How Soon Can I Drive After Foot Surgery?
If you have had a foot or ankle surgery, you’re probably wondering how soon you can drive again. It can take six months or even more to recover, and intermittent pain is normal. However, you can expect some swelling and bruising after your surgery. After your doctor gives you the green light, you may try driving again at six to eight weeks. You should do so only after the narcotics have been taken off and your ankle has healed sufficiently. You should also test your driving ability in a parking lot, as you’ll probably still have some swelling.
Getting a medical “clearance”
Getting a medical “clearance,” or physical exam, before undergoing any surgery is essential for your safety. While many surgeries require medical “clearance,” you should ask your surgeon for a written one. Typically, a preoperative visit includes a physical examination, history, and laboratory tests. A cardiac stress test may be required if you have certain comorbidities.
Returning to work
Once you have had foot or ankle surgery, the recovery time is typically two weeks or longer. You will be required to rest and elevate your foot for this period. However, if you have a desk job that does not require you to stand or walk for a long period of time, you can typically return to work sooner. For active jobs, the recovery time can be a little longer. You should also avoid driving until you are off pain medication.
Pain-free driving
After foot or ankle surgery, it can take weeks or months to fully recover. The recovery period may involve rehab and a gradual return to normal activity. While recovery isn’t always easy, it won’t be a nightmare either. Follow these tips to help you drive safely again after foot surgery. The key is to remember to practice driving in a quiet, unoccupied space. Regardless of whether you are driving on crutches or with a walker, you should always be careful to minimize the pressure on your foot.
Returning to work after foot surgery
Once you’ve had foot surgery, you’ll want to take a couple of weeks off to recover from the procedure. Most patients are required to stay off their feet and keep them elevated for the first two weeks. If you’re sedentary, you can keep the foot elevated, and you can resume most of your usual activities within this timeframe. If you’re active, however, you may find that your recovery is longer than two weeks.
Returning to driving after bunion surgery
Depending on which procedure you’re having, returning to driving after bunion surgery can take between a week and a year. However, there are several things you should consider before you get behind the wheel again. A few days are not enough to make sure you can drive safely, and you’ll need to listen to your doctor about the recovery time and pain level. Once you’re comfortable, you should consider returning to driving after bunion surgery.