Burning sensation 3 months after ankle surgery

The coloring is not bad. It's a bit more red than my good foot, but both my doctor and PT say it's normal. The swelling is really bad, particularly later in the day, and I also lose a lot of the feeling in my toes at times (I think that has to do with swelling and circulation). I'm also a diabetic and so that will probably slow my recovery. I'm just hoping the burning/stinging is normal and that there's not something else wrong with my leg. The burning/stinging is much worse after PT and after I walk on it a lot.

Hello. It is normal to have weird senations of burning & twinges. Its also normal to have swelling both on and around your ankle. If you are not happy though, go and get your doctor to take a look. I broke my ankle and had surgery end of September and still limping due to the severe swelling which is worse at the end of my 10 hour work shift

This forum is amazing and these folks are enduring their injuries -  we all have individual issues, some similar, some not. Be your own advocate, use your voice to tell them how you are progressing, the swelling is part of this injury. I try and put my foot up after having it down several times a day even for short stints. I never found ice good for me but massage and water is. I use Epson  salts in my bath water 1 cup.....never give up you are doing better than you think!  Take care and keep in 👣

What is RSD and CRPS?

It is called complex regional pain syndrome, basically the nervous system not firing right from the brain. It's not a good diagnosis for me but they caught it early, I'm hopeful but realize I'm in for the long haul. There are posting here on the forum under it, but don't concern yourself with it you most likely don't have it. It's one in 40000 people get it after a injury, break or surgery. I never heard of it but I know it now....thank God for Internet to give us info as some Doctirs don't even know about it. It used to go by RSD but they changed the name. I hope this helps....take care....👣

Hi Jannie,

Its me again, (smiles) could you please explain more about water therapy? I had my first session of physio on Friday, didn't do much because I was told first session mainly is for putting down all info needed, my ankle is so stiff and I was told I need a lot of work to get it going. I was given just the towel exercise and massage to start with so am wondering if there is anything more I can do while waiting for the next meeting as one whole week is a long wait.

Good morning. I had to repeatedly ask for physio as I movement was getting more restricted. I dropped in at A&E and told them my concerns, was examined and an urgent referral for physio which took place a week later. I have been having 30 minutes physio a week since December but then that moved to every two weeks, now every three weeks. It simply isn't enough which prolongs recovery & returning to work & everyday tasks. I looked into paying for additional treatment privately, but at £30 for 30 minutes when you are not working & earning, then it's a no! It's frustrating as you can't improve without treatment but can afford to pay. I'm doing my exercises but still can't squat fully and the swelling is still present. I hope you respond to physio and recover quickly

Hi Paul

in Canada if a doctor refers you for physio after surgery  it is covered no charge to patient. Not sure about the UK. I also go in YouTube and there's lots of good physio exercises for ankle post surgery. I just keep moving the foot, wiggling, stretching on band and a tennis ball first thing in the morning, roll your foot gently for 60 counts. I hope it is getting better each and everyday. I got up in my walker yesterday first time and took 10 steps, on we go.....👣take good care, Jannie 

Hi Abiigail

i go to a hydro bath every other day at our hospital. It is very large and tilts back, I get to stretch out and soak in salts and do my leg exercises and put my feet down and weight bear on them. Once I'm fully weight bearing we have hot springs 15 mins from home and I can start walking in the pools. If you don't have access get a foot bath or bucket put warm water and 1 cup Epson sales in the water. Soak and wiggle your toes as tolerated for 15 mins. Also I have massage on my feet and legs each day with coconut oil. My hubby does it for me, he's a gem. Plus all the usual exercises, but my foot has been locked up tight as a drum, I'm getting a little more movement each day. Wishing you well, take good care👣

Hi Jannie,

Thanks so much for the response, I will start with the bucket as I haven't got a clue yet on the hospital hyro bath yet.

I will check amazon and order the Epson salt.

Thanks and I wish you full recovery at the shortest time

You can get Epson salts at any pharmacy or Walmart has great prices. Get the biggest bag you can get also I get itching with the thin new skin and cut my aloe plant and softly apply daily it helps with the itching for me. Keep on 👣cheaper to buy a lant than the expense gel.....

Hi Jannie. In Uk the physio under NHS is free but is only 30 minutes, currently every three weeks.

If I want more treatment, I have to pay privately for this @£30 per 30 minutes.

I need to look on You tube for the exercises. 

I am doing the exercises that you mention first thing in the morning before work and when I return from work 10 hours later, then elasticated bandage and bed. Is a slow and laborious road to recovery which angers me somewhat. I'm pleased to read of your progress, small steps each day, that the key to recovery

We're lucky here 2 a week 60 min long......I've found more on YouTube that have really helped. The tennis ball first thing in the morning is amazing. Before you begin try and touch your toes. Then roll 60 counts on each foot. Now try and touch your toes again, the difference is amazing. I'm going slow and steady but I'm with you Paul, someday soon I just want to forget about the whole thing....alas to no avail.....keep on let me know what you think.....take care

jannie 👣

How are you dealing with CRPS and what were the symptoms? I think that I might have this, my ankle is stiff, painful, numb, burning, post surgery. How do they diagnose this,? 

Thank you so much 

How did they diagnose this? I have similar problem and going to be evaluated 

what does it feel like? Thank you 

Hello what is RSD/CRPS? Thanks