Foot and Ankle
What to Expect
Post-Surgery

Your Foot or Ankle Surgery:
What to Expect

You can find more information about your procedure and how to prepare for it on the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation website. They have a useful guide that outlines what you can expect during your recovery. Click this link to access it (click ‘Download Pre-Surgery Booklet’).

Below we have listed the estimated recovery guidelines of what to anticipate after your foot or ankle surgery. In order to proceed to surgery you must be prepared and ready for what is outlined below. Please read the section specific to you.

edmonton-bone-and-joint-foot-injury

Bunion and Toe surgeries

Cast Shoe6 weeks
WorkDesk Job: Off 2 – 6 weeks
Standing/Walking Job: Off 3 – 5 months
SportsOff 3 – 6 months (depending on the sport)
SwellingCan last for 6 – 9 months

Ankle Ligament Repairs

Cast3 months, first 2 weeks NON-weight-bearing
Brace for 6 further weeks
WorkDesk Job: Off 2 – 6 weeks
Standing/Walking Job: Off 3 – 4 months
Physio starts at 3 months
SportsOff 5 – 6 months
SwellingLasts 6 – 9 months

Fusion (fusing of the foot or ankle bones)- midfoot/hindfoot/ankle

Cast3 months, first 6 weeks NON-weight-bearing (crutches)
WorkDesk Job: Off 6 weeks
Standing/Walking Job: Off 4 – 6 months
SportsMid-foot fusion: Off 4 – 6 months
Hind-foot fusion: Off 4 – 6 months (may not be able to return to running sports)
Ankle fusion: Off 6 – 9 months (will not be able to return to running sports)
SwellingMid-foot and Hind-foot fusion: can last for 6 – 9 months
Ankle fusion: lasts for 9 – 12 months

Ankle Scope (osteochondral defect lesion (OCD), non ligament)

Cast NON-weight-bearing depending on the size of lesion for 6 – 12 weeks
WorkDesk Job: Off 2 weeks
Standing/Walking Job: Off 3 – 6 months
SportsOff 6 – 12 weeks
SwellingLasts 4 – 6 months