Can I move my ankle after surgery?

You will be non-weight bearing, meaning not able to put weight onto the ankle, for 4-6 weeks after surgery. You will begin to move the ankle joint up and down on your own at 2 weeks and then side to side at about 4 weeks.

Can I move my foot after ankle surgery?

Some patients may wake up in the recovery room with pain despite having a nerve block. While the nerve block is still working, you will be numb and may not be able to move your foot or ankle or wiggle your toes.

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.

What can you not do after ankle surgery?

In the days and weeks after surgery, you'll likely be told to avoid putting too much (if any) weight on your foot, avoid unnecessary physical labor, and rest as much as possible. You'll also, obviously, prefer to avoid any preventable accidents when moving around the house, or navigating up and down stairs.

How long is ankle stiff after surgery?

For most foot and ankle operations, tenderness and swelling can take 3-4 months to resolve, while for more complicated procedures, the recovery may take a full year (or more).

How to increase ankle range of movement after surgery | Feat. Tim Keeley | No.14 | Physio REHAB

How long does it take to walk normally after ankle surgery?

No walking on the foot is permitted until the wound is reviewed 2 weeks after surgery. At that time you will be allowed to walk in a walking boot. It will take about 3 months before the ankle starts to feel comfortable. Ankle swelling will generally persist for about 9-12 months.

What happens if you walk too soon after ankle surgery?

Putting any weight on an operated foot or ankle can damage the repair that's been done. Bones need time to heal. Plates or screws that may have been added during surgery need the bones to heal around them. Adding weight too soon can interrupt this important internal healing process.

How long is bed rest after ankle surgery?

Brief Summary: After a patient has fractured an ankle that then requires surgery, the recommendation is to remain in bed, with the operated leg elevated on pillows for 48 hours.

Will I ever walk again after ankle surgery?

It takes around six to 10 weeks to recover from a broken ankle. During this time, you will probably need to wear a cast or boot. Most people are able to walk normally again and resume their daily activities by around three months.

What is the fastest way to recover from ankle surgery?

Can I walk with stitches in my ankle?

Stay Off Your Foot

This will help your skin to heal without the strain from having your bodyweight added to your foot. Don't walk on it, especially if the stitches are on the underside of your foot or toes. This will prevent the wound from reopening.

Can screws in ankle cause pain?

Most people do not have problems with the plate and screws. In rare cases, the plate and screws can cause some pain or irritation. When this happens, the hardware may be removed after the fracture is healed, about a year from the original surgery.

What happens at 6 weeks after ankle surgery?

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 elevate your leg too much after ankle surgery?

Minimize sitting time as much as possible to limit swelling. When sitting, elevate your leg as tolerated. Do not allow your leg to dangle downwards for too long.

Can you elevate your foot too much after surgery?

Raising your injury too high can decrease blood flow too much. Elevating an injury for too long can also do this, and both of these issues can slow down your body's natural healing process.

Should I keep my walking boot on all day?

You SHOULD keep the boot on while you're laying around the house to prevent bumping the injury and to help the foot heal properly. Listening to your doctor and following the treatment plan will help to get you better and out of the boot faster!

How should I sleep after ankle surgery?

How long should you elevate your leg after ankle surgery?

Cast Instructions

After application of a splint or cast, it is very important to elevate your leg for 24 to 72 hours. The injured area should be elevated well above the heart. Remember “Toes above your Nose”. Also, rest and elevation greatly reduce pain and speed the healing process by minimizing early swelling.

How far can you walk in a walking boot?

How far can you walk in a walking boot? For some injuries, no weight-bearing is allowed with the walking boot (at least at the start of the rehab). But if your injury isn't too bad, you may be allowed to walk as much as you want with the walking boot.

Why is my ankle so stiff after surgery?

After injury, the repair processes can be damaged and slow to return to normal. At the same time, animal studies have shown us that muscles shorten up when joints are immobilized. The tendons shorten up and the cartilage in and around the joint becomes unable to slide and glide.

When can I start weight-bearing after ankle surgery?

Weight-Bearing: You will not put weight on the affected leg for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery (non-weight-bearing). Physical Therapy: You will start physical therapy 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

What happens at 8 weeks after ankle surgery?

Even when you sleep, you'll be required to wear a controlled ankle motion boot until 8 weeks post-surgery. It's at this 8-week point when things start to move more quickly, as you slowly transition to a regular shoe and can begin activities such as driving, biking and swimming.

Does ankle stiffness go away?

The most common causes include injury, arthritis and normal wear and tear. Depending on the cause, you may feel pain or stiffness anywhere around the ankle. Your ankle may also swell, and you may not be able to put any weight on it. Usually, ankle pain gets better with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medications.

Can you run with plates and screws in ankle?

In general, you can attempt to start running about three to four months after your injury. By this time, the bones in your ankle should be well healed and your ROM and strength should be close to normal. You can progress your running mileage as long as your pain is minimal and your ROM and strength remain excellent.