Recovering After Foot & Ankle Surgery!

A medical practice based in Richardson TX places the average recovery time after an operation on the foot or ankle at 12-16 weeks. Your age, overall health, and improper compliance with post-surgical care instruction can extend your recovery time to 12 months.

Prepare Your Home

Just prior to surgery you should stock your pantry and purchase personal supplies and over-the-counter meds. The same is true of entertainment supplies like books and magazines or DVDs. Place everything you might want or need ie; remotes, tissues next to the chair or bed where you will spend most of your recovery time. Planning equals less time putting weight on your ankle or foot. Arrange your furniture to ease movement through your home.

Recovering From Foot & Ankle Surgery

You should work to facilitate not rush your recovery. Recovery is facilitated by following the doctor’s post-surgical instructions. Those instructions will likely include exercises to improve strength and mobility, elevation and a schedule for regular icing. Whether you manage your own rehabilitation or need to consult a physiotherapist depends on the type of surgery. Normal activities should not be resumed without the surgeon’s consent.

Wear Proper Shoes

According to the aforementioned Richardson TX practice the correct footwear aids the recovery process. As a general guideline, normal footwear should not be worn on the affected foot for two months. A regular shoe can increase pain and swelling. You will likely leave the surgical facility wearing a proper shoe or appliance on the affected side.

Use Mobility Aids

If you are prescribed a mobility aid like a cane, crutches, or walker you need to use it. Mobility aids are designed to reduce the amount of weight borne by the foot or ankle. The “pain” of using mobility aids is nothing compared to the pain and complications that can result from putting too much weight on the foot or ankle too soon.

Take Your Medication

The degree of pain you experience determines the medications you will be prescribed. Oxycodone and other opioids are prescribed when on the 1-10 pain scale your pain level is 5-10. If the instructions on the bottle are followed the majority of opioid users do not become addicted. Discuss any concerns about opioid use with your surgeon. If you have a personal history of addiction tell your surgeon.

Counter Opioid Side Effects

Opioids can cause constipation. Proper hydration and a fiber-rich diet is always recommended. While taking opioids getting plenty of liquids and fiber counters constipation.

Watch For Infection

After foot & ankle surgery infection is always a risk. Inflammation (redness), additional swelling, and unusual warmth around the incision site or fever should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Follow Up

Keep your post-operative doctor’s appointments. These visits are a chance for the doctor to examine the surgical site. The appointments are also an opportunity for you to discuss with your doctor any concerns you may have.