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Recovery Tips From Ankle Surgery

President Abraham Lincoln once said, "I cannot think clearly when my feet hurt." This is a sentiment many Americans probably share. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, an estimated 70 percent of the population have painful foot problems at least once. A podiatric surgeon treats those in need of foot and ankle surgery. People need surgical procedures on their ankle for any number of problems such as birth defects, muscle and joint disorders, injuries or arthritis. Georgetown University indicates that ankle fusions and ankle replacement are among the top reasons people have foot surgery.

  1. The First 24 Hours

    • Ankle surgery rarely requires overnight hospitalization. After surgery, you will be advised to rest your leg completely for a full day. To decrease swelling, you should keep your foot elevated and apply ice if necessary. Depending on the type of surgery you have had, you could be required to wear any number of supportive foot coverings including a bandage, a splint, a surgical shoe, a cast or an open sandal. Proper foot support following surgery will help the ankle heal quicker and will help ensure that the surgery is a success. When you are up and about, you will need crutches to keep weight off the affected ankle. Most doctors will require the use of crutches until you are seen and X-rayed and the surgeon deems the muscles healed enough to take weight gradually. A follow-up doctor appointment will take place within two to ten days following surgery.

    Physical Therapy

    • Depending on the reason for the surgery, you may require after-care. Physical therapy will help to strengthen muscles in the ankle and foot. Therapy will take place about ten days to six weeks following the surgical procedure. The goal is to restore movement, function and strength. A physical therapist, along with the podiatric surgeon, will determine what course of therapy will best suit your needs.

    Post-Operative Care

    • After swelling is gone, which can take up to a year for some individuals, and you can put weight on the ankle, you may still need assistance walking. A cane can provide support if you continue to have pain and weakness. You may be prescribed orthotic inserts for your shoes following ankle surgery. Orthotics are cast from your foot and placed in the shoe. These inserts are used to correct posture, which plays a large role in the strength and overall health of the muscles, joints, tendons and connective tissues of the foot and ankle.

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