According to a paper from the National Library of Medicine, ankle arhtrodesis – more commonly called ankle fusion – occurs in about 3.4% of the population. These surgeries are exceptionally common to treat arthritis, but have some other affects as well.
But how can you tackle walking after ankle fashion surgery, and what does the recovery look like? If you’re curious about ankle fusion recovery tips, the surgery might be making you somewhat nervous.
For a post-surgery walking guide, we’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know about walking after ankle fusion.
- Recovery time table
- Things to avoid
- Good ankle mobility exercises
- Walking after ankle fusion surgery
Recovery Time Table
Ankle fusion is typically seen as a major surgery. While there are different methods of completing the surgery, all of them will take quite some time to recover from.
Recovery can also be set back by poor behavior or accidents while recovering. If you don’t take care of your fused ankle during recovery, your recovery will suffer. You also run the risk of damaging your ankle.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, an ankle fusion takes a few months to heal from. While this can vary, it rarely takes shorter than this time period. That’s because our bodies all heal at similar rates when it comes to major surgeries assuming the proper care is taken.
Things to Avoid
What should you avoid while you heal from your ankle fusion? Walking after ankle fusion surgery is difficult, and in some cases, can worsen the situation. You should avoid:
- Manual labor
- Walking long distances
- Putting weight on your ankle
- Wearing constrictive footwear
- Veering off of your doctor’s ankle mobility exercises
- Ignoring your post-surgery walking guide
Strenuous behaviors should also be avoided. Sorry about your streak at the gym, but you’ll have to take some time to recover before you can continue things like workouts and focus on approved activities.
Good Ankle Mobility Exercises
What are some good ankle mobility exercises? Recovering from ankle surgery is difficult no matter what, but some mobility exercises can help.
You should consult your doctor and/or surgeon to see what sorts of exercises are best for you. You may also need to undergo physical therapy, which will often incorporate such exercises.
It’s also common to have walking aids for ankle fusion recovery. These may include crutches, boots, a scooter, a mobility scooter, or other such items. In some cases, you may need to spend some time in a wheelchair before you’re ready for exercises.
Walking After Ankle Fusion Surgery
Walking after ankle fusion surgery is a difficult and sometimes intense process. Make sure you’re listening to your doctor and surgeon on any medical advice, especially if they give you a post-surgery walking guide to follow. Doing so will avoid setbacks while recovering from ankle fusion surgery.
At the Flint Foot and Ankle Institute, we’re dedicated to helping you live your best life. Our practitioners are experts in ankle and foot care, from sprains and fractures all the way to reconstruction. Browse our services to see if we can assist you in your ailment today.
