Once your podiatrist in South Texas tells you that you need ankle surgery, you may have questions about the procedure and, most importantly, recovery. You might wonder what the rehabilitation process will be like. Fortunately, you’ll undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation program with The Podiatry Group in South Texas to help you regain full function in your ankle and get back to walking as soon as possible.
Limitations
After you complete your surgery, your practitioner will evaluate the outcome, the severity of the initial injury, and various other issues. Based on your results, your surgeon will provide you with information regarding when you may bear weight on your ankle again.
You’ll receive a pair of crutches to allow you to move without placing all your weight on your ankle. Your surgeon will also let you know how long you can expect to be off work and other activities that require you to be on your feet.
Physical Therapy
After your surgery, you’ll see a practitioner who will guide you through exercises that work your ankle. They encourage blood flow to reach the area. The blood provides the injured area with nutrients, so it heals more optimally and quicker.
Exercise therapy will also keep your ankle moving and ensure you regain as much of the range of motion in your ankle as possible. Therefore, you’ll be able to use your ankle like you could originally. The exercises will improve the strength in your ankle, as well.
Physical therapy is always customized to your situation. The exercises progress as you progress. In other words, the exercises increase in intensity as you heal and go at a rate that’s comfortable for you.
Gradually Reduce Dependence on Crutches
During the recovery process, you’ll slowly reduce your need for crutches as your ankle heals, and you can bear more weight on it. How long you need crutches after your surgery depends on how well you’re healing and doing in physical therapy.
Removal of Staples or Stitches
You’ll need to return to your surgeon’s office to have the staples or stitches removed. No matter if your surgeon used staples or stitches, the first part of this appointment begins with your surgeon evaluating the area for any signs of infection or other problems.
Your surgeon will then use an antiseptic to clean the area. For staples, your surgeon uses a staple removal tool to extract each staple individually. On the other hand, if you have stitches, your surgeon will clip each one using suture scissors and will gently pull the stitches out.
Possible Issues During Recovery
Ankle surgery is generally low risk. Some people do have a decreased range of motion or stiffness, but we take all the necessary steps to reduce the likelihood of these issues. An infection could happen, as well. However, a surgeon will educate you on how to care for the area and will reduce your risk of contamination during the procedure as much as possible. Your surgeon will also educate you about the possible signs of infection, so you may contact the office for early intervention.
Choose a Podiatrist in South Texas for your Ankle Surgery
You depend on your ankle to get everywhere you need to go and to perform many tasks. You should choose The Podiatry Group of South Texas because we genuinely want you to be able to use your ankle as much as possible and will take every step we can to help. At The Podiatry Group, our top priority is to help you heal on your terms – not what’s standard procedure, and that’s why we customize each plan for each patient’s specific needs.
Book an appointment with The Podiatry Group of South Texas, with multiple locations in South Texas, if you have an issue with your ankle by calling one of our offices. You may also use our online appointment scheduling form.
