Generally, during the first two weeks after the operation, the patient shouldn't go to school or work, or participate in organized activity. This is a time to heal, both physically and mentally. During this time, the dressing on the wound should not be disturbed. This means sponge bathing only until the follow-up clinic appointment in two weeks.
At the follow-up appointment, the surgeon will inspect of the wound and change the dressing or bandage.
Over the course of a year, the patient's activities will return to normal:
First Six Months -- No strenuous physical activity. Activities are limited to "activities of daily living," meaning personal care, bending and walking. No heavy lifting, meaning nothing heavier than a dinner plate. In addition, no running or jumping is allowed.
Six to Eight Months -- At six months, a physical examination, including X-rays, is performed. If all is well, more activity, such as swimming, will be allowed.
Eight to 10 Months -- At around eight months the patient begins "closed chain kinetic exercises," which means that the foot is planted or fixed in place as the lower limb moves during exercise. An example is bicycling, where the foot is on a pedal as the lower limb rotates.
Ten to 12 Months -- Running, jumping and solo sports are allowed.
At 12 months, the patient will visit the surgeon for a third post-surgery appointment. X-rays will be taken. If all is well, the patient will be allowed to return to unrestricted activities.