Flat Foot Reconstruction Rehabilitation

1. 01

   Splint Care - First Two Weeks

   Important care instructions for the initial recovery period

   Critical Care Instructions

   • You will be in a splint for the first two weeks after surgery.
   • Bleeding through the dressing is normal. Expect some reddish staining of the splint near the surgical site.
   • Reinforce the splint with ACE wrap as needed.
   • No weight may be put on the leg during the first two weeks. You may use crutches and the other leg to get around.

   Note: Proper splint care is crucial for optimal healing and preventing complications.

   Essential Care Measures

   • Elevate the leg on 2-3 pillows as much as possible.
   • Ice helps with swelling and pain.
   • Protect the dressing from getting wet
   • Swelling may persist for at least a year in some way.
2. 02

   Post-Operative Visit Schedule

   Timeline for follow-up appointments and cast/boot changes

   First Post-Op Visit (Week 2)

   On the first post-op visit, we will remove the splint and take out the stitches.

   Important: You will be put into a walking cast at two weeks. You may walk as much as you like at this point.

   Second Visit (Week 4)

   At the second visit (around 4 weeks after surgery), the cast will be removed and we will give you a boot to walk in as much as possible. We will also order a brace for you so that you may sleep in the brace and drive; 6 weeks after your surgery

3. 03

   Physical Therapy Timeline

   Progressive rehabilitation and strengthening program

   Therapy Progression

   • Therapy will start at this point, 4-6 weeks after surgery.
   • Therapy will be very gentle for the first two weeks (4-6 weeks to 6-8 weeks after surgery). At the 6th or 8th week after surgery, the therapy will become harder and you will do more activity.
   • During therapy, as you get stronger, you will go from the boot to a brace for walking.

   Recovery Tip: Gradual progression is key to successful rehabilitation. Follow your therapist's guidance carefully.

Please note: this guide is general information from FootArk’s rehabilitation guidance. Your surgeon’s instructions for your own operation always come first.