Recovery after ankle surgery depends completely on what type of surgery is done. Depending on if there are any bones cut, fractures put back together or ligaments repaired, the person will be in a splint or cast and be required to keep weight off of the foot for anywhere from six to eight weeks. This means crutches, a walker or other assistive device will be needed for a time period. Physical therapy is often started about six weeks after surgery if needed.

Recovery from ankle surgery can take several weeks or several months depending on how involved the surgery is. In this video, Thomas San Giovanni, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Baptist Health, describes the process.

Learn the typical recovery process after ankle surgery. Watch this video with Paul Switaj, MD, from Reston Hospital Center. 

Ankle surgery recovery takes a year for full recovery, says Frances Faro, MD, with Orthopaedic Physicians of Colorado. She details the recovery steps to take right after ankle surgery.