How long are you non weight bearing after ankle surgery?
What can I expect after surgery? Weight–Bearing: Your surgeon will determine how long you need to stay off your ankle, but likely 2 to 6 weeks of non–weight–bearing will be prescribed to allow for cartilage regrowth. Physical Therapy: You will start a physical therapy program 6 weeks after surgery.
Can you walk normally after ankle surgery?
After an ankle fracture or ankle surgery, you most likely will have a difficult time walking and driving a car. And it may be quite some time before you can get back to running. With the help of a physical therapist, you should eventually be able to resume your normal activities.
How long does pain last after ankle surgery?
They have significant pain relief and return of good functional movement and strength. Some pain or discomfort is common for about 3-4 months following surgery. After this, the reduced pain and improved mobility allows patients to walk, sit, drive a car and cope with everyday activities.
How long should you rest after ankle surgery?
Since virtually all foot and ankle operations require rest and elevation of the operated foot for at least 2 weeks following surgery, it is rare that a patient will be allowed to return to work before 2 weeks following surgery.
Can I lay on my side after ankle surgery?
Sleeping On Your Side
Nevertheless, if your doctor determines it is safe for you to sleep on your side, you may do so as long as you have a support mechanism tucked between your knees or ankles. A support “mechanism” can be as simple as one or two plush pillows or a specially designed foam block.
What happens at 6 weeks after ankle surgery?
Weight bearing status:
2-6 weeks: Non weight bearing with crutches/scooter and CAM Boot. Boot for sleeping. May be permitted to commence gradual, progressive weight bearing in boot. 6 week review – Progressive weight bearing initially in boot then wean as comfortable, then strengthening, reintroduction of exercises.
Can you feel plates and screws in ankle?
In some cases, you may be able to feel a plate or screw if there is very little muscle or soft tissue covering them — for instance, along the outside of your ankle or the top of your hand.
What helps a broken ankle heal faster?
Vitamins and minerals including calcium and Vitamin D are essential to bone health. A diet rich in those nutrients, including dairy products, green vegetables, cod liver oil, certain fatty fish and eggs can help boost bone health and speed healing.
Can I take boot off after ankle surgery?
Rehabilitation plan
If supplied, wear the boot for comfort and use crutches when walking. It is ok to take the boot off at night, when resting at home and to wash. Regularly perform the exercises below to get your movement back.
Is it OK to wiggle toes after ankle surgery?
After 72 hours
Unless you have had toe surgery we suggest that you wiggle your toes for 15 seconds and rest for 15 seconds. Do this for four minutes. This should be done approximately 4 times per day, separated by at least four-hour intervals.
How much pain is normal after ankle surgery?
Six weeks after the operation, the majority of people felt no pain. The most severe pain was felt three days after the operation, and the least severe pain was felt six weeks after the operation.
Can you fully recover from a broken ankle?
You can expect most ankle fractures depending on how severe they are, to take 4-8 weeks for the bones to heal completely and up to several months to regain full use and range of motion of the joint. More severe fractures, especially those requiring surgical repair, may take longer to heal.
How long is physical therapy after ankle surgery?
In general, physical therapy for a broken ankle lasts about 6 to 8 weeks. Your personal experience with PT may be shorter or longer depending on your specific injury. Continuing your home exercise program is a component of your rehabilitation.
How should I sleep after ankle surgery?
Invest in a specialized pillow, like a body pillow, for elevation—keeping the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. If that doesn’t work, slowly adjust yourself to a side position if possible.
How long do I have to wear a boot after ankle surgery?
Orthopedic boots protect broken bones and other injuries of the lower leg, ankle, or foot. They prevent more damage and help the area heal. Your doctor may have you use a boot for 1 to 6 weeks.