It is important that you keep your leg elevated after surgery.  This is to help both with the swelling and  for comfort. Any prolonged swelling may cause wound problems and be troublesome. 

We advise you try to keep your foot on a level with your heart or at least your hip for about 55 minutes out of every hour for the first three days at least.  This can easily be achieved by lying on a sofa or a bed.

Your surgeon will advise you before surgery on how you will be getting around after the operation. The team will call this mobilisation and your mobilisation instructions will be confirmed after the operation.  You will see the ward physiotherapist, who will ensure that you understand how to mobilise, as well as checking  that you are safe and confident to do so. They can  assess whether you need any extra help.

Your bespoke instructions will be tailored to you and your specific operation. Broadly speaking the majority of patients having surgery on their foot will be allowed to walk with a special shoe.  You will be given crutches for help with balance and advised on how long you need to use them for.  Most patients after a major operation to the ankle will be placed in a cast or walker boot after surgery. At least for the first few weeks, you probably will not be allowed to walk on the leg.

For patients having to spend a long time not putting the foot down, there are devices available to rent to make your life easier.  Many patients find they regain more independence, using a device such as the “i-Walk” or “Stride-On”. Your physiotherapist will advise you on if they are appropriate and likely to suit you.

It is critical that you try to keep your dressings or plaster clean and dry after surgery.  The dressing put on in theatre is the cleanest. This is usually changed around two weeks after the operation.

Many patients find a cover such as a “Limbo”  makes bathing and showering possible.  

If your dressings do accidentally become wet or dirty, please contact the out patient department where one of our nurses will be able to help you.

If you are unsure about the post-operative plan, please contact the Nuffield Nurses with any clinical question, or for clarification of follow appointments call our Personal Assistant at the Cotswold Foot & Ankle Clinic.

If you need any advice or help at any time after your operation, please call the Nuffield hospital, Cheltenham (01242 246500) or Oxford (01865 307777). You will be put through to a nurse on the ward or in outpatients.  If they are unable to help they will speak to your surgeon.