If you’re undergoing surgery for a condition that’s causing you pain, then you would probably assume that the pain would immediately stop afterward. But the truth is that recovery and rehabilitation from surgery aren’t always a painless process, especially when it comes to the joint that bears your entire body weight when you stand and walk.
Ankle pain is a common problem around the world. In fact, ankle pain affects up to 15% of the general population. Sometimes the ankle pain isn’t effectively responding to noninvasive treatment options, and surgery is the best course of action. But why are you feeling pain after ankle surgery? That’s what we’re here to answer.
Read on to learn about possible causes of ankle pain that would require surgery, the rehab process and why you may experience pain after ankle surgery. You’ll also learn how physical therapy can help.
Potential causes of ankle pain that require surgery
While many causes of ankle pain can heal on their own with time and proper treatment, sometimes surgery is recommended to alleviate ankle problems that are causing pain, instability and lack of mobility. Ankle surgery can help treat issues associated with a variety of injuries as well as medical conditions.
Ankle surgery may be required to help:
- Fractures.
- Arthritis.
- Chronic instability due to repeated sprains.
- Tendinitis.
- Ankle deformities.
You should discuss the possibility of ankle surgery with your health care provider if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent or worsening pain.
- Reduced mobility that interferes with your daily activities.
- Inability to fall or stay asleep due to pain.
- Lack of relief from other treatment options.
How long is recovery after ankle surgery?
The recovery process following ankle surgery looks different for everyone. The time frame comes down to how your body heals, the reason for the surgery and the type of ankle surgery that you undergo.
On average, the recovery process takes six to eight weeks before you’re able to return to light weight-bearing activities. Physical therapy can help move you through the process by working to restore your ankle strength and mobility. Physical therapy sessions normally start just two weeks following the surgery.
Why do you have pain after ankle surgery?
During the recovery process of ankle surgery, the pain should decrease over time. The highest level of pain after an ankle surgery normally occurs three days after the procedure, but it should continuously reduce over the course of six weeks.
Some people experience persistent pain following their ankle surgery, which could inhibit their recovery process. One of the most common reasons for pain after ankle surgery is nerve damage. During ankle surgery, it’s possible to have a cutaneous nerve injury, which refers to damage of the sensory nerves. It can occur due to an incision during the procedure, or if the nerve is pinched or bruised.
Postoperative nerve damage can have symptoms including:
- Pain.
- Numbness.
- Muscle weakness.
- Tingling sensation.
You could also develop scar tissue, which refers to cells and collagen that replace the damaged tissue. The scar tissue can become painful due to tightness or nerve damage. For instance, if you develop scar tissue as a result of the surgery, the nerves can become trapped in the tissue.
How physical therapy helps pain after ankle therapy
Physical therapy can help with every facet of your recovery and rehabilitation following ankle surgery, including pain management. The goal is to help you regain your ankle strength, mobility and flexibility that may have been affected by the procedure or the resting period afterward.
One of the most important parts of post-surgical rehabilitation for your ankle is manual therapy. This refers to techniques that involve the physical therapist using their hands to break up painful tissue and increase your ankle joint’s mobility.
They will likely utilize soft tissue mobilization, which involves massage-like movements to find and break up scar tissue to release the tension. They may also use joint mobilization, which means that they move the joint around to find the restrictive tissue so that they can break it up and increase your range of motion.
Targeted exercises and stretches are essential for helping reduce pain after ankle surgery and increasing your ankle’s strength and flexibility. Your physical therapist will walk you through low-impact exercises to strengthen your ankle muscles and reduce the risk of injury or re-injury. They will also show you stretches that can help reduce painful stiffness and increase your ankle’s range of motion.
Alliance PTP can help find expert physical therapists near you to address pain after ankle surgery
You probably don’t have to go as far as you think to get help with your pain after ankle surgery. After all, Alliance Physical Therapy Partners has practices across the country where you can find the physical therapy you need following ankle surgery.
And if there isn’t one near you, don’t worry! We also offer highly effective and affordable virtual care in nearly every U.S. state.
So, don’t keep letting your symptoms affect your day-to-day life. Get in touch with our team today so we can help you find the physical therapy that’s right for you.
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