Ankle surgery may be recommended by your podiatrist to treat a fracture, arthritis, a torn ligament (severely sprained ankle), deformity, or other conditions that can affect this part of the body. An ankle operation can provide lasting relief from ankle pain and can restore mobility and function in the foot and ankle area.

If your doctor has recommended that you have ankle surgery, it is a good idea to understand the preparations you will need to make beforehand. Be sure to have all of your questions answered and concerns addressed by the surgeon.

Let’s talk about some of the most important things that you should know before having ankle surgery, and where you can go in Cincinnati for top-notch foot and ankle care.

You will not be able to drive during the first one or two months while you recover, because you will need to keep excess pressure off of that ankle. Even if the surgery is on the left ankle, you need to be able to put pressure on the left foot when driving (for leverage), so be sure to enlist a friend or family member for help.

Prepare your home by making sure everything you need is within easy reach. This includes securing or installing assistive devices (such as grab bars in the bathroom), and making sure your home is clutter-free. (It is ideal to recover in a room located on the first floor of your home.)

After ankle surgery, you may need to wear a cast or a boot. You will quickly begin to undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation in order to avoid developing blood clots in your legs or muscle atrophy due to nonuse.

The duration of your physical therapy will depend on several factors, such as your physical condition before surgery and the type of ankle surgery you had. Rehabilitation could take months before you achieve full recovery of your ankle, but you will be able to gradually return to your normal activities.

Certain types of medication should be temporarily stopped before the surgery – such as blood thinners, which could cause excess bleeding during and after your ankle operation. Smoking can interfere with the body’s healing and increase the risk of complications, so that should also be stopped before surgery. Your doctor will give you specific recommendations and feedback in regards to self-care while your body recovers from ankle surgery.

The foot and ankle surgeons at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care are highly experienced in performing ankle surgery to treat a wide range of problems. To schedule a consultation with one of our foot and ankle surgeons, call our podiatry clinic nearest you or fill out our convenient appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get back to your active lifestyle!