Readers ask: How Long Will Pain Last After Foot Surgery?

How much pain is normal after foot surgery?

Six weeks after the operation, the majority of people felt no pain. The most severe pain was felt three days after the operation, and the least severe pain was felt six weeks after the operation.

How do I get my foot to stop hurting after surgery?

In addition to medication, a tried and true method in controlling pain following foot or ankle surgery is to apply rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). “Using the RICE method reduces swelling in the surgical area.

How long does it take for nerves to heal after foot surgery?

The results demonstrated that the recovery of sensory function in patients with various cutaneous nerve injuries after foot and ankle surgery required at least 6 months.

How long does it take to recover from foot surgery?

Midfoot surgical procedures can take 12 weeks, with full recovery requiring 5 to 6 months. Surgery to repair a bone fracture can take from several weeks to several months for recovery, depending on the nature and severity of the injury and the surgery that was performed.

What is the fastest way to recover from foot surgery?

Elevation is crucial to a fast recovery as it helps with pain and swelling. Elevate above the hip level. This is the most beneficial position as it helps bring blood away to reduce pressure and lessen pain. Also, use ice or ice packs soon after surgery by applying for 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off.

Can you sleep on your side after foot surgery?

It will also help you avoid crossing your legs during sleep. You can sleep comfortably and safety on your side, as long as a pillow or other support is between your knees. Other sleep positions are not recommended and are potentially dangerous because they can require you to twist your legs and cause dislocation.

Why does my foot throb after surgery?

Inflammation is a good thing, but the body tends to ‘overdo it’ during some injuries and during surgical recovery. The pain due to inflammation is more of a throbbing, heartbeat nature. It is worsened when the foot is dangling down, and better when the foot is elevated.

How long do you have to wear a boot after foot surgery?

Orthopedic boots protect broken bones and other injuries of the lower leg, ankle, or foot. They prevent more damage and help the area heal. Your doctor may have you use a boot for 1 to 6 weeks.

Does it hurt to walk after foot surgery?

Foot pain: You will have some pain after having surgery on your foot and/or ankle.

How long will nerve pain last after foot surgery?

Most patients experience a full recovery from numbness in a day or two following surgery. Nerve damage takes longer to resolve—six months to one year after surgery is typically when recovery is considered complete and nerve damage has improved as much as is expected.

Is pain a sign of nerve healing?

The pain is a sign of irritation of the nerve; tingling is a sign of regeneration; or more precisely, tingling indicates the presence of young axons, in the process of growing.

Can you speed up nerve damage recovery?

When a nerve is injured, it’s often hard to get it to regrow fast enough to restore function. But now researchers say they can speed up that process, so that damaged nerves can be healed in days instead of months — at least in rats.

How soon can I walk after foot surgery?

Depending on the procedure performed, I emphasize nonweightbearing for two weeks postoperatively until the incision has completely healed. I then allow partial weight bearing in a removable short leg boot if tolerated. Increases in weightbearing are progressed on a weekly basis and are guided by swelling and pain.

Why does foot surgery take so long to heal?

The foot is the first structure to hit the ground with weight-bearing. Because the foot has to disperse greater force than any other joint in the body, it takes a long time to be able to efficiently manage this after surgery.

How do you shower after foot surgery?

You can take a shower 3 days after your surgery. But you must cover your operated foot or dressing with a plastic waterproof cover or a plastic bag. Make sure you do NOT get your dressing wet. NO baths or swimming until your surgeon says it is safe to do so.