What exercises should I do after ankle surgery?

Start with low impact exercise such as stationary biking or swimming. As you begin walking for exercise, start slow and gradually add distance as comfort allows. Do not start jogging or running until you are comfortable walking at least 2 miles without increased pain.

How long will ankle be stiff after surgery?

Give yourself at least four to six weeks to regain your full motion. Check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Do and don’ts after ankle surgery?

Plan on doing nothing more than resting and elevating your limb for the first two weeks after your surgery. Keep your cast or bandage dry and do not change it. Resume your normal medications, unless directed otherwise. Take your pain medications as directed.

What exercises should I do after ankle surgery? – Related Questions

Should I keep my walking boot on 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. Regularly perform the exercises below to get your movement back.

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 is the fastest way to recover from ankle surgery?

Tips to Recover Fast from an Ankle Surgery
  1. Tip #1: Get Plenty of Rest.
  2. Tip #2: Keep Your Post-Op Pain Under Control.
  3. Tip #3: Keep Your Ankle Immobilized.
  4. Tip #4: Engage in Gentle Exercise per Your Physical Therapist.
  5. Tip #5: Keep an Eye Out for Any Signs of Post-Surgical Complications.

When do you stop using a walking boot?

Your doctor may have you use a boot for 1 to 6 weeks. How long you wear it depends on how serious your injury is. Walking boots are removable, and most of them can be adjusted. Your doctor will show you how to remove and adjust your boot.

How do I transition from walking boot to shoe?

We usually recommend placing a heel raise inside a cushioned running shoe when Transition From Walking boots as there is a high stack on a walker boot. We recommend walking indoors for the first week and then 10-15minutes outside as pain allows.

Is walking good 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.

Will I walk normal again after ankle surgery?

Fractures and Ankle Surgery

Many ankle fractures take 4-8 weeks for the bones to heal completely and up to several months to regain full use and range of motion of the joint.

Can you lay sideways after ankle surgery?

Sleep in any position you find comfortable. Sleep on your side with a pillow supporting your back or a pillow between your knees.

How many hours a day should I elevate my ankle after surgery?

Elevate the foot/ankle above the level of the heart, using several pillows, for at least 14 days after surgery. Do not place pillows directly behind the knee. Elevation for 30 minutes every 2 hours is a good initial recommendation.

What is the fastest way to recover from ankle surgery?

Tips to Recover Fast from an Ankle Surgery
  1. Tip #1: Get Plenty of Rest.
  2. Tip #2: Keep Your Post-Op Pain Under Control.
  3. Tip #3: Keep Your Ankle Immobilized.
  4. Tip #4: Engage in Gentle Exercise per Your Physical Therapist.
  5. Tip #5: Keep an Eye Out for Any Signs of Post-Surgical Complications.

How do I transition from walking boot to shoe?

We usually recommend placing a heel raise inside a cushioned running shoe when Transition From Walking boots as there is a high stack on a walker boot. We recommend walking indoors for the first week and then 10-15minutes outside as pain allows.

Can you elevate your ankle 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.

Is it OK to sleep with your legs elevated?

Elevating your legs while you sleep can help your circulation and prevent swelling. It’s best to elevate your legs above the level of your heart. Wedge-shaped pillows make this easier to do. You can also use pillows or folded blankets you have on hand to elevate your legs in bed to help circulation.

Do I have to keep my ankle elevated while sleeping?

Healthguidance.org recommends how to sleep with a sprained ankle is by elevating it slightly to drain fluids and prevent unnecessary swelling, so place a pillow or some blankets under the offending ankle while you sleep. Also apply some ice before going to bed to reduce inflammation.