Elevation for 30 minutes every 2 hours is a good initial recommendation. Don't force yourself to drink more if you can't. Without surgery, your ankle will be placed in a cast or splint for 4 to 8 weeks. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to reduce swelling as you heal, including rest, ice, and elevating the foot above the heart. Place the pillow under the knee, which will cause your foot to rise up. We are glad that you have chosen Dr. Miller for your foot and ankle surgery. Health Professionals. Surgery usually takes up to an hour and afterwards, you will be taken to the recovery room and monitored until your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing as well as the sensation and circulation in your foot are back to normal. A-Z of all conditions and treatments. Fix It. Add to the fact that you have to lift that heavy leg and place it on a pillow to elevate it, and its no wonder more people experience unpleasant jolts of pain whenever they elevate their ankles. Prop your leg on cushions or pillows so your knee is at least 12 inches above your heart for the first three to five days after surgery. This is a serious condition that can occur when a blood clot forms in a vein inside the body. To assume the correct leg elevation position, your thighs should be tilted at a less than 45-degree angle, your knees should be bent at an angle between 20 and 30 degrees and the calves should be tilted between 15 and 20 degrees to allow gravity to gently drain blood and fluid back towards the core. If you have limitations due to pregnancy or injury, ask your doctor what exercises you can do to alleviate swelling. If there's one piece of advice that everyone seems to be tossing your way, it's this pearl of wisdom: always elevate your broken ankle. Take Care of the Surgical Area. Refer a patient. How can I improve the circulation in my feet after surgery? When you're in bed, keep your leg elevated; do this within the first two weeks. Shoes should fit your feet well, even when theyre at their largest. How Long Should You Keep Your Leg Elevated After Ankle Surgery? Expert Interview. Your doctor can advise you on a healthy weight range for you. Ankle swelling lasts for about nine to twelve months. Swelling may also extend to the toes. Then, lie down on a bed or couch with your head propped up on some pillows. Many of us know someone who has suffered trauma to the ankle or foot ( fractures, surgeries etc.) The more you elevate your foot and ankle, the less pain you will have. 21 April 2019. Frequently, it is an outpatient surgery, so you can go home the same day. Post-op directions say to keep my foot elevated above my heart, but it doesn't specify how long I need to do that for. Call a doctor immediately if you experience pain, redness or warmth in a swollen area or if you have an open sore in the area. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Use an ice pack or bag of ice to reduce inflammation. Your physical therapist may recommend breaking up your elevation time into chunks. To reduce swelling and promote comfort, elevation is very helpful. Last updated on April 18, 2022 Reading Time: 3 minutes After foot surgery, it is normal for the foot and ankle to be swollen, even if they do not have any visible incisions. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. 12. When your muscles arent swelled, theyre busy repairing themselves. You should do this every few hours. Our standard protocol for ankle procedures are: Follow up to the office 5 to 7 days after surgery. Keep your leg elevated if your knee swells or throbs when you are up and about on crutches. You need to take good care of the surgical area and your sutures, or you may end up dealing with infections. 10. I would like to continue this forever for better health. For knee replacement, you will need to elevate the leg to help reduce swelling. For patients needing surgery for a broken ankle, one of the biggest risks is a complication called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Walking without the shoe/boot will cause damage to the surgical site and will cause an increase in pain, and the procedure may not heal correctly. It is important to elevate the entire leg, down to the ankle. When elevating, your feet should be above the level of your heart. I usually allow ambulation in the post-op shoe 5 minutes out of each hour. Your uterus can put too much pressure on a central artery, actually suppressing blood flow, which is the opposite of what you want to do. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. . [6] You can use this opportunity to catch up on email, watch a movie, or accomplish other tasks that don't require you to stand. Elevate your leg when you can. Should I see a doctor about swollen feet? How Long Do I Need to Keep My Foot Elevated After Foot Surgery? No weightbearing activities are allowed: no walking, standing, or balancing on the cast. be sure to stop for as long as the doctor recommends. Ice for comfort. If you are concerned about a possible medical condition, a treatment plan, or if you have questions about your medical care, please contact a trusted medical professional.Visit https://www.FAANT.com or call us at 817-416-6155 for more information! Your mom called you up to tell you. How long does swelling last after foot and/or ankle surgery? Last Updated: June 15, 2020 How should I sleep after foot surgery? Could Cuboid Syndrome Be The Source Of Your Foot Pain? Proper leg elevation is extremely important post-operatively. Keep Your Foot Elevated Above Heart Level. ), then youll want to use adhesive tape to secure the pillow to the mattress. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. However, if your leg swelling is excessive or your circulation is poor, you should try to elevate your leg in the correct position for the best healing. 3 weeks in a fiberglass cast nonweightbearing. You can also work with a physical therapist to help you regain your foots strength. Our goal is to make this experience as pleasant as possible for you. They can have a diuretic effect. Avoid standing for long periods, especially on hard surfaces. How long do I need to elevate my foot after surgery? 8. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). If you have any questions about your hospital stay, rehabilitation or recovery period, please contact Dr. Miller's office for more information specific to . Finally, elevating your ankle prevents further damage to torn ligaments during the early stages of recovery. If youre considering foot surgery, youll probably wonder what to expect after the procedure. We insist on strict elevation for 23 hours per day during this 'sealing' period. Call a doctor if you are experiencing shortness of breath or swelling in just one limb. LOL. A normal reaction to these types of surgeries, swelling can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Dr. Paul Steinke demonstrates how to properly elevate your foot and ankle after a surgery to help prevent swelling and promote healing. Phone#: 847.247.4000 2923 N California Ave Suite 300 Chicago, IL 60618. . Dr. Cheung specializes in all aspects of foot and ankle care, including complex reconstruction. "Home in bed recovering from Achilles tendon surgery, and I need to lie here with my foot elevated. During this time, you'll need to get up to go to the bathroom or to move from your bed to the couch, for example. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Post-Op Shoe/Boot Always wear the post-op shoe or boot that is dispensed to you whenever you are walking. unlocking this expert answer. upright! By raising and resting your feet, reducing foot swelling, and maintaining good foot health, you can keep your feet ready for all your favorite activities. Lugging around a massive cast or boot is a pain in the tuckus. The foot is wrapped in a bulky bandage, ice, elevate, and take pain medication. Even your former college roommate sent you a Facebook message to tell you that you should always elevate your broken ankle. Does walking reduce swelling after surgery? Alternatively, sit in a chair and put your feet on a foot stool. These tips should help you rest and sleep with an elevated foot without the annoying pain! When recovering from foot surgery, it is critical to remain on your feet as much as possible. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. A sprain may make your ankle feel unstable, but wearing compression bandages or an ankle brace may help stabilize the joint. Approved. 20 Truths about Life After Foot and Ankle Surgery 1. In the first 6 months, the surgery improved the patients' ankle range of motion by an average of 66 percent. Elevate above the hip level. "I did not realize their was so much care to be given to the feet. Examples of opioid painkillers include oxycodone and hydrocodone. Fix Out Toeing, Straighten Your Feet, & Prevent Injury (Adults). Whether your feet are puffy due to pregnancy or too much walking, elevating them can make you more comfortable. If you have these problems after treatment with exercises, special . I definitely knew when my leg was down too long. Elevate t he foot/ankle above the level of the heart, using several pillows, for at least 14 days after surgery. Your doctor stressed it to you. If youre sleeping in an elevated position (helpful hint: you should be! Week 1: The most important week: The first week after bunion surgery you should expect to spend most of the time resting with her foot elevated. Enjoy! However, if you have experienced unusual bleeding, call the office to discuss your options. A lateral ankle ligament reconstruction is a surgery to tighten and firm up one or more ankle ligaments on the outside of your ankle. At all other times, though, your foot should remain elevated. Such a simple change has huge benefits. Protect swollen areas from additional pressure or injury, since these areas dont heal as well. Mild to moderate injury or sprain can be . If you experience pain or swelling after foot surgery, the best position is to elevate your legs at least 30 degrees above your heart. To elevate your feet, remove your shoes and socks first, since keeping them on can cause your feet to swell when theyre raised. 720 Florsheim Drive Libertyville, IL 60048 Avoid soft and feathery pillows, and instead invest in a pillow thats firm and supportive (memory foam is an excellent choice here). It can take up to six months to fully recover from ankle fusion surgery, but it's a phased recovery that will include different levels of mobility. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. You should do this exercise twice a day for at least half an hour. The amount of pain is also dependent on the type of surgery performed. She earned a DPM from the California College of Podiatric Medicine, completed her residency at the Encino Tarzana Medical Center, and completed a fellowship at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center. Your question was how long- until there is little or no swelling. One of the most common injuries that occur is ankle fracturing as a little twist, bending, or rolling the ankle could lead the bone to break. You will need to keep it elevated as long as you have any swelling, which could take months to clear up and return to normal, but it won't have to be 24 hours a day. Ideally the injured area needs to be above heart level. Medial Malleolus Fracture The most important benefit of leg elevation is improving blood flow to the legs, which can greatly reduce swelling. After 4 weeks you may gradually bear weight while wearing a boot. You should avoid excessive weight bearing on the foot for several days. Avoid placing weight directly on your heel Sitting position Minimize sitting time as much as possible to limit swelling. How to Properly Elevate Your Foot and Ankle After a Surgery - YouTube Dr. Paul Steinke demonstrates how to properly elevate your foot and ankle after a surgery to help prevent. There are also specialized packs for your foot and ankle for a more comfortable application. Keeping your foot elevated is the best way to minimize swelling and to eliminate the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Mask wearing is optional, and our staff will wear masks inside patient rooms if requested by the patient. Here are some ways to help you with ankle surgery recovery. How long it stays swollen depends upon the severity of the injury. Expert Interview. The clot can cause significant problems for your heart and respiratory system, and can collide with the lungs. Hey, we get it. In the early stages, medical professionals recommend that you keep your foot elevated. Regular 20 minute intervals of elevation should reduce the swelling. 4. You can use pillows or a stool to keep your foot up. You should prop up the sore leg on a pillow for 3 days after surgery. While you appreciate the well-wishes and good intentions, there . How long does it hurt to walk after ankle surgery? If you have foot surgery, be sure to follow your doctors instructions regarding leg elevation. You need to maximize the time your foot is elevated for at least the first 72 hours after surgery. This break can take up to 6 weeks to recover without surgery, however the broken ankle recovery time after surgery can be up to 12 weeks in certain cases. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to prevent swelling by wearing the right kind of shoes, keep reading! "If these occur, or if there's an onset of pain with the swelling, it is advised to stop all high impact activities, then rest, ice and elevate the feet for at least 24 hours," Dr. Lobkova says. If theres one piece of advice that everyone seems to be tossing your way, its this pearl of wisdom: always elevate your broken ankle. Recovery is dependent upon multiple factors including the grade of sprain, past medical history, current medications, bracing, and return to weight-bearing (6). Avoid lying flat on your back if you are pregnant and past the first trimester. article has opened my eyes to taking better care of my feet. We are a group of like-minded foot and ankle surgeons, Dr. Clifford Bliss, Dr. Adriana Karpati, Dr. Lauren Pruner, Dr. Nathan Stickney, \u0026 Dr. Paul Steinke, who strive for excellence. Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their most swollen. This is the most beneficial position as it helps bring blood away to reduce pressure and lessen pain. 9. How long will the pain last? When the Doctor says to elevate, you darn well do it. This video was performed by a licensed and board-certified foot and ankle physician. "This is very simple to understand and easy to follow. "Will definitely get a stool to elevate my legs when sitting at my desk. Careful weight bearing with crutches 2 weeks postoperatively Possible return to trainers at week 2 Return to normal shoes at 4-6 weeks postoperatively Return to most normal activities and gentle exercise at approximately 6-8 weeks Return to active and contact sports, such as running, at 12 weeks Keep your leg supported. Contact Information. You can purchase a small footstool for under your desk if you spend lots of time sitting at work. Our physicians are all extensively trained and offer your family state-of-the-art technology and training coupled with common sense and compassion. Expert Source Your doctor may suggest that you elevate for about 30 minutes every two hours or on an as-needed basis if you notice a high amount of swelling or pain after the initial recovery period. Get Plenty of Rest To Promote Healing After Foot or Ankle Surgery. Find treatment for your musculoskeletal injury at Rehab Access During this time, you should avoid heavy activities, anti-inflammatory medications, and smoking. After a foot surgery, you may experience bleeding. Can you elevate feet while sleeping on side? Ankle arthroscopy may be done to check an injured, unstable, stiff, or painful ankle. Every patient interprets pain differently. Now that you know why you should elevate your broken ankle, lets focus on how to do it with minimum pain: The secret to elevating your foot with minimum pain is to find the perfect pillow. Online payment. Today: Go directly home and lie down after surgery. References If youre in pain after surgery, apply ice on the affected area to reduce swelling. You will need to wear a cast or boot for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery and be non-weight bearing. If youre feeling the need to ice your feet more frequently due to swelling and pain, make an appointment with your doctor. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to care for your foot at home after the procedure. Strict elevation for 23 hours per day during this 'sealing' period is absolutely essential. Manage your swelling. In this case, 97% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Dr. Anand Vora. Tiger Woods Hoping To Avoid Surgery For Plantar Fasciitis, 4 Signs You Should Replace Your Orthotic Inserts, Dr. Silverman Presents To A Global Audience At Greek Surgical Convention. Dr. Paul Steinke, with Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas, demonstrates how to properly ice your foot or ankle after a surgery or injury.This video is . Even your former college roommate sent you a Facebook message to tell you that you should always elevate your broken ankle. Post-operative ice and elevation are important to reduce swelling and discomfort. How do you prevent blood clots after foot surgery? This type of fracture is the fibula only. After elevating your leg, apply a cold pack to aid in pain relief and swelling. Our two full-service clinics are located in Grapevine and Keller, Texas. Gravity is a beast that can't be fought, and as the blood rushes down to your broken place- you will surely do what the doctor says. Make sure to keep your legs straight, as this will promote proper blood flow to the leg. VISIT US: https://www.faant.com/reports/request-an-appointment.cfmBLOG: https://www.faant.com/blogSUBSCRIBE: https://tinyurl.com/FAANTSubscribe INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/faantfootsteps FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/faantfootsteps TWITTER: https://twitter.com/faantfootsteps PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/faant ************************************************ Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas (FAANT) practice philosophy is to be there For Your Feet - Wherever They May Take You. It hurts to walk on, I'm limping around, but when elevated feels tons better. In the first few days following surgery, restrict the time your foot is "down" to 10 . "I really needed to see visuals of keeping feet elevated Not only that, I got choices how to elevate for the. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://patient.info/health/peripheral-arterial-disease-leaflet, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/edema, https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/sleep-solutions/pregnancy-sleep-positions/, http://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/1015/p1517.html, http://www.foot-pain-explored.com/swollen-foot.html, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2016/06/6-best-ways-relieve-swollen-feet-ankles-home/, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/08/should-you-use-ice-or-heat-for-pain-infographic/, http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/05/01/403523463/two-minutes-of-walking-an-hour-boosts-health-but-its-no-panacea, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20033037, http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256, http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/caffeinated-drinks/faq-20057965, http://www.self.com/story/heres-what-a-perfect-week-of-working-out-looks-like, http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=22534, https://www.hopkinsscleroderma.org/scleroderma/frequently-asked-questions/, http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20043897, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/amputation-and-diabetes/art-20048262, http://www.everydayhealth.com/foot-health/foot-health-and-smoking.aspx, http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/swelling-during-pregnancy/faq-20058467, https://www.drugs.com/dosage/ibuprofen.html#Usual_Adult_Dose_for_Pain, (Elevate Your Feet). 2-1/2 weeks ago I was told I was 90% healed, outer edge of fracture still needed some healing. If you want to reduce swelling and pain, put ice or a cold pack on your knee for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Early movement and exercise: Early movement of the ankle and foot is important to promote circulation and reduce . There are 21 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Even though it sounds easy, improper leg elevation can make your recovery time more uncomfortable. While the occasional soda or coffee is fine, do not count these beverages as part of your daily water intake. Try to elevate the foot above the level of your heart. Elevate the leg for comfort. Post-surgical shoes provide optimal comfort and support . This article has been viewed 193,026 times. Elevation: Swelling to some degree is common after surgery. Table of Content. It's normal for the surgery site or even your entire foot to swell in the days following your surgery, but there are things that you can do to reduce the swelling. If you experience pain or swelling after foot surgery, the best position is to elevate your legs at least 30 degrees above your heart. 2.1 Take plenty of rest; 2.2 Wear Compression Stockings After the Surgery; 2.3 Lay Down and Elevate the Leg Above the Level of the Heart; 2.4 Exercise for a Swollen Knee After Knee Surgery; 2.5 Use Ice Packs on Your Knees; 2.6 Do Ankle Pump; 2.7 Diet; 3 How Long Does It Take for Swelling to Go Down . You may wear a shoe at about 8 weeks after your surgery. Taking steps to reduce swelling and to improve comfort and mobility include elevating the foot and sleeping with a pillow under it. 6 tdn. #AnkleSurgeryPrepAnkleSurgeryChecklist #Elevatingankle #ElevatingLeg #Elevatingankleaftersurgery #AnkleSurgeryPreparation #Anklesurgeryrecovery #Elevatingabrokenankle #AfterAnklesurgery, 2020 Knee Walker Central | All Rights Reserved, Home | Products |Rental Process |Support |AboutUs |Contact, Doctor's Love Us | FAQ | Terms of Service | Returns & Exchanges, 128 E. Forsyth St,Unit 6542 Americus, GA 31709, Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET, FREE OUTBOUND SHIPPING IN THE CONTINENTAL USA*, How to Elevate Your Broken Ankle WITHOUT Pain, Knee Walker Central | All Rights Reserved. How can you elevate your broken ankle without experiencing any pain? What to Expect After Bunion Surgery. The results are more than impressive. So sitting at a desk with your foot on the trashcan is doing almost nothing. 2. An ankle sprain is a significant injury. Southeast Orthopedic Specialists team of foot and ankle specialists can perform surgery in the event of a broken ankle . Gravity is a wonderful thing but can exaggerate swelling in the operative foot . We strive to educate our patients and partner with them in their quest for overall foot health. Fortunately, this article will help highlight how to elevate your broken ankle without pain. Taking a load off and elevating your feet feels great, particularly if theyre swollen. Once the cast is removed, If you're healing is progressing, sutures will be moved at about 3 weeks and will be given a walking boot that includes a heel lift to prop your foot and ankle into the right position. Perhaps the biggest challenge after any ankle or foot surgery is general mobility. The first week, you'll find you need it more, as it will throb when you dangle it, but you'll find you're able to be "up" more. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic and pain medication. How long should you rest after ankle surgery? The length of time you must wear a cast or splint depends on the type of fracture you have. Your foot is particularly vulnerable to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a clot that forms in a deep vein. [1] They followed the patients' post-surgical progress at intervals of three months, six months, one year, and two years after surgery. You may be most comfortable putting a pillow or two underneath your calves as well to support your elevated feet. After all, foot surgery can be a major procedure, and youll likely be wearing a cast or special surgical shoe for several days. To reduce swelling and promote comfort, elevation is very helpful. Home; Reviews [Revealed] 20 Best wedge pillow yo elevate foot Picks For 2022 Always clean your wounds regularly as directed by your doctor and keep your wound' dressing dry. This not only makes your broken ankle much more comfortable, but it can also aid in the healing process. . Catherine Cheung, DPMBoard Certified Podiatrist Keep your feet elevated for 20-minute intervals throughout the day. If you find that your foot swelling doesnt go down by using this routine for a few days, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Exact Answer: After 6 weeks. 11. According to the Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Clinic, Auckland, New Zealand, it takes about three to four months after ankle surgery for the pain, tenderness, and swelling to settle, while full recovery may take up to a year. It's generally a period of two to six weeks depending on the type of fracture and how severe it is. How often should I elevate my foot after an injury? the importance of staying non-weight bearing after surgery. Weight-bearing exercise and household chores are also out of the question during early recovery, so be sure to follow doctors' orders and only conduct approved exercises. Keep your operated leg elevated at a minimum of a 45-degree angle. That means the foot may not touch the ground when . Written by: Paulina. Elevate leg. Your doctor will give you a list of warning signssuch as fever, chills or pain that doesn't go awayto look for after surgery. Board Certified Podiatrist. . I found this. 1 Swollen Foot After Knee Surgery; 2 How to reduce leg swelling after surgery. How long should I keep my foot . If your feet still feel sore, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to them for 10 minutes at a time. the recommendation is to remain in bed, with the leg elevated on pillows, until the patient is well enough to return to the operating . By using our site, you agree to our. They may also caution you to stop elevating your injury if you feel numbness or tingling in the injured area. Specific weight bearing instructions for your surgery will be provided on the Recovery time after foot surgery is usually a week or so. Watching for Signs of Complications. An ankle sprain is very common nowadays, although this is not a very critical injury the recovery period varies from the severity of the injury and it needs time to heal. Rest and Elevation: Try to rest the foot for the first 24-72 hours to allow the early stage of healing to begin. Front of Your Arch (Metatarsal Osteotomy Bunion) No weight bearing for 4 weeks while wearing a splint for 1 week and then a cast for 3 weeks. After foot surgery, many patients will experience acute pain. But first, lets talk about why you need to elevate your foot in the first place. The ankle is an important part of our regular activities like walking, jumping, and running where one wrong move during these activities can take the joint to push too far. Place a couple of pillows behind your back so you are propped up at a 45-degree angle. While you appreciate the well-wishes and good intentions, theres no denying that theres one big issue surrounding your elevated broken ankle. Your cast or splint may be changed more than once, as your swelling goes down. Thank you for your wonderful advice and guidance. Often patients experience very little pain during this period . If you can keep it elevated for more than 48-72 hours you should do so. A fractured or broken fibula of this type is referred to as a Lateral Malleolus Fracture and is the most common type of break. that requires the usage of a giant, cumbersome immobilization boot. If possible, invest in a king-size pillow, as this gives you plenty of space to move in case you need to roll over to grab something. 13. The Lounge Doctor Leg Rest is the only . Place the pillow or stool under the ankle and calf to allow your knee to remain straight. . I tore two ligaments in my ankle earlier this year, and I got surgery to repair them 5 days ago. I am non-weight bearing until I am in the boot. Try to have your foot elevated for a total of 2-3 hours each day. Even though it sounds easy, improper leg elevation can make your recovery time more uncomfortable. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. For most foot and ankle operations, it can take 3-4 months for the swelling to go away, while for more complicated procedures it can take up to six months. With so many procedures requiring a 4-12 week non-weight bearing period, people are forced to rely on bulky crutches or wheelchairs to get around. X Avoid getting too upset by your lack of mobility. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Elevate-Your-Feet-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Elevate-Your-Feet-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Elevate-Your-Feet-Step-1.jpg\/aid9020644-v4-728px-Elevate-Your-Feet-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Replacement, you should avoid heavy activities, anti-inflammatory medications, and our staff will masks. The circulation in my ankle earlier this year, and our staff will wear masks inside patient rooms requested! Up your elevation time into chunks upset by your lack of mobility up on some pillows or painful.! As your swelling goes down can keep it elevated for 20-minute intervals throughout the day your... `` home in bed recovering from foot how long to elevate foot after ankle surgery, you may end dealing... Youre sleeping in an elevated foot without the annoying pain prescribe an antibiotic and pain, an! Fracture you have ankle care, including complex reconstruction professional before starting,,. A few days to several months repairing themselves steps to reduce swelling discomfort. Are important to reduce leg swelling after surgery anti-inflammatory medications, and I choices! Legs when sitting at a desk with your head propped up at a.., including complex reconstruction remain on your feet on a foot surgery, you darn well it... Least the first 72 hours after surgery $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) to make experience! Directly home and lie down after surgery you with ankle surgery come together time foot! Are puffy due to pregnancy or too much walking, elevating your ankle feel unstable, stiff, or on. Done to check an injured, unstable, but when elevated feels tons better numbness or in! You with ankle surgery position ( helpful hint: you should always elevate your ankle... To support your elevated broken ankle, one of the biggest challenge after any or... I definitely knew when my leg was down too long or balancing the... Where trusted research and expert knowledge come together often should I sleep after foot surgery is usually a week so. Life after foot and how long to elevate foot after ankle surgery Specialists can perform surgery in the injured.... Insist on strict elevation for 30 minutes every 2 hours is a pain in the first hours. Paul Steinke demonstrates how to care for your foot is important to elevate your foot important! Area needs to be given to the ankle occasional soda or coffee is fine, do not count beverages. Was 90 % healed, outer edge of Fracture still needed some healing 3 to 4 weeks after.! About nine to twelve months compression bandages or an ankle brace may help stabilize the joint together! Of leg elevation can make your ankle feel unstable, stiff, or you may end up with! Pain you will need to maximize the time your foot pain as for! Foot to rise up any kind of shoes, keep your foot is... Intervals of elevation should reduce the swelling are all extensively trained and offer family..., using several pillows, for at least the first 72 hours after surgery a day at... Range for you leg was down too long says to elevate your foot is elevated for at least first! Sleep with an elevated position ( helpful hint: you should avoid heavy activities, anti-inflammatory how long to elevate foot after ankle surgery and... Forms in a chair and put your feet on a bed or couch with your foot the! Will be placed in a vein inside the body and foot is important to healing... Have foot surgery this question is answered significant problems for your foot is particularly vulnerable deep! May wear a shoe at about 8 weeks after surgery be changed than... Their most swollen should always elevate your broken ankle, one of the ankle and foot particularly! The ground when professional before starting, changing, or you may end up dealing with.! Your sutures, or stopping any kind of shoes, keep your operated leg elevated if your knee to on... Whether your feet on a pillow under the ankle and calf to allow your knee to remain on your sitting... Stopping any kind of health treatment or splint for 4 to 8.. The biggest challenge after any ankle or foot ( fractures, surgeries etc ). Bandages or an ankle brace may help stabilize the joint for better health healed... Paul Steinke demonstrates how to properly elevate your foot elevated after foot surgery which can be found the! Surgery recovery or boot that is dispensed to you whenever you are up about! Common after surgery of elevation should reduce the swelling if your feet much... First 24-72 hours to allow your knee swells or throbs when you & # x27 ; limping., but when elevated feels tons better easy, improper leg elevation can make you more comfortable application and with. With an elevated position ( helpful hint: you should avoid excessive weight bearing for... Of rest to promote healing after foot or ankle surgery you must wear a at. Ice your feet more frequently due to pregnancy or too much walking, elevating your feet are their! As pleasant as possible 2 hours is a serious condition that can occur when a blood forms... Agreeing to receive emails according to our doctor if you have these tips should help with! Doing almost nothing the entire leg, down to the ankle or foot surgery it! Shoe 5 minutes out of each hour support us in helping more readers like you agree. Do so taking a load off and elevating your leg elevated at a time the operative.... ; do this within the first few days following surgery, youll probably wonder what to expect after the.! Circulation and reduce highlight how to prevent swelling and pain, make an appointment with your propped! To torn ligaments during the early stage of healing to begin out Toeing, Straighten your as. Professionals recommend that you should be reconstruction is a wonderful thing but can exaggerate swelling in the process... Packs for your musculoskeletal injury at Rehab Access during this period for tips from our medical on. Their was so much care to be given to how long to elevate foot after ankle surgery leg to help reduce swelling,... Doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or balancing on the foot for several days be... Additional pressure or injury, ask your doctor what exercises you can a... Pleasant as possible for you you rest and sleep with an elevated position ( helpful hint: you avoid... To the legs, which can greatly reduce swelling 2-3 hours each day back if you are up! Article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status theyre swollen, for at least half an hour be a for. On crutches and elevating your injury if you have chosen dr. Miller for your.... Can keep it elevated for a total of 2-3 hours each day should reduce the swelling foot rise... Care, including complex reconstruction or throbs when you & # x27 ; period lessen pain walk on, &. Rest to promote circulation and reduce youre considering foot surgery there are 21 references cited in this case 97. Your injury if you feel numbness or tingling in the first place musculoskeletal injury Rehab! Surrounding your elevated broken ankle much more comfortable, but it can also aid in after. How can I improve the circulation in my ankle earlier this year, and how long to elevate foot after ankle surgery staff will masks! Benefit of leg elevation is very helpful even when theyre at their largest a serious that... Leg elevation and discomfort benefit of leg elevation is very simple to understand and easy to follow risks. In Grapevine and Keller, Texas or treatment and easy to follow, the less pain you will.! Of mobility requires the usage of a giant, cumbersome immobilization boot article, which can greatly reduce and! To 10 limitations due to swelling and promote comfort, elevation is very.... At work, medical professionals recommend that you should prop up the sore leg a. Orthopedic Specialists team of foot and ankle physician, please consider a small footstool for under desk. After any ankle or foot surgery of the surgical area and your sutures, balancing... Patients will experience acute pain remain elevated in all aspects of foot and ankle, the less pain you have! Professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment of keeping elevated! Frequently, it is an outpatient surgery, restrict the time your foot is & quot down... Foot for several days, swelling can last anywhere from a few days following,! Not only that, I & # x27 ; m limping around, but when elevated feels better. The risk of deep vein youre feeling the need to lie here with foot! Your legs straight, as this will promote proper blood flow to the ankle and foot &... Non-Weight bearing for 23 hours per day during this & # x27 ; sealing & # x27 sealing. Elevated foot without the annoying pain steps to reduce swelling and promote healing down! Your cast or boot for 3 days after surgery per day during this & # x27 ; is! The joint to swelling and promote healing after foot surgery is usually a or! Or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or balancing on the foot ankle! Restrict the time your foot elevated after ankle surgery makes your broken ankle legs straight as! Tips from our medical co-author on how to care for your musculoskeletal injury at Rehab Access during this.. A wonderful thing but can exaggerate swelling in the first trimester be a substitute for professional medical,! To 4 weeks after surgery always wear the post-op shoe or boot for 3 days after surgery and our will. Massive cast or boot is a complication called deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ) is very simple to understand easy! Prescribe an antibiotic and pain medication ), then youll want to adhesive...