Lateral Ankle Reconstruction Post Operative Protocol
Phase 1: Week 1-2
- Goals:
◦ Control swelling
◦ Pain Management
- Non weight bearing in below the knee cast
- Sutures removed at 10-14 days
- Rest and elevation critical to control swelling
- Exercises
◦ Begin Hip and Knee active range of motion exercises
◦ Straight leg raises
◦ Upper body exercises (seated or bench only)
◦ No push-ups
Phase 2: Week 3-4
- Non weight bearing in below the knee cast
- Continue elevation to control swelling
- Exercises:
◦ Continue with exercises started during Phase 1
◦ May begin core exercises
Phase 3: Week 4-6
- Partial weight bearing with crutches and walking boot
- Exercises:
◦ Progress to stationary bike with walking boot
◦ Begin gentle active foot and ankle range of motion (plantarflexion/
dorsiflexion): Perform 30 repetitions twice daily
◦ Begin seated calf raises: Perform 15-20 repetitions twice daily
Phase 4: Week 7-8
- Begin full weight bearing with walking boot as tolerated
- Begin gentle eversion and inversion of foot and ankle: 30 repetitions twice daily
- Continue with exercises started during Phase 1 and 2
Phase 5: Week 9-12
- Begin full weight bearing with ankle brace as tolerated
- Exercises:
◦ Begin active range of motion with theraband or towel
◦ Begin proprioception and balance exercises
◦ Begin double leg toe raises
◦ Continue previous exercises
Phase 6: Week 13-16
- Emphasize
◦ Strengthening:
- Single leg toe raises
- Lunges
- Leg Press/Squats
- Hoping (begin at 14 weeks)
- Jogging (begin at 14 weeks)
- Plyometrics (begin at 16 weeks)