While I felt quite clever paying a carpenter several hundred dollars for my ramp, it turns out there’s an easier –and cheaper—option. You can buy inexpensive rubber threshold ramps online, including non-slip models that can be cut to fit.
Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy a shower chair, which is pretty close.
NOBODY TOLD ME...
That I was going to break my ankle in two spots, and rupture my tendon while I was at it. If they had, I would have prepared by stocking up on these essentials. As it was, I was scrambling to find ways to function around the house.
Nevertheless, by the time my surgery rolled around two weeks later, I was starting to figure out what I needed.
If you know you’re having surgery and can prepare ahead of time, you can check out these suggestions and see what fits for you. Or, if like me, your one-leggedness was an unhappy surprise, think of this as a crash course (wait, that’s a bad choice of words!) for what you’re going to need.
At a Glance:
Before we dive in, here’s your basic shopping list. Read on to discover more details.
· Shower chair
· Cast/boot cover
· Elevation pillow
· Ice packs
· Mobility aid
· Grabber
· Bed tray/portable table
· Backpack or crossbody bag
· Grab bars/ramp, if needed
· Loose, comfortable clothing
More Details
Having the right recovery aids at home can help you stay comfortable, reduce stress, and prevent accidents. Here are some useful items that many people find helpful after ankle surgery.
Shower Chair
A shower chair provides stability and allows you to bathe safely while seated, reduces the risk of falls, and makes showering less exhausting. They’re often height-adjustable to fit different tubs and showers. A non-slip bath mat can add another layer of safety.
MY TAKE ON IT
You’ll need this if you’re not weight bearing. Period.
Cast or Boot Cover for the Shower
Keeping your cast or surgical boot dry is essential to prevent infection or skin irritation. Reusable waterproof covers are designed to seal tightly around your leg, and they’re easy to slip on and off.
WORTH KNOWING
In a pinch, two layers of trash bags secured at the top work. Not exactly elegant, and certainly not guaranteed waterproof. (Don’t ask me how I know this.) But the waterproof covers aren’t a hundred percent reliable, either.
Wedge Elevation Pillow
Elevating your leg helps reduce swelling and pain. A wedge pillow positions your ankle above your heart. It can be more comfortable and stable than stacking regular pillows—though that’s a personal choice—and it keeps the leg supported during sleep or rest. You’ll find multiple options online.
FROM THE TRENCHES
This is an unattractive but inexpensive, extremely helpful item that I used daily after both my ORIF surgery and my ankle hardware removal surgery. Plus, my cat liked it.
Ice Packs
Cold therapy reduces inflammation and numbs pain after surgery. Having multiple ice packs on hand allows you to rotate them throughout the day. It’s a cheap must-have. If you’re in a cast, put the ice pack behind your knee.
Heat Pad (Later in Recovery)
After the initial healing phase, some doctors recommend heat to relax stiff muscles or soothe joint discomfort. It increases the blood flow to sore muscles, and may relieve stiffness during physical therapy. Don’t use heat directly on the surgical site without your doctor’s approval.
Mobility Aids
You’ll need a way to move around while staying off your healing ankle. Options include crutches, knee scooters, walkers, or hands-free crutch devices.
For a detailed look at your options, see Mobility Tools After an Ankle Fracture.
Grab Bars and Home Modifications
Adding grab bars in the bathroom, near the toilet, or by entryways gives you extra stability while moving around. Small ramps can make it easier to get in and out of the house if stairs are a barrier. It’s not just easier; it makes it safer.
MY TAKE ON IT
A carpenter installed a small ramp for me from the garage into the laundry room, which was invaluable to me while non-weightbearing. The smallest step was lethal with only one leg.
While I felt quite clever paying several hundred dollars for my ramp, it turns out there’s an easier –and cheaper—option. You can buy inexpensive rubber threshold ramps online, including non-slip models that can be cut to fit. A Google search will reveal multiple options.
Other Helpful Items
Reacher/Grabber Tool: Allows you to pick up items without bending or risking balance. You’ll realize why you need one very quickly once you’re non-weightbearing.
Portable Table or Bed Tray: Keeps snacks, medications, and water within easy reach.
Loose, Comfortable Clothing: Wide-leg pants or shorts make it easier to dress over a cast or boot. Or at least possible.
Backpack or Crossbody Bag: Helpful for carrying items while using crutches or a scooter.