Foot and ankle post surgery foot care and recovery advice
Find out what people ask about recovery after surgery
Common questions about surgery
Why do you advise elevation?
You should always elevate your leg after foot or ankle surgery. This is because gravity pulls fluid down so if you do not elevate after an operation, the leg will swell and this puts pressure on wounds (increasing the risk of dehiscence and infection) and is painful. Strict elevation is needed for the first two (and ideally up to six) weeks and thereafter, be sensible.
How high do I need to elevate?
The ideal level is to keep your operated area higher than the level of your heart since this is the 'pump' which keeps blood moving around your body. This is obviously not always practical but if you are in bed or resting on a sofa, this means propping your feet up on a few pillows.
How quickly can I return to driving?
There is no defined criteria but before driving after foot or ankle surgery, you must decide if you feel safe to do so and confident of performing emergency braking without difficulty. Most patients return back to driving after eight weeks if they have not worn a plaster, or if they have had a plaster, then two to three weeks after this has been removed.
Do I get a lightweight plaster after surgery?
Some operations need a plaster cast to be applied to help protect the surgery whilst healing occurs. The first plaster applied in theatre is a 'back slab.' This is the traditional plaster which has an uncovered area typically over the front of the leg. This first plaster is usually heavy but is more flexible than the lightweight plaster so accommodates swelling much better. If you still need plaster after your 2 week wound check, this can be a lightweight fibre-glass plaster. Click here for more information about looking after your plaster.
What vitamin supplements helps recovery?
Normal levels of Vitamin D are consistently associated with better outcomes after orthopaedic surgeries, so taking a dose of between 10-25mcg once daily will help maintain levels. This is more important in the winter months when low sunlight levels in the UK means many patients will not produce enough vitamin D themselves and become deficient.
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, with collagen being one of the building blocks of bone and soft-tissues. High dose supplements are probably unnecessary since it is water soluble and therefore excess amounts are excreted by the body. Many patients will get enough vitamin C with a healthy diet full of green vegetables and certain fruits. Nonetheless, high dose supplements are unlikely to be harmful if taken.
What aids can help my recovery after major surgery?
The importance of elevation has already been discussed. A specialised leg elevator that lifts the ankle and foot up in bed can be purchased from popular online shopping sites using the search term 'orthopaedic leg elevation pillow.'
Mobilising without placing any weight through the ankle or foot is common when a plaster cast is used. However, some patients do not tolerate crutches very well. An alternative is a knee walker which can be rented from StrideOn.
Dressings or plaster casts must not get wet, since skin which is in contact with wet material will lead to macerated skin and raise the risk of infection. A waterproof protector such a LimbO can thus be used to cover the operated area during bathing or showering.