Ankle Surgery - Rehabilitation

Ankle Surgery Rehabilitation What can I expect after surgery?

It is common to experience pain and swelling at your ankle. Your ankle may be in a cast/aircast/brace for 2 - 6 weeks. A period of rehabilitation is important to help you regain your movement and strength. Your physiotherapist will guide you through post surgery precautions, pain management and prescribe appropriate exercises.

Pain and Swelling Management REST

Avoid prolong periods of walking

ICE

Ice the swollen and painful parts of the ankle for 15minutes. Wrap one layer of thin, moist pillowcase around your icepack to prevent skin burns

ELEVATE

Place your ankle on a chair when sitting or on 2 pillows when lying down

Weight Bearing Status

Care for Your Cast

To promote tissue and fracture healing after surgery, it is important that you follow the weight bearing restrictions recommended by your Doctor:

Keep your cast/backslab dry as moisture can cause skin irritation and bacterial growth.

Cover your cast/backslab with a plastic bag when showering. Even if the cast is covered, do not hold it under running water.

 Non Weight Bear – You are not to put any weight on the operated leg  Partial Weight Bear – You may put 30-50% weight onto the operated leg  Toe Touch Weight Bear – You may put 5-10% weight onto the operated leg You will need to walk using an appropriate walking aid, such as a frame or crutches AND adhere to the weight bearing status, even if you are not experiencing pain.

Contact your doctor if you notice: 

Sharp increase in pain



Feeling that cast is too tight



Persisting itch



Severe warmth or cold in the foot



Change in color (e.g red, purple, blue)



Constant tingling or numbness

Disclaimer: Exercises illustrated and instructed in this handout are strictly for designated patient based on the assessment and instruction of the therapist. If you have any doubts, please contact your physiotherapist.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group.

Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.

REHAB.PE.PT.044.0320