Swelling after surgery
Posted , 2 users are following.
I am almost 9 wks post peroneal tendon surgery. I started 25% weight bearing at 5 wks with crutches and 2 weeks ago I increased by another 20 pounds. I have been trying to keep foot down more even when sitting and also trying to walk around the house more and more. I have noticed in the last week or so by mid day my ankle has a pressure feeling in it like if it were a water balloon being squeezed when I step down on it and my calf is swollen in the boot so the boot feels snug. Has anyone else experienced this? Any ideas how long after you start pwb before this swelling and pressure stops?
0 likes, 4 replies
danette90549 vanessa_37215
Posted
Hi Vanessa,
I'll be in your shoes next week but with the tendon I had to have 2 of my ligaments reconstructed and the 3rd fixed. I'm trying to gear what's 25% weight bearing. My Doc said I'll be able to walk with the boot but I'm afraid. I have no more muscle in my left leg it's like flab. This group gives great advice I'm wishing you luck. Do you still elevate when sitting? Maybe try that it could be your calf muscles building back up.
Best and speedy recovery
Danette
vanessa_37215 danette90549
Posted
Wow you had a ton done. When I went to Dr at 5 wks he had me step on a scale to find my total weight. That alone had me seeing stars because I hadn't put any weight on it in 5 wks. No one told me what to expect so I could be somewhat prepared. He then told me the weight I could put on it and had me step on the scale with that foot only and press down to that weight to get a feel for it. That didn't hurt at all. I did that weight for 3 wks then went back and he added 20 more pounds to it and I've been at that for 2 wks. I go back Monday again. I am hoping he will say everything is done healing and I can go to full weight bearing as tolerated. I dont think I can do full just yet but would like the freedom to add as I feel ready.
My calf muscle was pretty much gone too. It is coming back pretty quick now though. As soon as you start putting weight on it I think it starts building. I am also in pt since 2 wks post op. That has been a huge help. It has helped with ROM and starting to strengthen my leg and ankle. Are you in pt yet?
Don't be afraid. Just know you will probably feel a lot of pressure, pins and needles in bottom of your foot and maybe on sides of ankle and your ankle will feel weak. Thats what I felt. The worst being the pins and needles. The good thing is the more you walk and just touch or gently rub the foot the more that feeling goes away.
Ii do still elevate. I sleep with it elevated and by morning the boot is loose but by mid day afyer being up quite a bit it begins to feel snug. I elevate some during the day but have been trying to keep it down more hoping it will figure out how to keep fluid out on its own like normal.
danette90549 vanessa_37215
Posted
I'm a little nervous so you sleep in the boot? I hope he doesn't make me because this cast has ruined my sleep! I just want it to come off so I can wash and soak my foot.
vanessa_37215 danette90549
Posted
He put me in the boot at 2 wks. I can take it off to shower and anytime I'm just sitting. I do have to sleep in it but I'm hoping he will say I can sleep without it next week. I know what you mean about sleeping. I am so ready to be able to lay in my bed with nothing on my foot and no pillows under it!As of now I still can't soak my foot. I have a stool in my shower I sit on and I can wash it but no bath and no soaking it. I am hoping that changes next week too.