After foot or ankle surgery, there may be some swelling. You may undergo bale surgery to remove a lump or bone node on the joint where the big toe connects to the foot, or to straighten the big toe.
After Surgery on The Foot or Ankle
The orthopedic surgeon places the foot in a cast, splint, boot, or post-op shoe. After fusion surgery, the foot is placed in a plaster cast for up to twelve weeks. In weeks two to six, the original plaster is then replaced by a lightweight version. For some procedures, such as bale and fusion surgery, you have a bandage or dressing for your foot.
If the risks of surgery outweigh the potential benefits for the foot and ankle, orthopedic surgeons may recommend non-surgical treatment. Depending on the type of surgery you have, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to improve the motion of your foot.
If you Suffered a Foot Injury Such as a Sprain or Serious Injury
You might have to find relief sometime after surgery. This comprehensive recovery guide will help you understand what to expect after foot surgery. Surgery can be an overwhelming experience, but in order to make the most of your surgery, you need to recover.
Since foot fusion procedures are often associated with shorter and easier recoveries than foot and ankle operations, it is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions after the procedure to ensure that you heal as quickly as possible.
Recovery Time After Foot or Ankle Surgery
Recovery time after foot or ankle surgery can vary widely depending on factors such as complexity of the operation, age, and general health, and follow instructions such as weight, rest, and altitude. In most foot and ankle operations, tenderness and swelling will take 3-4 months to resolve, but with more complex procedures, recovery can take up to a year. You should have your stitches removed within two weeks of the operation.
Depending on the procedure you have had, your podiatrist may tell you to stay away from your foot for 48 to 72 hours after the operation. It is likely that you will need to rest your foot for some time after the operation to give it a chance to heal.
It is expected that some surgical patients will return to normal footwear in just 2-3 weeks, but most foot and ankle operations will take at least 8 weeks before standard shoes can be worn again. As a general guide, if your work requires a lot of sitting, you can return home within 3 weeks of the foot surgery. Some foot or ankle operations require a rest period and an increase in the operated foot for up to 2 weeks after the operation, but it is rare for patients to return to work during this time.
Problems with Bone Healing
Problems with bone healing and swelling can prevent an early return to normal footwear after most foot and ankle operations. Possible complications of foot fracture surgery include wind fracture, non-healing fractures, non-union fractures, healing in a poor position, malunions, loss of fragility alignment, healing and implant failure, persistent pain and loss of movement, and arthritis. Severe foot diseases can require long-term care and rehabilitation.
There is a good chance that the healing of the injured foot will continue for some time. You should not raise your foot above the heart, not go to the bathroom, not use the cold to minimize swelling, and not take your medications as prescribed if you have more discomfort than you expected or if the anesthetic has worn out. Walking in post-op shoes or boots administered to you can cause damage to the surgical site and exacerbate pain if the procedure does not heal properly.
In most cases, you should see your Foot doctor within a few weeks of the operation to see how your foot is healing. During this period, your pediatrician will review your medical history and order laboratory tests to ensure that you are healthy after surgery and not in conditions that could affect your recovery. To ensure that your foot heals properly, you will need to go to your doctor after surgery for a pre-planned post-surgery visit.
To help get you back on your feet,
our team at the Family Advanced Foot Surgery in Perth offers individual guidance and care for foot and ankle after surgery and what to expect during your recovery. If you need podiatric surgery or have any questions about your expected recovery, call our clinic or one of our Wisconsin locations. Further details on recovery after foot fusion surgery can be found in our patient information for download.
Advances in medical technology have enabled us to do most foot and ankle operations using minimally invasive surgery, which is an absolute breakthrough in terms of recovery. This not only allows us to perform operations more efficiently in the office but also shortens your recovery time. Depending on the profession, it may take longer for the operation to heal.
Apart from being driven to and from foot surgery by someone by hand, it is best to ensure that you are at least able to drop by every day to shop with you, clean up after you, or help you with other tasks that you cannot do alone. Your ability to carry weight depends on the type of surgery you are trying to heal from. If you can manage your specific weight restrictions and are prepared for your surgery, you may not need any help.
