Are you experiencing ankle pain? You might need ankle surgery. Visit Cherrywood Foot Care to have an experienced specialist examine the area and determine whether you need surgery. Cherrywood Foot Care provides an ankle surgeon in Bellmore NY. Ankle injuries are very common in athletes and surgery is sometimes the best treatment.
When Do I Need Ankle Surgery
Ankle surgery isn’t only used for injuries; it is sometimes used in some cases of arthritis. If you are experiencing ankle pain, you should visit the doctor to get it checked out by a medical professional. Some common conditions that may require ankle surgery include:
- Ankle arthritis
- Ankle deformity
- Ankle fracture or a broken ankle
- Ankle impingement
- Ankle tendonitis
- Osteophytes or bone spurs
- Ankle instability
- Peroneal tendon tear
- Achilles tendon tear
Sometimes surgery is unnecessary when dealing with certain ankle conditions. Some conditions can be treated in other nonsurgical ways. Your doctor will be able to tell you what treatment style is right for you.
Causes of Ankle Pain
There are many possible causes of ankle pain. Living a very active lifestyle could put a lot of pressure on your ankles and feet. Not wearing supportive shoes can also lead to ankle injuries. Rolling of the ankle is a big cause of ankle pain as well and can lead to inflammation. Many people suffer from ankle pain and there are various different causes.
Recovery Time After Ankle Surgery
Depending on the type of ankle surgery, the recovery time may differ. It is common after most surgeries to end up in a cast or medical boot from 2-6 weeks. The time it may take to return to normal activities could take anywhere from 8-12 weeks or 6 months to a year depending on the surgery and how the ankle is healing. Recovery time isn’t the same for everyone, it depends on your body and how quick it can heal.
Recovery Treatments Post Ankle Surgery
There are different treatment methods to aid the recovery process after ankle surgery. The RICE method is recommended. The RICE method stands for:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
After ankle surgery you will be on crutches until your doctor advises you otherwise. Cherrywood Foot Care, our ankle surgeon in Bellmore NY, will pay close attention to how your ankle is healing and provide you with instructions throughout the recovery. Most times it is recommended for the patient to go to physical therapy when their ankle is healed enough to start participating in light movements.
Physical Therapy For Ankle Recovery
Physical therapy is a great treatment method for ankle injuries and for gaining strength and mobility back post-surgery. Physical therapists will provide you with instruction and support on how to walk and put weight back onto the ankle. Physical therapists will also put you through gait training. They will also help try and reduce swelling and lessen any pain occurring. You will be run through exercises that will help strengthen your ankle back up. Physical therapists may also move your ankle around themselves to improve mobility and decrease stiffness.
At-Home Ankle Recovery Exercises
It is important to continue recovery at home and not just at medical specialists’ offices. There are many different at-home recovery exercises to do that will help during the recovery process. A lot of these exercises are so easy to do and require very little energy or equipment. Some exercises include:
- Non-weight bearing dorsiflexion
- Non-weight bearing plantar flexion
- Non-weight bearing inversion
- Non-weight bearing eversion
These exercises are easy to do and will help gain mobility back into the ankle.
Contact Cherrywood Foot Care – ankle surgeon in Bellmore NY
Cherrywood Foot Care has amazing services if you are struggling with ankle pain. If you are going through ankle surgery, stay in touch with your doctor through the recovery process to make sure your healing is correct. If you are interested in visiting Cherrywood Foot Care, book an appointment through our website.
