Lateral Ankle Reconstruction Post Operative Protocol

Phase 1: Week 1-2

• Goals:

                â—¦ Control swelling
                â—¦ Pain Management

• Non weight bearing in below the knee cast
• Sutures removed at 10-14 days
• Rest and elevation critical to control swelling
• Exercises

                â—¦ Begin Hip and Knee active range of motion exercises
                â—¦ Straight leg raises
                â—¦ Upper body exercises (seated or bench only)
                â—¦ No push-ups

Phase 2: Week 3-4

• Non weight bearing in below the knee cast
• Continue elevation to control swelling
• Exercises:

                â—¦ Continue with exercises started during Phase 1
                â—¦ May begin core exercises

Phase 3: Week 4-6

• Partial weight bearing with crutches and walking boot
• Exercises:

                â—¦ Progress to stationary bike with walking boot
                â—¦ Begin gentle active foot and ankle range of motion (plantarflexion/
dorsiflexion): Perform 30 repetitions twice daily
                â—¦ 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:

                â—¦ Begin active range of motion with theraband or towel
                â—¦ Begin proprioception and balance exercises
                â—¦ Begin double leg toe raises
                â—¦ Continue previous exercises

Phase 6: Week 13-16

• Emphasize

                â—¦ Strengthening:

• Single leg toe raises
• Lunges
• Leg Press/Squats
• Hoping (begin at 14 weeks)
• Jogging (begin at 14 weeks)
• Plyometrics (begin at 16 weeks)