Small Problems, Big Obstacles After Foot Surgery

Whenever planning for foot or ankle surgery, it is important to consider how extensive the surgery will be, and whether or not you will be able to walk. Many people underestimate the difficulties of not being able to walk while recovering after foot surgery. Although most people tend to worry about the pain that they have after foot or ankle surgery, this is not typically the biggest problem.

One patient explained that after having foot surgery, she can get around to be very difficult. She said that her doctor did explain that she would have to be non-weightbearing that she underestimated the difficulty and discovered that even minor tasks that could seem challenging.

She explained that even the simplest tasks take a LOT longer when you do it on crutches or in a wheelchair. Even though she has a ranch style home, which has no stairs, she still famished needed help.

Like most homes, some doorways are not quite big enough to get through with a wheelchair. This makes it difficult to move from room to room.

Other things that she previously took for granted like getting a bowl from a high cabinet like the one below is virtually impossible without help.

Because she has a stacked washer and dryer, she found the same is true of doing laundry. Getting anything out of the basement is impossible.

Moving from the kitchen to the dining room with a plate of food is a real challenge as well. . Fortunately, she has recruited the help of her husband without any difficulty. For anyone living alone, all of these tasks can prove to be very difficult.

Because of this it is important to make sure that you discuss what your living situation is like, prior to foot surgery. Many people don’t even think about one or two stairs in a split level home as much of an obstacle, until they have foot surgery.

As long issue plan ahead, even more extensive surgeries requiring crutches or a wheelchair can go smoothly. But it’s important to be realistic about your expectations in the amount of help, you will have while recovering.


Dr. Christopher Segler is an author, inventor and award winning foot doctor with a surgical podiatry practice in Chattanooga. He invented the patented surgical instrument that simplifies flatfoot surgery and bunion surgery. He publishes articles and teaches other surgeons about his unique methods to decrease pain after foot surgery. You can order a FREE copy of his informative book about common causes of foot pain at http:www.anklecenter.com.