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What Causes Pain In The Ankle After Back Surgery?
Question: I just had back surgery discectomy and laminectomy on 5/3/17. I started in the hospital (before I was discharged on 5/5/17) with a sharp pain near my right ankle upon waking and getting out of bed. Then, I felt a sharp pain/muscle cramping of my right calf when I tried to walk. Now, I am home and experience pain of my right buttocks, along with pain/muscle cramping of my right calf, which is quite severe when I get out of bed, walk, urinate. I can stop the pain by pulling the front of my calf back toward my buttock. I am trying to stay hydrated, and take 500 mg. of magnesium daily (
should I increase the dosage?). Can I do some stretches, although I am only 1 week post-op?
should I increase the dosage?). Can I do some stretches, although I am only 1 week post-op?
Brief Answer:
Simple stretching exercise is fine, but not strenuous
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear. You can do simple stretching exercises but not strenuous exercise. Walking is a good exercise for you. Keep yourself hydrated. Do not change the doses yourself without the advice of your doctor. Some of the things which you need to follow
1. Do not return to work until your doctor says you may.
2. Do not drive while you are wearing your brace — usually for six weeks. Your reaction time may be slower due to pain or certain prescribed medications. This is a safety concern as well as a legal issue.
3. You may ride in a car from the hospital to your home. However, you should not take car trips until your doctor says you may.
4. Walking is good for you, but you should rest as needed. Do not get overtired.
5. Try to limit going up and down stairs to once a day for one to two weeks.
6. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities like swimming, golfing, or running until you check with your doctor.
7. Do not bend from the waist to pick up things. This movement strains your back muscles. You should bend your knees and squat instead.
8. Do not carry heavy items, such as groceries or laundry. Do not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Do not try to move heavy furniture until your doctor says you may. Do not lift anything over your head.
9. Keep the incision dry. Take sponge baths; do not take tub baths until your doctor says you may. Showering is usually allowed seven to 10 days after surgery, if the incision is not red or draining. Before showering, remove the brace and cover the incision with plastic wrap, to keep water from hitting the incision. Be sure to use a rubber mat in the shower, to prevent slipping. Be careful not to move your neck from side to side while the brace is off.
10. Usually you may sleep in any position that is comfortable. You should not sleep on your stomach, because this strains your back muscles.
11. You may resume sexual activities when your doctor says you may.
12. Do not sit in soft or overstuffed chairs. Firm chairs with straight backs give better support.
13. Incisions may be numb or tender for a few weeks after surgery. Some redness around the incision is common and usually disappears within one to three weeks. Ask a family member to assist you in checking your incision regularly.
14. A raised toilet seat will be provided for you. If necessary, other assistive devices will be arranged for you by hospital staff or your primary care doctor.
You can call your doctor immediately in case there is
1. Increased redness at the incision site
2. Increased pain at the site
3. Increased swelling at the site
4. Puslike drainage from the site
5. Black tissue around the site
6. Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or above for more than 24 hours
7. Chills
Hope i have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I ll be glad to help you.
All the best
With warm regards
Dr Sanjay Kini
Simple stretching exercise is fine, but not strenuous
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear. You can do simple stretching exercises but not strenuous exercise. Walking is a good exercise for you. Keep yourself hydrated. Do not change the doses yourself without the advice of your doctor. Some of the things which you need to follow
1. Do not return to work until your doctor says you may.
2. Do not drive while you are wearing your brace — usually for six weeks. Your reaction time may be slower due to pain or certain prescribed medications. This is a safety concern as well as a legal issue.
3. You may ride in a car from the hospital to your home. However, you should not take car trips until your doctor says you may.
4. Walking is good for you, but you should rest as needed. Do not get overtired.
5. Try to limit going up and down stairs to once a day for one to two weeks.
6. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities like swimming, golfing, or running until you check with your doctor.
7. Do not bend from the waist to pick up things. This movement strains your back muscles. You should bend your knees and squat instead.
8. Do not carry heavy items, such as groceries or laundry. Do not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Do not try to move heavy furniture until your doctor says you may. Do not lift anything over your head.
9. Keep the incision dry. Take sponge baths; do not take tub baths until your doctor says you may. Showering is usually allowed seven to 10 days after surgery, if the incision is not red or draining. Before showering, remove the brace and cover the incision with plastic wrap, to keep water from hitting the incision. Be sure to use a rubber mat in the shower, to prevent slipping. Be careful not to move your neck from side to side while the brace is off.
10. Usually you may sleep in any position that is comfortable. You should not sleep on your stomach, because this strains your back muscles.
11. You may resume sexual activities when your doctor says you may.
12. Do not sit in soft or overstuffed chairs. Firm chairs with straight backs give better support.
13. Incisions may be numb or tender for a few weeks after surgery. Some redness around the incision is common and usually disappears within one to three weeks. Ask a family member to assist you in checking your incision regularly.
14. A raised toilet seat will be provided for you. If necessary, other assistive devices will be arranged for you by hospital staff or your primary care doctor.
You can call your doctor immediately in case there is
1. Increased redness at the incision site
2. Increased pain at the site
3. Increased swelling at the site
4. Puslike drainage from the site
5. Black tissue around the site
6. Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or above for more than 24 hours
7. Chills
Hope i have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I ll be glad to help you.
All the best
With warm regards
Dr Sanjay Kini
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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