Patient Surgery Guide

What to Expect Before and After Foot and Ankle Surgery

At Brighton Foot and Ankle, we believe that informed patients recover with greater confidence. Whether you are having a minimally invasive bunion correction, Achilles tendon repair, ankle ligament reconstruction, or another foot or ankle procedure, understanding what to expect before and after surgery can make your recovery smoother and less stressful.

Every surgery and every patient is different. Dr. Bryant Castelein or Dr. Yara Tinawi will provide a personalized recovery plan based on your diagnosis, procedure, overall health, and lifestyle. This guide provides general information to help you prepare for surgery and understand the typical recovery process.

Understanding the Healing Process

Healing occurs in stages, and different tissues recover at different rates.

Typical healing times include:

Tendons: approximately 6 weeks
Ligaments: approximately 6 to 8 weeks
Bones: approximately 8 weeks
Cartilage: several months depending on the procedure

These timelines are averages. Recovery can be affected by age, diabetes, smoking, circulation, nutrition, medications, bone quality, and the complexity of your procedure.

Although your incision may appear healed within a few weeks, the deeper tissues continue healing for months. Following your postoperative instructions is one of the most important factors in achieving the best possible outcome.

Our Recovery Philosophy:

At Brighton Foot & Ankle, our goal is simple: protect your surgical repair while helping you return to normal life as safely and efficiently as possible. Whenever appropriate, our approach includes:

Early protected weight bearing
Early range-of-motion exercises
Minimizing use of casting
Using removable walking boots when appropriate
Physical therapy when it will improve recovery, strength, flexibility, balance, function

Not every patient requires formal physical therapy. Many patients recover well with home exercises and gradual activity progression, while others benefit from a supervised rehabilitation program. Your surgeon will recommend the recovery plan that is most appropriate for your procedure’s patient-specific needs

The First 72 Hours

The first few days after surgery are often the most important for managing pain and swelling.

During this time:

Elevate your foot above heart level as much as possible.
Follow your weight-bearing instructions.
Limit unnecessary walking.
Ice as instructed.
Take medications as prescribed.
Keep your dressing clean, dry, and intact.
Do not remove your bandage unless instructed.

Many patients notice increased discomfort approximately 12 to 48 hours after surgery as the local anesthetic wears off.

Managing Pain

Some discomfort is expected after surgery.

Pain is usually best controlled by:

Elevation
Ice
Taking medication before pain becomes severe
Following activity restrictions
Avoiding unnecessary standing

Most patients experience steady improvement during the first several days.

Swelling Is Normal

Swelling can continue for several months after surgery.

To help reduce swelling:

Elevate your foot above heart level
Ice as directed
Wear compression stockings if recommended
Avoid prolonged standing during early recovery

Weight-Bearing Restrictions

Following your weight-bearing instructions is critical to protecting your surgical repair.

Depending on your procedure, you may be instructed to remain:

Non-weight-bearing: No walking or standing on the surgical foot.
Partial weight-bearing: Limited weight with assistive devices.
Weight-bearing as tolerated: Walking as comfort allows while wearing a boot or surgical shoe.
Full weight-bearing: Walking without restrictions once healing has progressed.

Your surgeon will tell you exactly when it is safe to advance your activity.

Recovery by Procedure Type

Many foot surgeries involve correction of deformities or painful joints. Healing varies depending on whether bone procedures are performed. These procedures are completed on an outpatient basis and typically allow for immediate weight-bearing in a surgical shoe or boot.

Common Procedures

Bunion correction
Hammertoe correction
Morton’s neuroma excision
First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint fusion
Bunionette correction
Hardware removal
Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Recovery depends on the specific procedure performed but often includes:

First post-operative visit at 5–7 days after surgery
Keep postoperative dressing clean, dry, and intact
Surgical boot may be removed when at rest, bathing and to sleep
Early range of motion is encouraged
Earliest weight bearing is encouraged
Physical therapy may be recommended to increase strength, motion, and flexibility

Dermatology Surgery

Many skin conditions affecting the feet and ankles can be treated with simple in-office procedures or outpatient surgery. Our goal is to accurately diagnose your condition and provide the most effective treatment while minimizing lasting effects of the condition and treatment. The best cosmetic result is important!

Our team will provide detailed wound care instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and discuss any pathology results, if a biopsy was performed. Early evaluation of new or changing skin lesions is important, as prompt diagnosis often leads to the best outcomes.

Most dermatologic procedures are performed in the office using local anesthesia, allowing you to return home the same day. Depending on the procedure, you may be able to walk immediately afterward with minimal restrictions. Larger excisions or procedures performed on weight-bearing areas of the foot may require temporary activity modification or a surgical shoe to promote proper healing.

Common Dermatology Procedures:

Skin lesion biopsy
Excision of benign skin lesions
Removal of suspicious skin lesions
Skin cancer excision
Wart removal (laser, chemical, or surgical)
Cyst removal
Foreign body removal
Nail biopsy
Soft tissue mass excision
Scar revision
Abscess incision and drainage
Treatment of chronic skin ulcers and wounds

Recovery varies depending on the size and location of the procedure. Most patients experience:

Mild soreness for several days
A simple dressing for 1–2 weeks
Suture removal (if needed) in approximately 10–14 days
Return to normal activities as directed by your provider

Rearfoot Surgery

The rearfoot, or heel, is responsible for absorbing shock, supporting your body weight, and providing stability during walking. These procedures often involve major realignment to important bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. They typically require a longer period of recovery and may include a period of non-weight-bearing using crutches or a knee-scooter.

Common Rearfoot Procedures

Achilles tendon rupture or chronic Achilles tendon tears
Peroneal tendon tears
Talus, calcaneal, navicular fracture
Flatfoot reconstruction
Haglund’s deformity
Arthrodesis of the talonavicular, talocalcaneal, or calcaneocuboid joints

Recovery depends on the specific procedure performed but often includes:

First post-operative visit at 5–7 days after surgery
A short period in a cast, typically 2–3 weeks
Non-weight-bearing for 6-8 weeks
Removable surgical boot until 8 weeks after surgery
Gradual progression to weight-bearing as directed by your surgeon
Removal of the surgical boot for resting, sleeping, showering, and gentle range-of-motion exercises
Physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, balance, and walking mechanics when recommended

Minor Ankle Surgery

Minor ankle procedures are typically minimally invasive and involve less disruption to the surrounding bones, ligaments, or tendons. These surgeries often allow for a quicker recovery and an earlier return to walking. They typically have fewer restrictions and emphasise early range of motion.

Common Procedures

Ankle arthroscopy
Hardware removal
Ankle synovectomy
Other minimally invasive ankle procedures

Recovery depends on the specific procedure performed but often includes:

First post-operative visit at 5–7 days after surgery
Early weight-bearing as directed by your surgeon
Early range-of-motion exercises
Brief period of protected weight-bearing in a surgical boot
Gradual return to supportive shoes
Physical therapy for a quick return to normal activity

Major Ankle Surgery

Major ankle procedures involve repairing or reconstructing bones, ligaments, tendons, or cartilage. These surgeries require a longer recovery period to allow the repaired tissues to heal properly. Our goal is to protect your surgical repair while minimizing unnecessary immobilization and helping you return to your normal activities as safely and efficiently as possible.

Common Procedures

Broström ankle stabilization (ligament reconstruction)
Achilles tendon repair
Peroneal tendon repair
Tendon transfer procedures
Ankle fracture repair
Osteochondral lesion repair
Total ankle replacement

Typical Recovery

Recovery depends on the procedure performed but may include:

First post-operative visit at 5–7 days after surgery
A short period in a cast, typically 2–3 weeks
Non-weight-bearing for 6-8 weeks
Removable surgical boot until 8 weeks after surgery
Gradual progression to weight-bearing as directed by your surgeon
Removal of the surgical boot for resting, sleeping, showering, and gentle range-of-motion exercises to restore strength, flexibility, balance, and walking mechanics when recommended
Physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, balance, and walking mechanics when recommended

Physical Therapy

Not every patient requires physical therapy, but when recommended, it plays an important role in recovery.

Physical therapy may help:

Restore strength
Improve flexibility
Increase range of motion
Improve balance and stability
Normalize walking mechanics
Safely return to sports and daily activities

When should I call the Office?

Contact Brighton Foot and Ankle immediately if you experience:

Fever greater than 101°F
Increasing redness around the incision
Thick or foul-smelling drainage
Severe pain that is not relieved by medication
Excessive bleeding through the bandage
Persistent numbness that does not improve
Blue, pale, or cold toes
Calf pain, swelling, or sudden shortness of breath

If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

    
 
 
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   Tim Mulcaster 
 July 24, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exceptional care and service.  Was saw at scheduled time  all my expectations were met.
  
 
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   carol hughes 
 July 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My first visit with Dr. Castelein and his staff were exceedingly productive. The office was run so efficiently, and great pains were taken to get me in for an appointment. Dr. Castelein and his assistant were beyond friendly and knowledgeable. I left with hope that my very flat feet and stretched tendons can be managed and I will be able to get back to walking again without pain soon.  Thank you everyone!
  
 
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   Julia Erickson 
 June 30, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Castelein and his staff are all fantastic! He genuinely cares about your wellbeing. I highly recommend Brighton Foot and Ankle! I give them 10 stars!!!
  
 
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   Tom Naab 
 June 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and knowledgeable great visit and result
  
 
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   michael tiano 
 June 5, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Castelein treated me. He was very professional and very thorough. All the employees there were very kind and helpful. This was my first visit, and I’ll be making Dr. Castelein and Brighton foot and ankle, my permanent foot care professional’s .
  
 
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   Elliot Forsyth 
 May 30, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great from a customer experience.  Not only was my problem resosolved but also received a thorough understanding of the foot problem.