top of page

After Foot and Ankle Surgery

This guide provides general advice for your post-operative period. Please follow the specific instructions provided and the physiotherapy team, as individual procedures (e.g., bunion correction vs. ankle replacement) have different timelines. I provide a bespoke information sheet which is attached to your letter after your 1st follow up visit. Please refer to this for more specific information. 

​

1. The First 48 Hours

The most critical part of early recovery is managing swelling to prevent wound complications and pain.

  • Strict Elevation: You must keep your foot elevated above the level of your heart (and preferably above your groin/nose). I recommend doing this for 23 hours a day for the first 48–72 hours.

  • Rest: Limit walking to essential trips only (e.g., to the bathroom). Do not sit with your leg hanging down, as this causes immediate throbbing and swelling.

​

2. Managing Pain

  • The Nerve Block: I sometimes use a local anaesthetic "block" during surgery. This will make your foot numb for 6 to 12 hours (sometimes up to 24).

  • Stay Ahead: Do not wait for the block to wear off before taking painkillers. Start your prescribed medication (e.g., Paracetamol, Codeine, or anti-inflammatories) while the foot is still numb so that the medicine is in your system when the sensation returns.

​

3. Wound and Cast Care

  • Keep it Dry: Keeping the dressing or cast dry is essential to prevent infection. Do not remove the bandage or "backslab" (half-plaster) unless explicitly told to.

  • Showering: Use a professional waterproof cover (such as a Limbo bag). Avoid "DIY" methods like bin liners and tape, as they often leak.

  • Red Flags: Contact your clinic immediately if you notice:

    • Foul-smelling discharge or excessive blood soaking through the bandage.

    • Sudden, sharp calf pain or shortness of breath (signs of a blood clot).

    • Toes that are cold, white, or blue.

​

4. Weight-Bearing & Mobility

I will specify your weight-bearing status. Common instructions include:

  • Non-Weight-Bearing (NWB): The foot must not touch the floor. Use crutches or a knee scooter (highly recommended by London clinics for better mobility).

  • Heel-Bearing: You may walk only on the heel of the operated foot using a specific "stiff-soled" post-op shoe.

  • Partial Weight-Bearing (PWB): Usually 50% of your weight, using crutches for balance.

​

5. Typical Recovery Timeline

While every patient is different, I generally follow this framework:

  • Days 1–14: Focus on wound healing and elevation.

  • Week 2: First follow-up appointment. Stitches are removed

  • Week 6: Second follow-up and X-rays. Many patients begin transitioning back to "normal" wide shoes (like trainers).

  • 3–6 Months: Return to low-impact sports.

  • 12 Months: Final outcome. Residual swelling can last up to a full year, especially at the end of a long day.

​

6. Returning to Work & Driving

  • Desk Work: Typically 2 weeks (if you can keep the foot elevated at your desk).

  • Manual Work: 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the physical demand.

  • Driving: You must be able to perform an emergency stop without pain. If your surgery was on the left foot and you drive an automatic, you may return to driving once you are off sedative painkillers (usually 2 weeks). For right-foot surgery, it is typically 6 weeks.

​

7. Physiotherapy

Rehabilitation is vital. Initial exercises involve "wiggling" the toes to aid circulation. After 2 weeks, your physiotherapist will guide you through:

  • Range of Motion: Regaining flexibility in the ankle and toes.

  • Strengthening: Rebuilding calf muscles that "waste" quickly during immobilization.

  • Gait Re-education: Learning to walk without a limp once the boot is removed.

​

​

Disclaimer: This sheet is for informational purposes. Always defer to the specific post-operative protocol provided by your surgical team.

bottom of page