KathJack

My doctor had me bending my big toe back and forth within two weeks of surgery for bunionectomies-- said that it was very important for flexibility. A physical therapist also suggested exercises like picking up marbles and a scunching up a towel using my toes, which I also started at two weeks. Eventually (I can't remember exactly when, but I think at either 4 or 8 weeks), I was also supposed to stand on my toes. Perhaps because of all that, I have had pretty good flexibility almost from the beginning and still have it almost a year post-surgery. I wouldn't think that five weeks post-surgery is too late to gain back the flexibility you lost-- Be diligent about following the advice you get from your doctor and PT and do wear shoes that allow your toe to bend; just don't overdo the walking-- go a bit further every day, but listen to your feet and stop when you need to. You should continue elevating (and even icing if needed) for some weeks to come. You will walk normally eventually-- I walked like an old rusty robot at first. It took weeks to regain a normal gait and I couldn't walk very fast for even longer than that, but by three months, I was 80% back to normal function and felt like 100% by ten months. I am very glad I had the surgery done; I am far better off than I was before. And it is sweet icing on the cake that, in addition to being pain-free, my feet look good for the first time in decades!