| GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS: - Time frames mentioned in this article should be considered approximate
with actual progression based upon clinical presentation. Careful observation
and ongoing assessments will dictate progress. - No passive inversion or
forceful eversion for 6 weeks. - Avoid plantar flexion greater than resting position for 4 weeks. - Carefully monitor the incisions and surrounding structures for mobility
and signs of scar tissue formation. Regular soft tissue treatments (i.e.
scar mobilization) to decrease fibrosis. - No running, jumping, or ballistic activities for 3 months. - Aerobic and general conditioning throughout rehabilitation process. - M.D. appointments at day 1, day 8-10, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6
months, and 1 year post-operatively. 0
- 3 WEEKS:
- 90° immobilizer
for 3 weeks. - Nonweightbearing for 3 weeks--no push off or toe-touch
walking.
- Progress from posterior splint to pneumatic walker once most of swelling
is gone.
- Pain and edema control / modalities as needed (i.e. cryotherapy, electrical
stim, soft tissue treatments).
- Toe curls, toe spreads / extension, gentle foot movements in boot, hip
and knee strengthening exercises.
- Well-leg cycling (bilateral once in walker with light resistance), weight
training, and swimming in posterior splint after 10-12 days post-op.
3 - 6 WEEKS:
- Progress to full weight bearing in walking boot. Walking
boot weight bearing for 3-6 weeks post-op. Aircast splint for day-to-day
activities for 6-12 weeks post-op. - Immobilizer for sleeping for 4weeks,
then Aircast splint for 4-6 weeks.
- Isometrics in multiple planes and progress to active exercises in protected
ranges.
- Proprioception exercises, intrinsic muscle strengthening, manual resisted
exercises.
- Soft tissue treatments daily and regular mobilization of intermetatarsal
and midtarsal joints. Cautious with talocrural and subtalar mobilization.
- Cycling, aerobic machines in splint as tolerated, and pool workouts
in splint.
6 - 12 WEEKS:
- Gradually increase intensity of exercises focusing on
closed-chain and balance / proprioception. - Passive and active range of
motion exercises into inversion and eversion cautiously.
3 - 6 MONTHS:
- Progress back into athletics based upon functional status.
- Wear a lace-up ankle support for athletics. |