Recovering from foot and ankle surgery: what to expect - Online interview

[@m.taylor]

I wish I had watched this earlier when I was in a cast because my ortho doc did not give any info. I had to figure out so much on my own and through youtube.

[@sarahparry2830]

That was great thank you. I’m almost 8 weeks post ORIF and I have been given next to no advice. Thank goodness for KZbin, Google and a healthy dose of common sense

[@sarahparry2830]

@@peterh6281 Advice seems to be different for everyone depending on what country they’re in and on their doctor. I had a cast and no weight bearing for 2 weeks so used a frame to hop to the sofa or the bathroom. Then I had a boot for 4 weeks and was allowed to put some weight on it with crutches which was so much better. It is tough, I hope you have support at home, have you had a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist visit you at home? Good luck

[@peterh6281]

UPDATE - now 7 weeks post orif and have been given a boot. Told to wear it and weight bear within pain limits for next 4 weeks. Consultant shook my hand and basically to me to get on with it. Had to buy an Evenup device for other shoe because it twisted my hip and back so bad. This injury can have a devastating effect on your mental health. Stay strong, there is light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to take it in stages. I wish you all the best and quickest recovery.

[@sarahparry2830]

@@peterh6281 Hi Peter, I’m so sorry I missed your first message. I hope you’re ok. I’m now 14 weeks post operation and things are progressing nicely. Sometimes it’s hard to see the progress unless you look back. It’s been the toughest physical journey I’ve ever been on. You will find things start moving a lot quicker now that you can weight bear. I only did the weight bearing in a boot for a week. I got an even up device but it was still really uncomfortable. My cousin who’s a senior physio told me that they like people out of the boot as soon as possible so I badgered my consultant until I got permission. I walked around the house in trainers with crutches initially and gradually weaned myself off them. I can drive short distances now and walk for about 10 minutes outdoors. I still have tightness around the ankle but that’s diminishing. I also still have pain and get tired really quickly. Everyone says physio is the answer but I struggle with some of it giving me increased pain afterwards. You’re right, it’s about taking things in stages and celebrating the small achievements- the first bath, carrying your own cup of tea, first shopping trip. One day we’ll be back to normal. Best wishes, Sarah

[@sarahparry2830]

@@peterh6281 and you - I hope you’re on the mend and free of your boot before too long. I’m almost there now, just have a bit of pain, stiffness and a limp. It’s taken 5 months to get this far.

[@stardresser1]

This is SUPER HELPFUL, THANK YOU! I am facing an an ankle operation with 2 different corrections on one procedure...its been hurting me for YEARS. This video not only gives me the courage, preparation and knowledge, but also faith that can get through it all. I am 60, and still have a 9 yr old to raise. The juice is worth the squeeze, and this will go a LONG WAY in helping me to get ready. I really really appreciate it, so much. Thank you!

[@vikithomasson7772]

Your presentation was absolutely awesome! I’ve been trying to find useful information for HOURS on the internet until I found u! I think u actually answered questions I didn’t even know I had!! Thank you!!

[@212helpdesk]

WOW, thank you soo much. I asked my hospital for something like this but (almost) nothing. I'm saving this info. I just want an idea of what I am in for during this process. My doctor is like a factory of mass production so they are very busy doing the work which is great, it means they have a lot of practice doing these procedures, but now a days customer service has turned into self help or self serve. I am starting my 4th week post of, heel surgery after a wc accident. I'm told my injury is one of the worst that can happen to somebody's foot. Thanks again. I will continue doing my research while listening to the words of my actual surgeon.

[@levon-atkinson]

This Dr. knows what he's talking about. Good advice worth listening to.

[@traceyconner6095]

Thank you for this. Much more info than I received from my Doctor.

[@denscott14217]

I really wanted to say thank you for this, Just has surgery on Talus and Fabia and Ortho Doc was no communicative , no instructions onther than say "No Movement" when cast was removed similar so wanted to understand process and what to look for and how to work towards healing and getting back to normal. This was really good information .

[@MsGnor]

Thank you Sir! Just had emergency surgery on double break & dislocation of my ankle (no health insurance). Very relieved to find your video guide, thanks very much! Good recovery to everyone else 😍

[@wendydewitt9254]

Having fusion surgery for Lisfranc injury to 4 toes. Having grafts taken from my heel to stabilize my big toe. 3 days until surgery. I don't have the proper name for the procedure with me. I appreciate all of your good advice.

[@meredithmermaid1026]

Great information for those of us going through foot/ankle surgeries. I'm four months out from having a posterior tibialis tendon tear in my left foot {flat foot}which needed extensive surgery, grafting, and hardware. Also had bunionectomy. I had an Orthopaedic Podiatrist surgeon perform the surgery in mid September. Everything Dr. Koc states is basically what my Dr told me before, during and after surgery for my situation plus more. I'd say the worst thing I hated was sleeping with the cam boot for 5-6 weeks! It helped wearing a pillow case over it and securing it, which helped from getting snagged on the sheets and blanket but it was so freeing once I was able to take the boot off at night to sleep! One thing I didn't think to do for swelling of my foot which I just read on another thread is a foot bath with epson salt as I'm a few weeks out walking an hour a day without the cam boot, in a sneaker, dealing with the swelling at night. Duh! I just ordered a foot spa from Amazon and getting it tomorrow and can't wait to soak my foot/feet! I've also been doing dry brushing which helps stimulate the lymphatic system. If you're not familiar with it, read up on it. Wishing all the best to those going through the surgery. Patience is golden although not easy going through the recovery process. Fortunately, I'm retired and my husband was/is there every step of the way dealing with my frustrations. I still have months to go as it can take a good 6 months to a year for me to get back to normal, whatever that may be but seeing improvement more and more every day, week. My only fear now is that my right foot tendon doesn't tear and having to go through this again. I've been wearing foot wear and orthotics from Orthofoot which helps with the over pronation on that foot hoping it will help from tearing. Best of luck to all of you.

[@daynacase8528]

Where do you do the lymphatic “brushing” in what areas of the body? I’m getting ready to repair broken bones in my ankle, surgery today.

[@juliaparker5253]

This is super helpful, I had open reduction and fixation surgery of ankle 5 days ago and its good to get a timeline on when I will be mobile again…looks like late summer. The first 4 days after surgery were so very painful but its much less now.

[@westfield90]

How are you doing now 3 months removed?

[@tootsla1252]

I’m facing an elective but necessary ankle op to correct an old ankle sprain that has become problematic. I’ve put it off way too long, because of the long healing process and dread of losing my hard fought for physical fitness. This information was very comforting. I can do this. I’ve rehabbed TKR and hip replacement surgery and did great, so I’m confident I can do this. I’m a lifetime non-smoker, non-drinker, in very good physical shape, and good upper body strength. Thanks very much for your excellent presentation.

[@richvail7551]

Thank you for this information. I’m on day 2 and was concerned about my recovery but I know now that my experience is in line with proper recovery. That alone is a great thing to have for recovering at the right pace.

[@zoraidaolmo6194]

Thank you so much for this information. Just had left bunion surgery today and will use your recommendations which were not listed in my hospital discharge papers. I will also share with my doc.

[@Rastelle7]

This is very informative and very factual according to my experience! I am still recovering. Merci beaucoup!

[@cr3237]

I'm about to have surgery on my ankle in 48hrs and this was helpful.

[@DavidsOutdoors]

I had two ankle arthroscopic surgeries (the first one failed). I can walk but I can not run, ride bikes, scuba dive or lift weights. I got injured when I was 26 and I'm 34 now. 😔

[@irmadouglas4914]

Why can’t you run? I can’t either 7 months later. But after 8 years? [e-mail]. Thanks for your explanation

[@xxk3rd196]

This was MAGNIFICENT. Thank you Doctor. Allah bless you InshaAllah for goodness for you and family.

[@heather54101]

Thank you so much for your video-- trimalleolar fracture with ORIF surgery. 2 plates, 10 screws. It's hard to get detailed, quality information on the healing process. Great tips.

[@yvettemundo6283]

Thank you for this information ❤

[@gracie_c]

Thank you for the very detailed sharing. It really helps me to understand alot!

[@JanetHartwell]

This has been so helpful. Thank you.

[@paulkoss6401]

This is SUPER HELPFUL, Thank you!

[@b.bgs2036]

This is a great presentation. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@Saffy1999]

I am really impressed that you mentioned Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome. I suffer from this … my main and most mainput site is in my right hand. This was caused by a crush injury in October 2018 after my mobility scooter tipped off of the pavement onto the a busy main road, right in front of a car. I spent nearly 3 weeks in Hospital and after MRI/CT scan, Nerve Conduction Studies, X rays, anti Biotics (as my arm had swollen doubt its; size by the following morning) and physio, my COnsultant, having ruled everything out and examining me announced I had CRPS. Sadly this has spread to my bladder, and I an under investigation as to see what is causing ongoing pain from a collarbone break and subsequent operation to be fitted with screws and plates which happened in 2016. I also have this moderately, in my right foot. I broke this foot in four places in in 2020 and have had nothing but trouble. My Surgeon refused to operate privately saying we would get a better outcome working together with my Pain Team at the hospital he is operating at and is going to keep me in hospital longer and keep my foot in a radial block longer than normal in the hope that when he eventually starts to let it ease off it will lessen the chance of the CRPS spreading. I have been warned though … of the risk … that it could make my CRPS a lot worse, or that it could make it so bad I would be desperate for amputation, but he doesn not believe in that in CRPS as the pain is still there and I quite understand this,. Wish me luck. Operation is booked 22nd September 2022

[@puquilinares]

¡ Muchas gracias! Greetings from Argentina.

[@RP-co7rc]

Excellent explanation

[@joyceprendergast9270]

Thank you so much for the tips. Having hallux rigid us surgery Friday morning.. 🙏😉

[@stillsake]

I had surgery for one screw to be placed in my leg but idk know how long it’ll take to heal

[@alejandrasoccer1]

Thank you so much, this video was so helpful!

[@westfield90]

Six weeks after surgery for a distal tibia and fibula spiral break right above the ankle. With rod in the tibia from the knee and plates and screws on the distal end. However except for the toes, the foot and ankle is still massively swollen and looks like a club foot.. Is that normal. The stitches have been removed and no dressing or cast. How long before the swelling goes away? Always had the foot elevated

[@carolineconway9151]

Tri--Malleolar ORIF here, not quite 5 weeks ago. 100% weight bearing, back to work (I'm a teacher), take my boot off to drive (right leg). My knee hurts more than the ankle right now., I just don't have the time nor the ability to sit on my backside and wait this out.

[@bilhudaningpenggalih319]

Omg, i had the same surgery 9 weeks ago, and still non weight bearing, I have to wait another 3 weeks, and i am so worried that i won't be able to walk normally after that. May i aks how is your healing going now? And can you walk without any assistance?

[@katzche]

@@bilhudaningpenggalih319 I am walking after 4 weeks. I live alone and in the country so I'm not afraid of other people knocking into me. I listened to what my body told me I could do and did everything very slowly and carefully, still do. Seeing MD in a week. No assistance. You will be fine.

[@bilhudaningpenggalih319]

@@katzche thankyou so much, that's very reassuring :)

[@katzche]

@@bilhudaningpenggalih319 Hi How are you doing? Better I hope.

[@aparnamukerji1485]

This is so wonderful to hear. I am sick worried I have bimalleolar ankle fracture

[@tingzeng6870]

Very helpful! Thank you for making the video!

[@LynetteNelson399]

This is such a fantastic video thank you!

[@WalHayes]

Well presented and very informative.

[@robs1714]

5 mo. Anniversary from my trimal surgery today, on a cane now and doing some modified air squats but still this crazy bad impingement on my dorsiflexion if I go to far … all I want to do is barbell squats ☹️ … my entire leg weakened ALOT to the point of which my knee joint got loose (12 weeks no weight bearing)

[@nanomeow]

Did this impingement resolve yet?

[@robs1714]

@@nanomeow it’s a lot better than it was but I doubt I’ll get back to 100% and I do have arthritis showing on X-rays now BUT it’s good enough that I can workout with modifications

[@Swing161]

Thank you for your information

[@jeanlee28]

Hello, doctor! Thanks a lot for all this information to stay healthy and safe during the period of recovery. I am on my 7th week after my fifth metatarsal fracture repair surgery. I am a runner, so I feel so frustrated staying cooped up inside for all these weeks. My podiatrist told me to graduate from using crutches and knee scooter as of the 5th week, so now I am able to slowly walk around the house and do some chores wth no swelling but a little bit of achiness in my operative foot. What I really wanna know is when it will be safe for me to resume running? Would I be able to ease into running by the end of December (which is more than 8th week point after surgery)?

[@peterh6281]

6 days post ORIF surgery for Webber type C fracture. Told by doctor that it would be 10 weeks non weight baring. Gutted. Only just finished working my way back to fitness from a debilitating back injury. Then this happens. So very low right now - frightened that my back is going to to fail all over again. Not much information from doctor - just stay off your feet and keep it elevated for 10 weeks. Got another appointment in ten days.

[@peterh6281]

UPDATE - now 7 weeks post orif and have been given a boot. Told to wear it and weight bear within pain limits for next 4 weeks. Consultant shook my hand and basically to me to get on with it. Had to buy an Evenup device for other shoe because it twisted my hip and back so bad. This injury can have a devastating effect on your mental health. Stay strong, there is light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to take it in stages. I wish you all the best and quickest recovery.

[@geselagrendel630]

Nice doctor thanks for the information 😊

[@cynthialowery5705]

Great video, thanks!

[@radiohostladymonroe6784]

My foot is so stiff. I just started Physical Therapy. They have never seen someone with the amount of surgeries I had, and they don't even know how long it will take for my ankles to gain mobility back to get my foot to a neutral position.

[@Yangchenvlogs-d9j]

Wat surgery u did

[@HarikrishnandIceman]

Thank you

[@amarsalam7350]

Excellent advice thank you very much

[@annafekete9313]

It takes forever to heal. Iam 4 months after surgery and finally walking but still not limping.I still go to physical therapy.

[@comodice905]

When should I stop using ace wrap

[@agnieszkapyzowskalisek6189]

I have fractured my ancle on the 17 of February. I had surgery the next day, l had plaster for six weeks. Now l am out of plaster and l started rehabilitation since three weeks. I have question how long it will take me to walk normally?

[@shortchick7715]

Yeah after my splint came off and i had the foot down too long that bad boy would be purple! Scared me the first few times it happened. Man the non weight bearing makes those muscles disappear!! It takes soooo long to build everything back up!!!

[@peterh6281]

Yes, the swelling and purple colour can be scary. I had hypa-sensitivity in the skin as well for a couple of days. Couldn’t bear to touch the area. I now have to weight bear slowly for the next 4 weeks then take the boot off and walk normally.

[@Aylaire]

Thank you very much!!!

[@tota8064]

Is it ok for the calcaneus fracture to take more than 6 months to fully heal? It was treated conservatively, so without a surgery.

[@lizhecht9965]

Great information, thank you very much. My juice was squeezed on 7 Oct so good timing to see this, especially elevation level and icing. I wasn’t given specific advice about elevating and given none about icing, though it had crossed my mind as the foot has been quite swollen since the op. Now have ticks in both boxes. Should my dressing be plastic, which it is, or just covered?

[@Michelle-cn9zp]

Is a wheelchair necessary after foot surgery?

[@divalarue]

Where did the patient get her pillow that is elevating her ankle?

[@margaretstechly7144]

Amazon has great ones

[@fortheloveofbrum3106]

Thank you Mr Koç. Super helpful. Packed with information and tips I can use and really well delivered. Love the question at the end ……. Is the juice worth the squeeze ? 🤔 also love “Tea, Toast and Toilet”😂

[@gary65234]

I am on my 13th week after surgery i fractured tibier and fibula had plate and screws inserted still weak on leg but getting pains in top of foot when coughing or taking deep breaths any one with any information on this or have had similar thing please 🙏 12:11

[@michelledrinning2493]

Is it ok 2 do house work when U recover from a left ankle Arthroscopy

[@daynacase8528]

Dietary question; Does bone broth aid in bone recovery?

[@tommyewhitworth4531]

HELP ME after 3 years i live in pain 24 7 its made my hips and back hurt so bad WHY

[@renzofficial2435]

Doc good evening me ask my ankle malleolar February 13 surgery

[@KATANGASTALLON]

Can I sleep while putting on my moon boot? I have a foot fracture!!

[@peterh6281]

You should be able to remove your boot for sleeping. It very much depends on your stage of recovery. Sometimes you are in plaster cast for the first 6 weeks, followed by at least 4 weeks in a boot and weight bearing as tolerated. Hope this helps - best of luck with your recovery journey.

[@scarroll625]

I’d love to listen to this guys recommendations, but I had to get back to work after 4 days. Stitches aren’t even out yet and I’m back to work. This is what happens when you own your own business

[@kingsyph3102]

Hi.. i am from Nigeria. Thank you for the video.. am super glad to see this video hoping it will be helpful to me in time to come.. please i had an ankle injury on my right leg one month ago and the big bone (Tibia) came out of my flesh causing a big wound, while the small bone (fibula) got broken. But after the surgery the (fibula) have been fixed with some irons to keep it strong while it heals which was stitched with no visible wound but the (Tibia) was fixed back to it usual position and was stitched a little which closed only 10 percent of the wound leaving 90 percent of it opened. Because the doctor said is not good to stitch it all closed because the flesh that the bone popped out from was already dead before the surgery so he cut them off meaning i have to wait for the flesh to grow again.. please my QUESTION IS: can i do these exercise while the wound is still open and not yet totally healed or should i wait till the flesh wound is totally healed before i start this exercise? Please a Quick reply will be so HELPFUL 🙏. i am in need of the help. Thank you.

[@stillsake]

thank u

[@GSPDUKE]

Make sure your ankle surgery is appropriate for the injury. Some MDS go rouge with this injury. I had closed fractures in ankle and it was never told to me that my Fibula was going to be cut. These doctors can be so patronizing and make sure the guy you hire is going to perform your surgery. I don't give a damn about training a resident. These guys can ruin your life, so be forwarned with your ankle injury and second opinions are suggested..

[@toolegittoquit_001]

‘Stepwise’. 😎

[@stephanies3246]

11:42 Gradual weight bearing instructions.

[@patricianichols5809]

I have hardware in my ankle i want get removed. Please contact me i have question

[@chefbob09]

meh, trimalleolar break, surgery, never stopped smoking, full weight bearing after three weeks.

[@bbqsauce2865]

Fractured my fibula two weeks ago and getting surgery this week

[@ColleenBlackArt]

I had surgery, and was out for 6 MONTHS. My question what is the difference with just getting a cast. It seems like the medical field is going BACKWARDS. I wish I would have NOT listened to a doctor and just healed on my own. I have nerve damage from surgery, I can't move like I used to and the healing is MUCH longer. My feeling is that this is a medical scam.

[@michelleboicey8702]

I wish I had found this b4 surgery. But even post opt, is super helpful(esp. in regards to reintroducing weight bearing & vitamin info!! I’m gonna get on D& C game asap! Thank you. ❤️‍🩹

[@MINIANDSODA]

I had a screw put in the bone of my ankle

[@fikaduwebshet7061]

Dr please can you help me i have serger in my right ankle but it's not helpful still know it's very bad pain.Dr how can i get you do you have a Gmail address