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 soon can I walk after ankle surgery?

There are a few operations where a patient can be expected to resume wearing standard footwear in as little as 2-3 weeks but the majority of foot and ankle operations take at least 8 weeks before standard footwear can be attempted.

What happens if you walk on a broken ankle too soon?

Putting weight on your ankle too soon may mean the bones do not heal properly. You may need to have your duties at work changed if your job requires walking, standing, or climbing stairs. At a certain point, you will be switched to a weight-bearing cast or splint.

Can you start walking 6 weeks after ankle surgery?

2-6 weeks: Gentle ankle ROM exercises. 6-12 weeks: walking as tolerated, stationery bike, swimming, non impact cardio.

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.

Foot and Ankle Surgery Recovery: 4 Weeks Post-Surgery Concerns

What happens if you put weight on a non weight bearing foot?

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 does it take to go from non weight bearing to full weight bearing?

According to a survey of the members of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the average time period for non-weight bearing is five to eight weeks depending on the patient and the injury.

Can wearing a walking boot cause pain?

A study published in the Journal of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons titled Associated Joint Pain With Controlled Ankle Movement Walker Boot Wear showed that many patients experienced pain in the knee, hip, and/or back from the added weight and limb length discrepancy from the CAM boot.

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!

What happens after 6 weeks of non weight bearing?

Skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy occur following an extended period of decreased use, including space flight and limb unloading. It is also likely that affected muscles will be susceptible to a re-loading injury when they begin return to earth or weight bearing.

Can I walk on my broken ankle after 4 weeks?

If you don't need surgery, you might be able to walk on your own within six to eight weeks. If your fracture did require surgery, you may get a walking cast after two weeks; four to six weeks later, you may be able to apply some weight and be moved to a cast with a walker or crutches.

Will walking on a broken ankle make it worse?

Also called an ankle fracture, it can be a very painful injury and needs to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible because it may need treatment to heal properly. Walking on a broken ankle can make the injury worse, so if in doubt get it checked out.

How do I start walking after ankle surgery?

Try to walk as normally as possible fully weight bearing through the leg as this will help with your recovery. You may not be able to put much weight through your leg at first but try to aim to do this by two weeks after your operation.

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.

Can you elevate your leg too much after 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.

What is the fastest way to recover from ankle surgery?

Can you get a blood clot from wearing a walking boot?

This is a common and usually normal occurrence after surgery or an injury. It is often due to altered walking, injury or from being in a boot or cast but it can also be due to a blood clot.

Should you wear a sock with a walking boot?

Adding a sock to the equation is a good idea for a few reasons: It will help reduce any friction between the brace and your skin, which can help prevent any chafing or blisters. Socks for walker boots can act as a buffer between your foot (and its sweat and dead skin cells) and the brace.

How tight should walking boot be?

We suggest using one under the ankle strap as there is no padding there. Fasten the remaining straps until your foot feels snug but not tight. If you fasten the boot too tight you may cause pressure to your skin.

Is it OK to walk in a walking boot?

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. X Try to stop using the boot and to walk without crutches.

Can you walk in a walking boot without crutches?

The short answer is no: You don't need crutches with a walking boot. While you shouldn't generally put weight on a walking boot, other mobility aids can be used instead of crutches to prevent this from occurring. These include wheelchairs, canes, walkers, and others.

Is a walking boot better than a cast?

Less skin damage – skin underneath a cast can become raw and painful. The open-air design and lightweight material helps to prevent skin damage when wearing a walking boot. No loud saws used – walking boots can be removed without the use of loud saws. This is helpful for children who may be afraid of the saws.

Can I drive when non weight bearing?

When can I drive? For lower extremity injuries (pelvis and legs), you can drive once you can walk smoothly with a cane (with OUT a limp). This varies by person and injury. For upper extremity injuries (arms and clavicle), this can vary but usually you may start driving by six weeks.

How do I start walking again after foot surgery?

How do you take a shower if you are not weight bearing?

Grip bars. For added security getting in and out of the bathtub or shower, grip bars are an excellent way to help balance yourself. Some grips will high-strength suction cups to hold onto the shower wall; others will mount on the tub. Keep in mind that these are not designed to support your entire body weight.