Why does my foot feel so heavy after surgery?

The “pins-and-needles” feeling we have all felt sometime or other after, for instance, sitting on a foot for too long, is usually caused by nerve compression. This is especially likely if the sensation is accompanied by numbness, limited movement, and/or pain.

How long does stiffness last after foot surgery?

Pain or discomfort usually decreases gradually over the six weeks after surgery.

How do you get rid of stiffness after foot surgery?

In addition to resting your foot, your doctor is also likely to recommend a routine of ice, compression and elevation after the surgery. Specifically, ice works wonders when it comes to reducing swelling and inflammation, which can in-turn relieve pain and discomfort.

How long does it take to get feeling back after foot surgery?

It can take up to six months for your foot or ankle to feel normal, and up to a year to completely heal. Your overeagerness during the healing process may delay your recovery.

How long should you keep your foot elevated after foot 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.

Swollen Legs, Is That Normal After Surgery?

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

Weight bearing typically happens over 2, 4 or 6 week period or sooner in some cases. This is determined by your physician based on your injury and healing status. You should follow closely to the instructions provided in order to avoid creating further issues by using the wrong protocol.

Can you elevate your foot too much?

However, elevating the injured area too high or for too long can have several consequences. 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.

Can you elevate your leg too much after surgery?

Additionally, blood clots (such as DVT or thrombophlebitis) are a concern after surgeries, especially with hip or leg surgery. Although it's important to do gentle movement and not stay in one position for too long, periodic elevation of your legs may help lower the risk of blood clots.

How do I start walking again after foot surgery?

How long does it take for nerves to heal after foot surgery?

The results demonstrated that the recovery of sensory function in patients with various cutaneous nerve injuries after foot and ankle surgery required at least 6 months.

What is the fastest way to recover from foot surgery?

Elevation is crucial to a fast recovery as it helps with pain and swelling. Elevate above the hip level. This is the most beneficial position as it helps bring blood away to reduce pressure and lessen pain. Also, use ice or ice packs soon after surgery by applying for 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off.

Does weight bearing hurt?

You're likely going to be in discomfort when doing weight bearing progression – that's normal. Pain (i.e. sharp pain) is not normal, and you should take a break or back down to a previous weight (follow your protocol) if you have it.

How much pain is normal after foot surgery?

Patients, on average, experienced higher pain intensity 3 days after the operation than anticipated. The postoperative pain intensity at 3 days was the most severe, while postoperative pain intensity at 6 weeks was the least severe.

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

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.

What helps pain after foot surgery?

Pain Management After Foot Surgery

In addition to medication, a tried and true method in controlling pain following foot or ankle surgery is to apply rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). “Using the RICE method reduces swelling in the surgical area.

Why does my foot still hurt after surgery?

Pain After Surgery May Indicate a Nerve Problem

This process may be as short as a few weeks or as long as several months, depending on the severity of the initial pain, the extensiveness of the surgery or treatment, and how well you follow up with home care.

What happens if you don't do physical therapy after foot surgery?

By avoiding physical therapy, you'll miss out on learning flexibility exercises. The decreased flexibility after surgery can keep healing from occurring as fast. This is because inflexible joints and tissue tend to have less blood flow, which means fewer nutrients can get to the ankle to run the healing process.

Should I wear my walking boot all day?

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.

What does a walking boot do?

A walking boot protects the foot and ankle and is common when someone has broken their leg or foot, is struggling from shin splints or a severe sprain, or has suffered some other type of foot or leg injury. The goal of the walking boot is to add stability to your foot as you move.

Does walking reduce swelling after surgery?

This helps to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and minimize the risk of postoperative complications, such as blood clots. Simply walking around the room or to and from the bathroom several times a day is usually sufficient for the first several days after surgery.

How do you prevent blood clots after foot surgery?

Since moving around is one of the best ways to prevent blood clots, this will include lower legs exercises, which helps to increase circulation. Wearing compression stockings and periodically elevating your legs can also help prevent blood clots.

Should you sleep with your leg elevated after surgery?

Tips for Better Sleep After Knee Replacement Surgery

Use a wedge pillow: Elevating your leg can support the necessary blood flow to your knee. Limit liquids after dinner: By limiting your beverage intake in the evening, you might be able to save a trip to the bathroom during the night — which can help you sleep better.

Where does the fluid go when you elevate your legs?

If your leg is swollen and you raise it higher than your heart, the force of gravity will be moving the fluid in your leg towards your heart. The more the swelling and the longer there has been swelling, the longer and more frequently your need to elevate your legs.

How long does swelling last after foot surgery?

After foot surgery, it's not uncommon to have edema that can last from just 2 or 3 weeks, up until 2 or 3 months or even longer. It is always advantageous to try to reduce swelling when possible.

How can I elevate my feet in bed?

Positions in bed

If you have a hospital bed, you can do this by elevating the foot of the bed. If you are in a regular bed, use pillows to elevate each leg. Place the pillows lengthwise under each leg. Use as many pillows as needed to elevate your legs above your heart.