Post-Op Shoe/Boot Always wear the post-op shoe or boot that is dispensed to you whenever you are walking. A physical therapist will teach you how to do stretches and other exercises that focus on strengthening your foot and ankle. This video was performed by a licensed and board-certified foot and ankle physician. Lugging around a massive cast or boot is a pain in the tuckus. The ankle joint is where your lower leg bones and the bone on the top of your foot meet. Pain relief for 3-5 days typically. Proper leg elevation is extremely important post-operatively. If you want to wear high heels, a chunky heel rather than a stiletto will provide more stability. "I did not realize their was so much care to be given to the feet. Catherine Cheung, DPMBoard Certified Podiatrist The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Examples of opioid painkillers include oxycodone and hydrocodone. Keep Your Foot Elevated Above Heart Level. Your foot may require a temporary handicap parking permit or a walker while you recover. Hey, we get it. I definitely knew when my leg was down too long. Ankle arthroscopy (ahr-THROS-ko-pe) is a procedure to check or repair a damaged or diseased ankle joint. This takes slightly longer if you have a general anaesthetic rather than an ankle block. How long after foot/ankle surgery do I have to keep my leg elevated? Our physicians are all extensively trained and offer your family state-of-the-art technology and training coupled with common sense and compassion. What to Expect After Bunion Surgery. If the leg is lowered, blood flow to the foot may be restricted, and a higher leg can hinder the flow of fluid. 4. Some conditions, including diabetes and others that cause poor blood flow, can slow down healing or interfere with the process, requiring additional elevation time. Contact Information. The term non-weightbearing, sometimes prescribed simply as "N.W.B.," refers to restrictions placed on you immediately after surgery. Finally, elevating your ankle prevents further damage to torn ligaments during the early stages of recovery. If you have an injury, such as a sprained ankle, youll want to elevate your foot more often. I am non-weight bearing until I am in the boot. A sprained ankle may need 2-6 weeks of rest as per the seriousness of the injury. Certain serious conditions, such as kidney and heart disease can cause foot swelling, so dont ignore persistent swelling. 3 weeks in a fiberglass cast nonweightbearing. that requires the usage of a giant, cumbersome immobilization boot. Take Care of the Surgical Area. 12. Thank you for your wonderful advice and guidance. Ankle swelling lasts for about nine to twelve months. % of people told us that this article helped them. Written by: Paulina. 1. 14. Health Professionals. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to reduce swelling as you heal, including rest, ice, and elevating the foot above the heart. You can purchase support stockings online at health supply stores, such as ExMed and Walgreens. You should avoid excessive weight bearing on the foot for several days. I now have a splint-type cast and go back to the surgeon for my first follow up next week (2 weeks post-op) and will be in a removable cast for 4 weeks, and then in a boot. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Does walking reduce swelling after surgery? VISIT US: https://www.faant.com/reports/request-an-appointment.cfmBLOG: https://www.faant.com/blogSUBSCRIBE: https://tinyurl.com/FAANTSubscribe INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/faantfootsteps FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/faantfootsteps TWITTER: https://twitter.com/faantfootsteps PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/faant ************************************************ Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas (FAANT) practice philosophy is to be there For Your Feet - Wherever They May Take You. You should do this every few hours. Even though it sounds easy, improper leg elevation can make your recovery time more uncomfortable. References 3. Protect swollen areas from additional pressure or injury, since these areas dont heal as well. It hurts to walk on, I'm limping around, but when elevated feels tons better. Plan to keep your feet elevated for 20 minutes at a time during the day, which will help reduce swelling. Keeping your foot elevated is the best way to minimize swelling and to eliminate the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Even your former college roommate sent you a Facebook message to tell you that you should always elevate your broken ankle. Last updated on April 18, 2022 Reading Time: 3 minutes After foot surgery, it is normal for the foot and ankle to be swollen, even if they do not have any visible incisions. Avoid lying flat on your back if you are pregnant and past the first trimester. Gravity is a beast that can't be fought, and as the blood rushes down to your broken place- you will surely do what the doctor says. After the procedure, you will need to rest your foot and keep it dry. Add to the fact that you have to lift that heavy leg and place it on a pillow to elevate it, and its no wonder more people experience unpleasant jolts of pain whenever they elevate their ankles. Recovery is dependent upon multiple factors including the grade of sprain, past medical history, current medications, bracing, and return to weight-bearing (6). Avoid soft and feathery pillows, and instead invest in a pillow thats firm and supportive (memory foam is an excellent choice here). "Home in bed recovering from Achilles tendon surgery, and I need to lie here with my foot elevated. If youre considering foot surgery, youll probably wonder what to expect after the procedure. For most foot and ankle operations, it can take 3-4 months for the swelling to go away, while for more complicated procedures it can take up to six months. You still use crutches anytime you need to bear weight on your foot. If you want to reduce swelling and pain, put ice or a cold pack on your knee for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. 2. Ice for comfort. Such a simple change has huge benefits. Without surgery, your ankle will be placed in a cast or splint for 4 to 8 weeks. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to prevent swelling by wearing the right kind of shoes, keep reading! That means the foot may not touch the ground when . {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Elevate-Your-Feet-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Elevate-Your-Feet-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Elevate-Your-Feet-Step-1.jpg\/aid9020644-v4-728px-Elevate-Your-Feet-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"