I was wondering if anyone knew how long it takes for the swelling to stop after surgery? I had surgery to repair a tear in my peroneal tendon (actually the doctor said it was so torn up, he removed one of the tendons altogether, and attached the loose ends to the the other one that wasn't damaged) last Wednesday, and went back yesterday to have the cast put on, and now my toes look like stuffed sausages if I put my foot down for more than a few seconds....

I've kept it elevated since the surgery (as well as having an ice bag behind my knee most of the day), and haven't had anything to complain about in terms of pain or swelling (the 8 inch incision that I saw for the first time yesterday is another story), but was wondering when I can expect this to no-longer be a problem so I can go back to work.... (I'm just out of school, and had been at my new job for two weeks before having to go out)

You might have *some* swelling for up to 6 months, but it won't be incapacitating. I think a week out is still pretty soon to go back to work. Everyone is different but I would say 2 weeks from the date of surgery is probably the shortest amount of time you'll be looking at. Just keep doing what you're doing and monitor your progress.

just keep doing what you are doing. swelling is different for everyone. the more ice the better. i think sometimers gentle massage can help too so it might take away some of the scar tissue.

Thanks, I wish I could massage it if it would keep the swelling down, but the doctor said this cast stays on for another two weeks, then it only comes off long enough for them to take the staples out, before they put another one on for a month.

I had a posterior tibial tendon repair along with an osteotomy almost 4 weeks ago and had a splint for 2 weeks, then moved into a cast after that. I have to wear the cast for another 2 weeks, then go to a walking boot for 6 more weeks.

Anyway, I've had sausage toes many times, along with them turning purplish and mottled looking. I've also had times where the foot is so swollen it feels like it will burst in the cast, as there's no room to expand! The only times the toes look/feel that way is when I've had my foot down for longer than a few minutes. I went back to work this past week after being off for 3 weeks and it was really hard. I swelled a lot and had more pain around the 2 incision sites. I found it felt MUCH better being elevated as much as possible and I try to put ice around the ankle area (some of the cold gets through the cast!) too.

Keeping the swelling down will help reduce the pain/discomfort and promote the healing, so from my experiences so far, I'd say do it as much as you can (I even drive with my foot up on the dash...it's my left and I have an automatic). Even if you can't elevate it above your heart, keeping it straight out on a chair or something is better than having it down (gravity).

Good luck with your recovery!