Comments on: How to Recover From Foot Surgery

on 10/22/2008 I am scheduled for right foot fusion of the midfoot joints Oct. 27th. The "best" outcome figures or success rate I've found is 65% and I don't think that included any arthritic complications. Trying hard to think of what I need to do in advance to make this go as smoothly as possible, given that I am to be non-weight bearing for the first 2 mos. and it is just my partner and I. I will be on my own 12-14 hrs a day or potentially more. You all have some great ideas in what I have read so far. I am looking forward to being able to walk on two feet again when this is all over!!

on 8/19/2008 I am currently recovering foot and ankle surgery. I had developed an accessory bone in my foot that had to be removed, plus some bony build-up removed from my ankle. The surgeon also lengthened my Achilles tendon. My surgery was ten days ago. I spent the first week using the Polar Pak to circulate cold water around my foot and ankle. It helped a lot. I have been moving around on crutches some and have a walked with wheels and a knee rest that I have been using.

I had a minor set-back and couldn't go to a cast because of minor redness and swelling around my primary incision. It could be infected. So, just to make sure, I'm on another round of antibiotics.

I'm in a non-weight bearing state for at least 6 weeks (probably longer).

This has been more difficult that I suspected, but I'm sure I'll get better.

on 8/19/2008 I am currently recovering foot and ankle surgery. I had developed an accessory bone in my foot that had to be removed, plus some bony build-up removed from my ankle. The surgeon also lengthened my Achilles tendon. My surgery was ten days ago. I spent the first week using the Polar Pak to circulate cold water around my foot and ankle. It helped a lot. I have been moving around on crutches some and have a walked with wheels and a knee rest that I have been using.

I had a minor set-back and couldn't go to a cast because of minor redness and swelling around my primary incision. It could be infected. So, just to make sure, I'm on another round of antibiotics.

I'm in a non-weight bearing state for at least 6 weeks (probably longer).

This has been more difficult that I suspected, but I'm sure I'll get better.

on 12/24/2007 I'm into my third week post-surgery and things seem to be going well. I can't manage crutches so I was feeling totally dependent and very frustrated. I was thrilled when a friend rented a Nov Ortho-Med Turning Leg Caddy for me. It has swivel wheels in the front, a hand-brake that allows me to control my speed on an incline, and large wheels that make it possible to maneuver on bumpy terrain, so I can even use it outside.

on 11/15/2007 I had joint fusion surgery Oct.1,2007. I rented a Turning Leg Caddy and it was so much easier than crutch's. The doctors don't tell you how difficult recovery will be. You need to prepare the area your going to spend your most time at to reach everything at arms length. I put tv tray tables close by with a small coffee set up, ice cooler with drinks, and snacks. You won't believe how sore you will be pulling your weight up and down. Hope this helps you.

on 11/8/2007 I agree- the Rol a-bout was the best. I had haglund deformity surgery oct 9th. I have to be non weight bearing for 8 to 12 weeks.I can do just about everything for myself with the roll a-bout. The first week I definately needed help and pain pills but after that it hasn't been so bad since I am able to get around so easy. It wouldn't be for someone who is having any knee issues though. I have to have my other foot done in the future so I purchased the roll a-bout instead of renting it. I use it as a foot rest also.

on 8/27/2007 Hi, I'm getting ready to have foot/ankle reconstruction and fusion in October because my Achilles tendon has ripped and my foot has rolled inward. I am not looking forward to this at all. But I have no resort. I have been wearing an ankle brace for months and have been told w/o the surgery, I will be crippled. I know I will be in a cast for 6 weeks and have to use either crutches or a walker and then 8 weeks in a boot, but no one has told me about clothing. What do you all suggest in the way of clothing to wear? I will ask my doctor when I sign the consent papers next month but thought it would be easier to hear from people that have had foot surgery. I am more worried about how to keep myself clean than anything. Like washing myself and my hair. I also do not have health ins. so I'm having to pay for everything.

on 12/29/2006 There is a cooler contraption you can rent or buy from the ortho docs which circulates ice water around your injury, staying cold for about 6-8 hours, no need to change packs, wraps completely around with little weight and full contact. It's called an Iceman by DJ Ortho. Works great. You can even sleep with it on for round the clock chilling.

on 10/23/2006 Foot surgery can be very very painful. Be very careful not to fall on the injury itself while it heals.

on 9/1/2006 When I was recovering from surgery on my ankle, I found that bags of frozen vegetables worked quite well as ice packs.

on 8/8/2006 I had a ganglion cyst removed from the bottom of my foot, near the ball. The surgery went well and I have healed very quickly because I stayed off of my foot, using crutches for six weeks and keeping it elevated 18-20 hours a day. I did push myself, and was more active than I probably should have been (crutching 3 or more miles a day), but the constant elevation whenever I wasn't active seemed to help it heal very well. There is very little scarring. I'm at about 7 weeks and I've just recently started playing basketball again. I'm still playing like an old man, but I can see my progress daily, and should be running full speed in the next two to three weeks.

The thing that seems to have helped my recovery the most was riding a stationary bike the last couple of weeks (while I still couldn't put a lot of pressure on my foot). It strengthened the muscles that were unused while I was on crutches.

on 8/8/2006 I had 2 procedures done on April 26, 2006. The surgery was a total of 2.5 hours and 16 stitches later with a drain. For the first 2 weeks I was on 2 crutches and non-weight bearing. For the following 3-4 weeks, I was on one crutch and was learning how to walk again. I still have no feeling in the first(big toe) and second toe with the surrounding areas still numb. My two recommendations for this type of surgery or any foot surgery is:
1) Make sure you know that the prescribed medicine for post-operative care truly works for your pain (you will know this while you are in recovery).
2) Get a prescription for a transfer shower bench or shower chair while you are in recovery. It has made my experience easier and enjoyable. Even now that I am able to stand on both feet (not for a long period of time), it's nice to know you can take a break and sit down while showering.
Oh, also, if you have not purchased a shower head with a hose attachment, that is recommended.

on 7/31/2006 I too am using a Rollabout after bunion surgery (6 weeks) The Rollabout is terrific but it is so hard to turn to turn around. I am surprised the design folks didn't think of putting swivel wheels on, but design people usually don't use the products they design! I have a chair on castors for the kitchen and it is a breeze zipping across the room to get a utensil or pot. To rinse dishes I open the doors under the sink, lower the seat to the right height and tuck my two feet inside to get up close to the sink. I had bunion surgery on my other foot last summer and it was worth it. I can't wait to buy shoes that fit and don't give me pain for months.

on 6/30/2006 Stay off of your feet as much as possible. The surgery was a very painful experience, the pain was almost unbearable (if it wasn't for the strong medicine they gave me). It will be 2-3 months before I can wear shoes again.

on 6/30/2006 I had a right bunionectomy and a heel spur removed April 21, 2006. I have done very well and I have had hardly any pain. I was allowed up 5-10 minutes an hour and wore a walking boot. The stitches came out 21 days post-op and the pin came out at 4 weeks (that one hurt). My big toe is still pretty swollen and numb at the nail, but I am in shoes and doing OK; back to work in a week. The very most important tip I can give is to listen to the doctor, use ice and elevate the foot the first 3 weeks.