Normal for ankle to swell after foot surgery? - Foot Problems Message Board

VeggieQueen58 · 09-29-2004, 08:02 AM

I am 8 weeks out of having forefoot surgery (2 middle toes realigned and straightened and rheumatoid nodules removed). It's going well but I'm surprised that my ankle keeps swelling when all the work was done in the forefoot/metatarsal areas. It's not bad in the morning, but now that I'm back at work and can't elevate the foot much during the day, I get a big swollen ankle on each side and around the back.

Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks for any replies.

VeggieQueen58 · 09-30-2004, 11:30 AM

Anyone? I searched and googled and can't find anything about this. This morning, again I woke up and my foot is healing beautifully and everything looked normal. Now I'm at work and the ankle joint is all swelled up.

Can anyone tell me what their post-surgical experiences were like?

eko · 09-30-2004, 01:24 PM

Yes, you can experience lingering swelling that effects your ankle. If you are wearing shoes, it has to go somewhere. My suggestion is either talk to your doctor about it, he/she may have some suggestions or wear a knee high support stocking that will force the swelling up. With my surgeries, there was so much trama to ankle and foot, my ankle and entire calf would swell during the day. My Dr. told me to wear a support stocking for three months and then see how it is. Good luck.

p.s. If you decide to do the support stocking, measure around you ankle and calf first thing in the morning to get the proper size. Also you'd want a weight of about 30 to 40.

atsim · 09-30-2004, 05:40 PM

Hi there,
I'm 7 1/2 weeks post surgery on my first metatarsal and I also have a swollen ankle. I asked the PT tonight and he said that it is because of the stress of bearing weight and the loss of range of motion from being in a cast. He gave me exercises to do and told me to elevate as much as possible. Use ice if necessary.

Have you had PT? Are you doing any exercises? I agree with eko...talk to your doc. This foot surgery and recuperation is a long journey...good luck and let us know how you do...
Tina

VeggieQueen58 · 10-01-2004, 06:29 AM

Eko and Tina - thank you for responding. I will give his secretary a call. He did a good job but I wish he'd given me at least a sheet of paper with a list of things to expect. When he took the pins out, all he said was, "I want you walking on it every day now."

I am finding it to be very true that foot surgery is a long recuperation. I really had no idea just how involved and debilitating it is. However, it's good to look down and see a "normal" foot now! In spite of the swelling. I will take both of your advice to heart and I am grateful for it.