What is the recovery time for foot surgery?

The recovery time for foot surgery can span from 7 to 21 weeks, depending on the type of surgery performed, according to the Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center. This time includes the period for physical therapy after being released from a cast or boot walker.

Minor ankle surgery requires up to five weeks in a boot walker plus four weeks of physical therapy, and standard ankle surgery requires three weeks in a cast and up to six weeks in a boot walker plus physical therapy, as the Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center notes. Forefoot surgeries, such as bunion removal, require up to five weeks in a boot walker, but midfoot surgeries require six weeks in casts and up to six weeks in a boot walker. More complex procedures require nine weeks in casts and up to six weeks in a boot walker plus physical therapy.