swelling after surgery

Ask a PT

156 Posts
 
Posted - 08/31/2006 :  15:30:55  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "I had a plate and six screws put in my ankle on April 2, 2006. My ankle is still pretty swollen and some days walking on it hurts. Will this be like that forever. Should I continue to walk on it when it hurts or am I doing damage. Also, I cannot afford a PT right now and I was wondering some exercises beside the alaphabet that will help me get my range of motion back. Will the pain ever get better? It even hurts when I wear regular shoes."

Ask a PT Response: "It is not uncommon to experience swelling (edema) and some pain after ankle surgery, especially 4 months out. In most cases the edema and pain does resolve. With any type of surgery a return to the status prior to your injury is not guaranteed. You may continue to experience some edema and some mild pain despite undergoing surgery. In some rare cases I have had patients who have continued to experience some pain and edema despite being a year out after surgery. To maximize your outcome I would recommend you continue to R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compress, elevate) to help control the edema in your ankle and foot at least 3 x’s each day. If you are experiencing pain I would recommend for you to discontinue what you are doing as this will most likely result in increase inflammation, edema and pain in your ankle/foot. Proper footwear is also essential to minimizing discomfort. A wider shoe or an ankle supported sandal may be a more comfortable option as well. As far as exercise, regaining your range of motion and strength in your ankle and foot is essential to walking normal again. Insufficient range of motion and strength can lead to not only problems at your ankle/foot but other parts of your body as well given the compensation that you may be performing. In addition to the ankle alphabet, other common exercises that are often prescribed after ankle surgery would be (see Exercise video list on CyberPT site: 1 & 2 (isometric & resisted ankle strengthening), 3a, b, c & d (ankle AROM), 4a, b, c, & d (ankle PROM) & 8 (gastroc calf stretch). These are just a few exercises that are commonly given by a physical therapist and without examining you and not knowing what was done exactly, I can’t determine if these are appropriate given your surgery and present status. I’d check with your surgeon first to see if these can be performed. Also proper gait (walking mechanics) are important as well. I posted something earlier in regards to this on the patient message board under the topic “broken fibula, cast removed today”. Good luck with your condition and thank you for using CyberPT."