Let’s face it; no one appreciates the time spent recovering after foot or ankle surgery.
You can anticipate being off your feet for at least a few weeks, if not months, depending on the type of treatment. Following that, you’ll likely undergo some rehabilitation and gradually resume your previous levels of exercise.
It isn’t going to be simple all of the time. However, it does not have to be a dreadful experience! It will take longer than you expect.
In reality, there are several things you can do throughout your rehabilitation to not only make it simpler and more enjoyable but also to speed up the healing process and recover as quickly as possible.
Keep a close eye on your post-surgery instructions.
This can’t be emphasized enough. In terms of how soon and how well you heal, following your postsurgical care recommendations is frequently just as essential as the operation itself.
This is hopefully your first time (and last surgery). For you, everything is new.
Your doctor’s care plans are designed to keep you safe and assist you in healing as wholly, safely, and rapidly as possible. So, even if you feel inclined to “cheat”—especially if things appear to be going well—stick to your plan!
The following are some broad thoughts and components that may be included in your postsurgical plan:
Rest: Surgery is a significant undertaking. Your doctor wouldn’t take as many precautions to prevent utilizing it as a therapeutic option if it wasn’t. However, you must allow your body to complete its normal healing processes following the surgery because it is.
Medication: Your doctor will most likely propose or prescribe medication for you, depending on your surgery and condition. Medicine’s pain-relieving effects are essential, but anti-inflammatory capabilities can be pretty beneficial in speeding up your recovery.
Restricted mobility: Although the amount and range of motion will improve with time, your doctor may advise you to restrict how much you move to the afflicted area for at least a few weeks.
Physical treatment: As you heal, you will need to increase your physical activity gradually. As a result, physical therapy is an essential aspect of postoperative therapy. Stretching and strengthening exercises are critical for achieving the most natural mobility possible.
Surgical hygienic procedures: One of the dangers of surgery is the chance of infection. However, the danger does not stop once the surgery is finished. To decrease your chance of infection, you must keep any susceptible areas clean.
Assistive equipment: Your doctor may give you braces, casts, or other devices to assist you in keeping your weight off the restored limb while allowing you to move around.
Follow-up visits: Don’t worry; you won’t be on your own following your operation! Your doctor will set up follow-up consultations to check on your progress and make sure everything is healing correctly.