How To Reach Recovery Goals After Ankle And Foot Surgery

Regardless of how successful the foot or ankle surgery was, no one truly enjoys the recovery process. In the simplest of procedures, the recovery period can take a couple of weeks. In more serious cases, you can expect to spend a couple of months in surgery. You’ll participate in physical therapy and rehab to help you gradually return to your normal lifestyle during this process.

Steps You Can Take To Improve Your Recovery Experience

No matter how short the recovery period is, patients often report that it seems to drag on. Having your activity level limited makes everything harder, including tolerating the passage of time. Thankfully, ample experience has provided us with a collection of tips and tricks to make the situation more tenable. 

• Coordinate With Your Caregivers – This won’t be an issue for most people during their recovery period. However, if you find it difficult to ask for help, it could be an obstacle. Throughout the recovery from your surgery, you’ll need to have people around you to help you manage the first few days or weeks. This will start with having someone on hand to drive you home after the surgery. It will be best if you have someone to drop in on you throughout the healing period until you can manage independently.
• Get Your Shopping Done First – Before the day of the surgery, you should ensure you have all the necessities you’ll need at home. This includes easy-to-make meals, toiletries, and anything else you require for your day-to-day comfort. You won’t be able to go out shopping until your foot heals. While having groceries delivered can certainly be helpful, you’ll still have to collect the items and put them away. Better to be prepared ahead of time.
• Set Up Your Space – You’ll need to prepare to be largely stationary following the treatment. You won’t be able to traverse stairs or easily move from room to room. Many people opt to set themselves up in their living room throughout the healing process. This ensures they have easy access to the bathroom, kitchen, and other common areas of the home. It also means that they’re less likely to become or feel isolated throughout the healing period.
• Follow Your Post-Surgical Instructions – This is an essential part of the process. You must adhere to the guidelines provided by your surgeon while you heal. Failure to do so can result in reinjuring the foot or causing it to heal improperly. This can produce a lasting impact on your mobility and the health of your feet.

These tips will help you avoid problems during your healing process and ensure that you make a full recovery.

Speak To Your Orthopedic Surgeon For More Advice

Every procedure is as unique as the patient going through it. Your orthopedic surgeon may have additional tips and tricks for you following your treatment. No matter how you approach your recovery, there’s one immutable rule. Always listen to what your orthopedic surgeon has to say about the healing process. Your feet will thank you.