What to Expect After Foot or Ankle Surgery

1. You will likely have some degree of pain

Pain and swelling is common after foot or ankle surgery, especially in the first few days.^2,4,6 Your medical team should provide you with plenty of solutions to help keep your pain under control, including medication, ice, elevation, and relaxation and breathing exercises.

While unpleasant, pain during the post-operative recovery period is expected. ^2,4,6 If your pain doesn't get better, is accompanied by other issues like fever, chills, or bleeding, or is too intense for you to move around safely, tell your doctor immediately.^2,4

3. You'll have follow-up visits

Follow-up visits with your surgeon are important because they help your doctor monitor your recovery and allow for any necessary changes to be made. For example, hammer toe surgery patients need to see their surgeon about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to have the pins removed.^1,2

Follow-up appointments also allow your surgeon to remove or change any casts, splints, bandages or stitches, and progress your weight-bearing status.^1,3,4,6 Be sure you have transportation to and from your follow-up visits and come with a list of questions and concerns.

4. You may have permanent adjustments to your footwear

When you're still in a cast or splint after your surgery, make sure your other foot is supported by a sturdy shoe, such as a sneaker.⁴ Keep in mind that even after you've fully recovered, your doctor may recommend some permanent changes to your shoe wardrobe.⁴

For example, people who have had bunion or hammer toe surgery may no longer be able to wear narrow pointed shoes, like high heels or dress shoes.⁴ Some people also feel more comfortable wearing a slightly larger shoe size to ensure their toes have plenty of room. Shoes such as flip-flops or ballet flats may also be inappropriate because they may not provide adequate support and may throw off ankle alignment, which could increase the risk of future foot and ankle problems.⁵

Of course, if you've had bunion or hammer toe surgery to improve the look and comfort of your feet, it's understandable to want to show them off a bit! So, talk to your doctor or a podiatrist about the best shoes to fit your needs, goals, and personal style.

5. Recovery may not be "quick"

Even though ankle replacement, bunion and hammer toe surgeries usually only take a few hours to complete, recovery from these surgeries can take several months.^1,2,6 You’ll want to follow your doctor's recommendations fully throughout the recovery process. You may be advised to work with a physical therapist, especially if you’ve had a total ankle replacement, to progress your range of motion, strength, and function.^2,4,6

No matter what your recovery journey is like, your medical team can be consulted every step of the way (no pun intended). Don’t hesitate to ask them your questions and concerns, and remember to be patient with yourself as you heal as well.

1. Hammertoes (n.d.). Kaiser Permanente. https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/care-near-you/northern-california/santarosa/departments/foot-ankle-surgery/foot-and-ankle-surgery/hammertoes/
2. Healthwise Staff (2019, Jun 26). Bunionectomy: What to Expect at Home – Your Recovery. MyHealth.Alberta.Ca. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=zu2044
3. Ankle Replacement Surgery (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ankle-replacement-surgery
4. Fischer, S. (2019, Feb). Bunion Surgery. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/bunion-surgery/
5. Carl, TJ and Barrett, SL (2008). Computerized analysis of plantar pressure variation in flip-flops, athletic shoes, and bare feet. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 98(5):374-378. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18820040/
6. Healthwise Staff (2019, Jun 26). Total Ankle Replacement: What to Expect at Home. MyHealth.Alberta.Ca. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=acd5782