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A Guide to Ankle Reconstruction Surgery and Recovery
By Lydia Lucas
July 3, 2025
Featuring Michel de Carvalho’s Story of Determination and Mobility with StrideOn’s Orthomate Understanding Ankle Reconstruction Surgery
Ankle reconstruction surgery is often required when the joint has been significantly damaged - either from trauma, instability, or chronic conditions such as arthritis. The procedure may involve repairing or reconstructing ligaments, tendons, bones or cartilage, and often results in a period of strict non-weight bearing for several weeks following the operation.
Common reasons for ankle reconstruction include:
- Severe fractures (including multiple bone breaks)
- Ligament damage after recurrent sprains
- Complex instability or deformity
- Long-term arthritic damage
For Olympic skier and luger Michel de Carvalho, it came after a dramatic skiing accident in Switzerland, which resulted in six fractures in his ankle, requiring urgent surgery on return to the UK. What to Expect After Surgery
Following ankle reconstruction, your surgeon will most likely advise you to:
- Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling
- Avoid any weight-bearing activity for a minimum of 4 - 6 weeks
- Wear a supportive cast or boot
- Use mobility aids such as crutches or, ideally, a knee walker
Pain management, wound care, and physiotherapy are all important parts of the healing process - but how you move during recovery has a huge impact on your comfort and progress.
Why a Knee Walker Is Ideal for Recovery
After surgery, many patients are sent home with crutches - but these can be difficult, tiring, and in some cases, risky. Crutches require upper body strength, can cause strain on wrists and shoulders, and make everyday tasks more difficult. That’s where the StrideOn Orthomate comes in.
Used by Michel de Carvalho during the early phase of his recovery, the Orthomate is a four-wheeled, knee walker, designed to provide maximum stability, comfort, and independence.
Michel was advised by his surgeon, Mr Ioan Tudur-Jones at Fortius Clinic, to use the Orthomate instead of crutches - and the result speaks for itself. "I am not sure how I would have survived without the StrideOn. It allowed me to get from watching TV to the kitchen, to the loo, to the studio for singing rehearsals, and at night to the loo without having to balance on crutches which would have been truly exhausting." – Michel de Carvalho Benefits of the Orthomate Knee Walker
- Pneumatic tyres for smooth movement on outdoor and indoor surfaces - Comfortable orthopaedic knee pad for non-weight bearing support - Adjustable height for custom fit and correct posture - Stable frame with brakes and parking lock for safe transfers and rest stops - Portable and airline-friendly – as Michel proved when he travelled abroad to Holland
Michel even used his Orthomate during rehearsals and a performance with his band - just ten weeks after surgery. Travel, Independence, and Confidence During Recovery
Mobility isn’t just about getting from one room to another. It’s about living life on your terms, staying involved in work or social events, and preserving your mental wellbeing through the recovery process. "Almost with sadness but also relief, I will be returning the Knee Walker today. It has been an absolute godsend… I even travelled abroad with it to Holland." – Michel de Carvalho
With the help of the Orthomate, Michel avoided the use of wheelchairs, managed long airport journeys, and stayed active and engaged through recovery - all while safely protecting his healing ankle. Your Recovery, Your Pace
If you’re preparing for ankle reconstruction surgery, or currently recovering, don’t let limited mobility hold you back.
A StrideOn knee walker can:
- Make daily tasks easier and less tiring
- Allow you to move confidently and safely, without the strain of crutches
- Support your recovery both physically and emotionally
Plan ahead and consider arranging your knee walker before surgery so you can practise using it and have it ready for when you return home. More About Michel’s Story
To read the full account of Michel de Carvalho’s recovery journey, click here.