Complete Recovery Guide for Foot and Ankle Surgery

The surgery takes an enormous toll on your body and other activities. When you cannot make the regular movements per usual, you are left dependent on someone else to help you with the most basic tasks. And when this happens over a prolonged period, it can leave you dejected. However, this does not have to be the case if you incorporate a few tips that will go a long way in helping you on your road to recovery.

A foot operation can make movement quite a task for you. But your recovery time can be significantly reduced if you indulge in foot and ankle exercises. If you choose to get your consultation and surgery at the Sancheti Hospital in Pune, you will be treated by the best podiatrists and surgeons across the country, with years of experience and knowledge. Here are a few tips to help you.

Important things to do after a foot surgery

Think about the following to help make your home as healing-friendly as possible:

– To prevent needless trips up and down stairs, move your primary areas for napping, clothing, and bathing to the ground floor of your house (if possible).
– Removing everything from your home that could be a tripping or navigational hazard, including unnecessary stuff, extra furniture, cords, and other obstructions.
– Installing night lights all over the house will ensure that you can always look where you’re going if you need to move around in the dark.
– Any commonly used items should be moved to locations where access won’t require bending over or reaching up high.
– Placing grab bars, non-skid mats, and other assistive devices in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where you might need a little more stability.
– Get custom-made shoes that would be the best footwear after surgery for your foot’s comfort.
– It is best to keep your foot elevated after surgery to help reduce the swelling and ensure proper blood flow.

What exercises to prefer after foot surgery?

Some exercises that help immensely after a foot surgery are-

1. Swimming
   This exercise is helpful only if you do not have a cast or a bandage after surgery. Swimming helps get the appropriate exercise and movement to the foot without putting too much weight on it. Swimming also helps in the proper blood flow in the legs.
2. Yoga and Pilates
   Indulging in Yoga and Pilates helps improve the legs’ flexibility and strength. Since an injury or surgery restricts muscle movement, exercises in Yoga or Pilates help to open the range of motion.
3. Stretches
   When you’re healing from foot surgery, stretching is a great exercise. You can do this right away after surgery, but be careful not to put any weight on your foot. By preventing any weight on your foot, you can stretch most of your body parts. These stretches will increase your flexibility, and you can add some stretching that will incorporate your muscles while also strengthening them.
4. Exercise Bikes
   Early in recovery, using a low-resistance exercise bike can be a valuable means of maintaining aerobic fitness. This is because only a tiny portion of your body weight must pass through your foot and ankle when using an exercise bike.Indulging in foot stability exercises will help speed up your recovery process. And in case you are not allowed to make any significant movements, your physiotherapist can also guide you with bed rest foot exercises to simplify the process.

How long does it take to walk after foot surgery?

The amount of time needed for recovery after a foot or ankle operation varies greatly depending on the complexity of the procedure, your age, general health, and how well you adhere to guidance (such as weight-bearing status, rest, elevation). Sensitivity and inflammation can go down for most foot and ankle operations in 3–4 months, but the recovery could take an entire year (or more) for more complex procedures.

Many foot and ankle surgeries result in delayed return to regular footwear due to bone healing and swelling issues. A significant proportion of foot and ankle operations require at least eight weeks before standard footwear can be tried. However, there are some operations where a patient can be estimated to resume wearing regular footwear in as little as 2-3 weeks. After the cast is

finally removed from patients who had surgery that required one, there is typically a 2-4 week period of slowly getting back to shoes.

You should anticipate being in regular shoes no earlier than 14 to 16 weeks after surgery if it necessitates a cast or boot for three months. Your podiatrist can review their expectations for your return to regular shoes with you both before and after the procedure.

People also ask

1. Is foot surgery a major surgery?
   Ans. Although most foot surgeries are not considered major operations, complications or postoperative issues can still arise because the foot is not always as simple to rest as other body parts. This might cause delays in your recovery and compromise the outcome of your procedure. While it is impossible to eliminate the risk of complications, the majority can be avoided by following expert medical advice.You must maintain your body and foot in the best condition possible before surgery before being admitted to the hospital.
2. How long do you wear a boot after ankle surgery?
   Ans. You might be told to wear the boot for six to eight weeks if your ankle or foot needs surgery. This is particularly valid if your ankle is held in place by screws and plates to speed the recovery of a fractured bone. Without assistance, walking could put a lot of pressure on the affected tissue and worsen the situation.
   Wearing a walking boot for the first few weeks is crucial because this is the time when the bones and tissues are most susceptible and actively healing.
3. How long do you have to stay in hospital after foot surgery?
   Ans. You will typically have to stay in hospital for two days following foot and ankle surgery, which takes one to two hours. Following the temporary cast, your foot will be bandaged, and you might need a splint for support. This enables you to move it relatively quickly after surgery, though you’ll likely need crutches for about six weeks.
4. Will I ever walk normally after ankle surgery?
   Ans. Around three months after breaking your ankle, you should be able to return to your regular daily activities. Regaining your ankle’s strength and range of motion can take several months.
   You’ll probably need to avoid putting any weight on your broken ankle for at least six weeks. Following ankle surgery, most people use crutches, but knee scooters and some hands-free crutches are also options to consider
5.  What is the fastest way to recover from foot surgery?
   Ans. By choosing minimally invasive surgery over traditional foot surgery, you can recover from foot surgery more quickly. Conservative treatment may be insufficient if you are experiencing foot or ankle pain. Your podiatrist may even advise a surgeon. Traditional foot surgery may be uncomfortable, leave scars, and require several weeks of bed rest. Enquire with your podiatrist about a minimally invasive surgical option as a substitute if you want to heal more quickly.
6. How long does it take to walk again after ankle surgery?Ans. In the first week, you must be able to walk with the help of a walker as much as possible without putting any weight on the injured leg. You begin partial weight-bearing as the swelling subsides, and after three to four weeks (let’s assume), you should be able to walk normally again. The rehabilitation you receive after that will determine your ability to function.