Non-Weight Bearing Medical Conditions

Ankle Surgery Recovery

• Content Source: Sports Medicine New York Read full article here

• Accept that this is a Time to Heal

  The word Heal comes from the old English word haelan meaning 'to make whole and well'. Some common synonyms for heal are 'restore, repair, renew, revivify, regenerate, rejuvenate mend, pull through, improve or get better.' While these are all very obvious points, in glossing over them, we can easily overlook the inherent responsibility in the word heal which is actually a verb. Verbs imply 'action,' even if that action is 'passive.' We're not suggesting that you "DO" healing or "WORK" yourself into a 'healed' condition. We are however, recommending that you prepare your body and tend to it post operatively with proper rest nutrition and physical therapy. Eat well, rest well, drink plenty of water; avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes.

• What to Expect Afterward

  Your body's bone and tissue have been moved by the surgery procedure. At one end of the spectrum this in and of itself will produce atypical sensations and at the other end of the spectrum, there is post op pain. You will have pain medication to manage any initial discomfort.

• Pain Management

  The medication will take care of the pain and will most likely make you drowsy

• Rest

  Give yourself carte blanche permission to relax and abstain from the regular rhythms of your life - Rest. Sleep. As with "heal", Rest and Sleep are verbs and to engage with them effectively you need to participate. How? The medication should help. But if you find it difficult to rest, you can aid the process by simply giving yourself permission. For the days immediately following your surgery, let go of ANY AND ALL expectations to complete tasks or projects or work. Rest defined means - to gently abstain from stimulation, movement, activity, stress and worry. As you rest, the body can focus all of its innate intelligence and energy on the surgical site. While recovery may seem like a long time, when you realize the scope of what is being done and the opportunity our renewed ability offers us for optimal health and wellness, it is time well-spent.

• General aches and pains

  Some people experience a generalized soreness or aching muscles, which is often the consequence of being sedentary. On one hand, this demonstrates how movement and exercise support your body's basic needs for increased levels of oxygen. Stiffness or generalized muscle aches are the result of in-activity. You can assist your body by adopting a gentle routine of slow stretching and movement - to the NON-effected areas of the body. This will facilitate the body in releasing excess fluids as well as prompt the body to release any toxins normally released during exercise or movement.

• Start with some slow / gentle movements

  of the non effected parts of your body. Gently roll your head; move your shoulders, arms, and hands. Condition permitting, gently twist your torso just enough to loosen up the muscles of the abdominal cavity. Drink plenty of water; this will help your healing in many ways - from flushing the system to providing the metabolic support for joint lubrication. Eat oxygen rich foods - leafy greens, fruits, veggies.

• Utilize alternative healing modalities

  Simple logic - if YOU are not moving very much, employ a modality that assist your body in circulating its fluids and meeting its goals and needs for circulation. Blood is responsible for oxygenating you tissue. Normal activities of daily living - (walking, making the bed, ascending / descending the stairs), all these simple activities normally assist us in maintaining a good metabolic process. When you're not weight-baring and not moving as much, you'll expedite your recovery by taking the help of Healing disciplines that promote good circulation of your body's oxygenated blood for you. Massage of the back, neck, arms and torso is acceptable. Massage circulates the body's lymph drainage and helps the body to detoxify. Acupuncture opens up essential channels of energy that get blocked by any one of a number of things - trauma, inactivity, toxicity, and stress to name a few.
• DO NOT MASSAGE THE LEGS - If you opt to have massage, avoid massaging either or both legs until you have clearance from your doctor.

• Rehabilitation

  It is absolutely true that in nearly every case, a period of absolute rest and passivity is required, but that period is fairly short. Each patient is an individual with his and her own history and there are general trends in recovery that can be referenced as basic barometers.
• As we mentioned earlier your body has been sedentary - working at a slower metabolic pace. As you start to work with the physical therapist you may feel a bit weaker than prior to surgery. The Physical therapist is working from the doctor's prescription for your care, and should be able to gauge your ability to progress. Work steadily and pace yourself. True Healing occurs when periods of work and rest are proportionately balanced.
• Expect miracles but by all means work within what is reasonable for your age, weight, overall health and place in the timeline of your recovery. Do not OVER-DO anything. You are the only one who can assess your progress. Dialogue with the physical therapist.
• Come for your follow up visits. In this way Dr. Kennedy and his associates can assess your progress and recommend any adjustments you may need.

• Keep an eye on your attitude

  Pain is a barometer. It can indicate whether you're doing to much or to little. At best it tells you when you're doing 'too much too soon.' An athlete can tell you that he / she works consciously with pain; it informs their training. Too much would leave them fatigued. Too little and they'll never build the stamina needed to win.
• A good attitude will expedite your recovery. If you find you're un-able to maintain a positive state, seek the support you need from family, friends and if need be - by a professional. The body is inextricably connected to your emotional and mental states. If negative feelings go "un-checked" they can magnify the normal aches and pains that are typical in the recovery process. It is not a reflection on you if you feel frustrated. Most people experience varying degrees of frustration at some point in life. You simply need to counter the feeling with a positive action. Otherwise you may compromise the rate of your recovery.