Surgery may be painful, and healing from it may seem like a long process, but knowing what to expect during the surgical procedure and how to speed up your recovery can help significantly.
Since your ankle is used daily, ankle surgery might be challenging. Numerous activities rely upon your ankle, letting you live the life you want.
It may thus be highly bothersome if your ankle gives you severe discomfort or limits your daily movements. This process will go easier if you know what to expect from a foot and ankle specialist in Maryville, IL, and your surgery.
Preparing yourself for ankle surgery
Several kinds of ankle surgery are carried out to treat a wide range of pain and injuries. Your recovery will differ from others, mainly based on the nature and scope of your ankle surgery. Ask your physician or nurses if you have specific inquiries about the post-operative instructions for your operation.
Several ankle disorders that might require surgery include:
- Ankle sprain
- Peroneal tendon problems
- Ankle arthroscopy
- Shin splints
- Ankle syndesmosis injury
- Ankle fusion
- Artificial joint replacement of the ankle
Conservative therapy methods are often tried first. These might include switching shoes, using splints or stretches, replacing footwear, relaxing, and applying ice. The key indication that it might be necessary to consider having foot or ankle surgery is if these have been exhausted and your attempts to find relief have failed.
Other indications that surgery may be needed include:
- Chronic pain
- Unable to engage in preferred hobbies
- Worsening deformity
- Symptoms becoming worse
- Negatively influenced living quality
Day of Surgery
You should dress loosely and comfortably on the day of the surgery. After surgery, your operated leg, ankle, or foot will often have a bulky covering and/or plaster splint; therefore, your clothing must fit over those things. These types of clothes include sweatpants or shorts with no elastic waistband.
You cannot wear regular shoes on the treated foot until it heals because of the dressing and/or splint used after the surgery. This implies that you should pack a non-slip shoe that is supportive with rubber soles for your non-surgical foot.
Pro-tip: Make sure you take the painkillers as recommended. It might be challenging to manage the pain when you get behind on taking your prescribed medication. Put an honest individual in charge of your medicines directly, and they can help you manage your ankle pain.
Consult a doctor
Visit a dentist if you have been injured, have pain in your feet or ankles, or notice any of the warning signs. They can guide you on what to do next and help you determine if foot or ankle surgery is needed.
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