Going In For Ankle Surgery? 3 Tips To Help You Avoid Complications During Recovery

If you're going to have ankle surgery, it's a good idea to prepare in advance. You're not going to be moving around too well for the first few days – or weeks – after general surgery. The rest of your body may feel up to the task, but your ankle isn't going to be so willing to move the way you want it to. As a result, you could end up with some painful experiences if you're prepared for the recovery period. Here are three steps you should take to improve your recovery period:

Plan Your Living Space

Before you have your surgery, you'll need to plan your living space. This is particularly important if you live in a two-story home. You're not going to be able to navigate the stairs for quite a while, which could pose a problem if you're not prepared. To make sure that everything you need is accessible after your surgery, be sure to move the things you'll need down to the first floor of your home. This should include the clothing and personal hygiene items you'll need, as well as the items you'll need for sleeping. If you have a guest bedroom on the first floor, you should set that up as your bedroom until you're given the go-ahead to start using the stairs again.

Clear the Floor

You might not realize it, but there are a lot of things on the floor that can pose a problem for you after ankle surgery. To make sure your floor isn't a danger zone for you, be sure to clear the area before your surgery. If you have throw rugs on the floor, remove them, or secure them to the floor. If there are areas of your carpeting that pose a trip and fall hazard, have them repaired before surgery. That way, you don't trip on them while you're regaining your balance after surgery. It's also important that you remove any extension cords that may be on the floor in an area that could pose a trip and fall risk to you. If you're going to be using a wheelchair, or walker after surgery, be sure you've created a path through the house that will be accessible for your new mobility equipment.

Arrange for Help

Once you get home from the hospital, you're going to need help with your basic needs, especially with things like the cooking and cleaning. To avoid the temptation to take on too many tasks around the house, be sure to arrange for help before you go in for surgery.

If you're going in for ankle surgery, don't take chances with your recovery. Putting too much pressure on your ankle immediately after surgery can lead to complications such as delayed healing and additional injuries. Use the tips provided here to protect your ankle while you're healing.