How long should I bed rest after ankle surgery?

For the first two weeks following ankle surgery, it's generally recommended to focus on significant rest and elevation of your limb to facilitate initial healing and reduce swelling. This crucial period sets the foundation for your overall recovery.

Immediate Post-Surgery Rest Period

The initial phase after ankle surgery is primarily dedicated to rest and protecting the surgical site. This means doing nothing more than resting and keeping your limb elevated.

The First Two Weeks: What to Expect

During the first two weeks, your primary focus should be on minimizing activity and maximizing rest. This involves:

• Resting: Limiting movement and activity to allow your body to heal.
• Elevation: Keeping your operated ankle elevated above the level of your heart as much as possible, especially during the first few days, to reduce swelling and pain. You can achieve this by propping your leg on pillows while lying down.

Your cast or bandage should remain dry and should not be changed unless specifically instructed by your surgical team. It is typically during this timeframe that your first post-operative appointment is scheduled to check the incision and potentially change dressings or casts.

Key Actions During Initial Recovery

• Medication: Resume your normal medications unless your surgeon has given you specific instructions to stop or alter them. Pain medication prescribed after surgery should be taken as directed to manage discomfort.
• Wound Care: It's vital to keep your cast or bandage clean and dry. Avoid getting it wet, as this can lead to skin irritation or infection. Showering typically requires protective waterproof covers for your limb.
• Monitoring: Be aware of any unusual symptoms, such as excessive swelling, severe pain not relieved by medication, fever, chills, or foul odor from the cast/bandage.

Why Rest and Elevation are Crucial

• Reduces Swelling: Elevating your leg helps gravity drain fluid away from the surgical site, significantly reducing post-operative swelling, which can otherwise cause pain and delay healing.
• Manages Pain: Less swelling often translates to less pain, making the recovery process more comfortable.
• Promotes Healing: Rest provides your body with the necessary conditions to repair tissues without added stress or strain on the surgical site.
• Prevents Complications: Limiting activity and protecting the surgical area reduces the risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, or disruption of the healing tissues.

Essential Tips for Your Recovery

• Prepare Your Home: Before surgery, set up your living space to make it easy to rest and elevate your leg. Consider having a comfortable chair or couch with pillows to prop your leg up.
• Nutrition and Hydration: Maintain a healthy diet and stay well-hydrated to support your body's healing process.
• Don't Rush It: Adhering to the initial rest period, even if you start feeling better, is essential for long-term success. Pushing too hard, too soon, can lead to setbacks.

Beyond the Initial Phase

After the initial two weeks, your surgeon will provide a personalized recovery plan. This often involves:

• Follow-up Appointments: To assess healing, remove sutures, and potentially change your cast or provide a walking boot.
• Gradual Mobilization: Your surgeon will guide you on when it's safe to bear weight and how to gradually increase your activity level.
• Physical Therapy: Many ankle surgeries require a structured physical therapy program to restore strength, flexibility, balance, and range of motion.

Remember, every individual's recovery journey is unique, and it's essential to follow your surgeon's specific instructions. For more general information on recovering from orthopaedic surgery, you can consult reliable resources like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Quick Reference: First Two Weeks After Ankle Surgery