The recovery period after foot and ankle surgery can be difficult. Patients should know what to expect and what steps they can take to help ensure a successful recovery.
Follow your orthopedic surgeon’s postoperative instructions to the letter. This includes using assistive devices, ice packs, and pain-relieving medications as directed.
Rest
While it can be frustrating to be on the sidelines for a few weeks (or even a few months) after foot surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take steps to speed up recovery.
Resting the operated leg is vital for proper healing. If you experience stabbing pains that won’t go away with medication or a persistently warm swelling, call your doctor.
Your surgeon such as those at Surgical Associates will give you specific weight-bearing instructions, which may change as your injury heals. Try a knee scooter or walker if using crutches is too painful. Keep the injured foot above your heart’s level to reduce swelling.
Ice
Icing after foot or ankle surgery is one of the best ways to decrease postoperative swelling and pain. This should be done for 20 minutes multiple times a day.
Sleep is essential to any recovery but particularly important after ankle surgery. When the body is at rest, it releases healing hormones that promote tissue growth and repair.
You should also follow your doctor’s instructions on when to start walking and use any assistive devices like a knee scooter. A healthy diet full of vitamins A, C, and zinc is also important for a fast and successful recovery.
Compression
After surgery, it is important to rest your foot. You may still be feeling the effects of general or sedation anesthesia for 24 hours. Do not drink alcohol, drive, or make major decisions for this time.
Keep the operated foot above heart level for 23 hours daily to reduce swelling and encourage healing. This is particularly important if you have been instructed to stay non-weight-bearing.
Many patients find it easier to follow these instructions if they live with a supportive friend or partner or have help at home making food and doing other daily activities. It is also helpful to have an area of the house where things are easily accessible from a wheelchair or crutches.
Elevation
After surgery, it is important to elevate the foot/ankle for most of the time. This will help reduce postoperative edema (swelling) and pain.
Elevating the foot/ankle helps blood flow in that area and can also prevent blood clots. If you cannot keep your foot elevated, it can lead to serious medical complications such as an infection or even a blood clot.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of a possible infection, such as excessive bleeding or fever. The sooner you address these concerns, the better your recovery will be.
Pain Medication
In addition to ice and elevation, your surgeon may prescribe pain medication after surgery. It is important to follow the instructions for this medication.
Call the office if you notice a lot of blood or drainage from the wound. This is a sign of infection and must be addressed immediately.
It is also important to try to get up and move around every few hours to help prevent blood clots after foot and ankle surgery. Your doctor may also recommend taking a medication like aspirin to minimize your risk of a blood clot further. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office.
Talk to Your Surgeon
The recovery process following foot and ankle surgery can be difficult. However, if you follow the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), your downtime will be much shorter.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions about when it is safe to start bearing weight on the surgical ankle. Until then, keep the ankle elevated above heart level and ice it regularly throughout the day.
Ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel can numb the area and reduce pain and swelling. Try icing it for 15-20 minutes every hour or so. You can also wear a compression bandage or TED stockings to improve circulation.