Question
I don't have any injuries, but I am writing a paper on bunions, z-foot, flat feet, and accessory naviculars.  I would really appreciate it if you could tell me about the rehab process after bunionectomies, removal of accessory naviculars and forefoot fusion.  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Kaely,

Many times, people who have bunions removed don't have rehabilitation, but rather are sent home to heal.

Those with "flat feet" are sent to therapy to have their 'intrinsic' (meaning small muscles that are in the foot) muscles strengthened to help support the arch.  They are also retaught how to balance, proper shoe fit, and how to walk correctly.  Stretches are done to increase flexibility of the tight muscles around the collapsed arch.

I have never had a doctor refer a patient to me after a forefoot fusion.  In my experience (south east USA), it is a very rare procedure.  I would guess that the rehabilitation would be fairly simple, in that you would just strengthen the muscles around the area, and make sure the joints that are not fused have good range of motion so that the person could move the foot as normally as possible.  You would also reteach them how to walk (first with a walker, then crutches, then a cane, then independantly), as it is difficult to walk with part of your foot suddenly inflexible.  

I have never heard of accessory navicular removal, which only means that the doctors around my area do not do the procedure, so unfortunately, I cannot give you any guesses what the rehabilitation on that injury would be like.  I'd suggest asking one of the orthopedic physicians here at allexperts.com as I'm sure they can give you more information on those procedures.

Good luck on your paper!

Jenny