6 weeks after ankle surgery
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hi there. 6 weeks ago I underwent an ankle arthroscopy plus micro-fracture after a climbing accident last year. The surgery was to remove the damaged cartilage which has been causing constant pain whenever weight baring since the accident. I was told that I could fully weight bare with the airboot after the surgery. Today I went for the 6 week post op appointment with the surgeon, and he said I can now FWB without the boot. He said I should use the crutches for a bit longer to aid me to start walking again. I'm surprised that I have already been given the go ahead to FWB since it was a complex surgery apparently, 4 hours as well. I've been trying to do so today, it just feels so strange, as if I have forgotten to walk. The doctor didn't talk to me in detail, I just want to know if I should use both crutches when walking or just one crutch, and how long I should do this for. I don't see the physiotherapist for another 2 weeks unfortunately. Really appreciate any help/advice. Thank you.
0 likes, 6 replies
kam98
Posted
Another thing I am unsure about is whether its ok for me stand up on the ankle in the shower to wash
0REDSOX7 kam98
Posted
While I did not have the same surgery as you, I am currently recovering from a talonavicular arthrodesis on my right foot. Like you, I was immobilized for six weeks, and just transitioned to the CAM boot and begin full weight bearing.
My doctor ordered me to start with one hour of weight bearing per day for first three days, then increase by one hour each day after.
Like you, learning to walk again is weird, and, as you described, it feels as if you forgot That is simply because you lost muscle mass by not using your foot for six weeks. You will be amazed that, it will feel so off for so long then, one day, you will go to walk, and you will be able to.
You should be able to shower without the boot - as I have been told that the boot is not there to prevent injury to the work done, but, to provide you with support and stability as you walk.
Hope this provides some help.
kam98 0REDSOX7
Posted
yeh in my case I've been told I can FWB without the boot now but using crutches to assist me for a bit, so the boot isn't needed anymore. I was full weight baring straight away after surgery with the boot on which was a real suprise but I guess the doctor knows best. Yeh your right about the muscle mass, makes sense. In terms of the shower I'm just really tentative at the moment standing straight on my ankle, I've had a try and it's just difficult at the moment. Glad to hear your recovery is progressing and good luck with it. Really appreciate the help, take care.
0REDSOX7 kam98
Posted
I took a shower to get all the skin cleaned off - but mostly favored my other leg - and just balanced on my right foot.
anita93474 kam98
Posted
Hi I would use two crutches as they are there incase u stumble or fall I was told I'd be on them at least 6weeks after op or even longer as I have had two ops on my broken tibia and broke ankle
kam98 anita93474
Posted
yeh your right, I'll use both crutches for a bit, then I guess once I'm ready and feel more comfortable probably move onto 1 crutch and then walking again. Good luck with your recovery, appreciate the help, take care.