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How Long Does it Take to Recover from Bunion & Total Ankle Replacement Surgery?

One of the most common questions patients have before foot surgery is “how long will the recovery be?” In this article, we are going to outline some general recovery timelines for both MIS bunion surgery and total ankle replacement surgery.

General Recovery Timeline for MIS Bunion Surgery

  • First two weeks you are heel weight bearing in a surgical boot
  • From week 2-4 weeks you gradually progress to flatfoot weight bearing in a surgical boot and transition to a postoperative shoe
  • From 4-6 weeks you gradually transition to normal shoe wear and start physical therapy
  • From 6 weeks on, if pain is minimal and you can walk comfortably without the postoperative shoe or surgical boot, then you can drive and return to leisure walking
  • From 10-12 weeks you are medically cleared for high impact exercises, but depends xrays and clinical exam to ensure appropriate healing. Swelling is one the last symptom to resolve and usually takes around 3 months

Typical Rehab Schedule for Total Ankle Replacement

  • Short leg splint (ie, soft cast) for 2 weeks, non-weight bearing but may stand for transfers. Usually crutches, scooter, walker.
  • If the incision has healed you can start walking at 2 weeks after surgery with a surgical boot.
  • Physical therapy starts anywhere from 2-4 weeks after surgery.
  • Transition out of the surgical boot into normal shoes at 6 weeks from surgery.
  • Rehab & PT may last up to 3-6 months, most are back to most activities by 6 months and the best of the best is usually at 12 months.