbles from the floor.
Another strengthening exercise for the ankle is band plantarflexion. Wrap an elastic exercise band around the bottom of your foot with your leg straight as you sit on the floor. Bend the foot forward to point the toes against resistance from the band.
Mobility
Another form of exercise after foot surgery is mobility exercise. Exercises for mobility keep the joints flexible and able to move within their normal range of motion. One exercise is to wrap a rubber band around your big toes and then spread your toes apart. Use one thin rubber band or a thick band as needed so that your big toes are straight.
Another exercise is the yoga handshake. This exercise creates space between the toes. Simply cross the operated upon leg over the other and grasp the bottom of your foot, interlacing your fingers between your toes as if shaking hands.
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