Ankle Replacement Recovery

The recovery time for ankle-replacement surgery is significantly shorter compared to knee or hip surgery, mainly because less rehabilitation time is needed. Rehabilitation from ankle-replacement surgery can take two to three months, depending on the patient and time spent in physical therapy after the surgery. In most cases, with proper treatment, patients will find themselves back to exercising and noticing easier movement in a short amount of time.

After Surgery

• The quickest way to recover from ankle-replacement surgery is to follow all doctors orders. According to dukehealth.org, a cast or a splint is put on the patient right after surgery while the patient is still asleep. The patient may wake up with a plastic tube draining blood from the ankle; this is done to prevent any swelling. The plastic tube only stays in for one night while the patient is still in the hospital.

  It is important for the patient to prevent as much swelling as possible. Do this by elevating the ankle above the heart with pillows, resting the ankle on them. While the cast or splint is on, no weight should be placed on the ankle.

  Three weeks after surgery, the patient receives a movable boot, which is normally worn for approximately six weeks. Soon after those six weeks, the patient can wear regular shoes. Orthogate.org states that most surgeons tell patients to use crutches for at least 10 to 12 weeks after the surgery. However, this depends on the patient. Dukehealth.org reports patients just eight weeks after surgery playing light rounds of golf.

Exercising

• Reducing pain is the main reason why an ankle replacement would be necessary. Patients who receive this surgery will notice that they no longer walk with a limp, and their movement will be easier and quicker than it was before. (See References 2.)

  When it comes to intense exercising such as long runs, patients will notice they are not completely back to normal after the surgery. Work with a physical therapist to speed up the recovery period. The physical therapists work to control any swelling and the new movement of the joints due to the replacement. He or she will also work with the patient to figure out ways in a patient's daily life to put the least amount of stress and pressure on the new joint. The time period spent in rehabilitation with a physical therapist is generally three months or less. (See References 1.)

  Dukehealth.org advises that a good start to exercising is a 20-minute workout on a treadmill, three times a week. The patient should choose exercises that don't require much pressure on the ankles. Swimming is an excellent exercise for ankle-replacement patients.