Im 4 weeks post op from a subtalar fusion.

Foot care
1

At 4 weeks post op what should my movement be like in my ankle? I go back to my surgeon in 2 weeks and I want to show him I'm where i should be with healing and movement. I haven't had swelling at all but I'm thinking once I start weight bearing the swelling will begin. Any advice? Should I be doing more ankle exercises? Pain is also limited.

2

Hi Tasha, I also had a subtalar Fusion & all I was doing at four weeks was wiggling my toes. I went in an airboot at four weeks but mainly icing & elevation. Sounds like you’re doing great. I’m at six months & still not able to walk but I have a lot more going on in my foot than just needing a fusion. I don’t think my ankle was properly aligned so I’m having lots of pain & discomfort which is affecting the rest of my foot & ankle. Not fun. I was told a subtalar Fusion is one of the hardest surgeries to heal from. Any fusion for that matter. Just don’t rush anything & follow the surgeons instructions to the letter. Good luck in your healing journey. 

3

Dear Tasha

Recovery is a tough process and at four weeks I think I was able to wiggle my ankle quite well when out of the cast. At twenty weeks I was well advanced with my recovery. There is a utube video of me doing stuff.

Don't be tempted to push too hard, pass yourself but keep moving forward

Good luck, Richard

4

Dear Tasha

Recovery is a tough process and at four weeks I think I was able to wiggle my ankle quite well when out of the cast. At twenty weeks I was well advanced with my recovery. There is a utube video of me doing stuff.

Don't be tempted to push too hard, pass yourself but keep moving forward

Good luck, Richard

5

Sorry about the double posting! My comments are for a TAR not a fusion.

Cheers, Richard

6

Thanks Barb, I've been following the doctors orders and I'm anxious to start weight bearing in 4 or so weeks. Healing is steady and I'm not over doing it so it should be a good recovery.

7

Thank you, I have very little ankle movement but it feels stiff so I think if I just keep working it I will be good to go within the 16-20 weeks I was quoted by my orthopedic surgeon. I will be able to go back to my seasonal job in may. I have a desk job so even if I need to keep my foot up I can lol happy to hear your healing good.

8

Dear Tasha

Thanks. Ankle has to be revised by a more experienced surgeon due to osteolysis caused it is thought by a badly fitted ankle prosthesis!

Hope all goes well for you.

Cheers, Richard