Foot surgery can help you recover from a foot condition that doesn't respond to other treatments.Good self care can help you get back on your feet after foot surgery.Research suggests that resting, elevating your foot, applying ice, keeping your surgical site clean, and taking pain relief may help you recover.Follow your doctor's instructions to make sure your foot heals properly.
Step 1: You should stock up on food and other supplies.
You will need to stay off of your feet as much as possible after you return from the hospital.You can make this easier on yourself by stocking up on things you might need during your recovery.Food and beverages, such as convenient snacks and pre-prepped meals, as well as books, movies, and over-the-counter medicines are some things to stock up on.
Step 2: Everything you need will be placed within reach.
You will need to stay off of your feet as much as possible when you get home from surgery, so it is a good idea to get yourself set up ahead of time.Place any items you think you want near where you expect to spend most of your time as you recover at home, such as your bed or recliner.When you return from surgery, what items do you want to have nearby?You could have a stack of books by your side, a remote control to the TV, or a backscratcher.
Step 3: Furniture should be moved to more convenient locations.
It will be easier to get around your house if there are fewer obstacles, so you might want to rearrange some of your furniture before you go to the hospital.You could consider moving a coffee table to the side of the room so that you don't have to walk around it.If you don't have to go up and down the stairs all of the time, you might consider moving your bed to the ground floor.
Step 4: You should get a handicap placard for your car.
When you are able to drive again, you will want to stay off your feet as much as you can, so a handicap placard can be helpful.Before your surgery, apply for a handicap placard.If you have to go somewhere, the placard will ensure that you can park closer to entrances.
Step 5: If you need help, ask your friends and family.
You will need support from your friends and family even if you are at home.You may need someone to pick up your mail, fill a prescription, or go to a doctor's appointment.Let your family and friends know that you are having surgery and ask if they will be able to help you during your recovery.
Step 6: Follow the doctor's instructions.
Depending on the type of foot surgery you had, your restrictions may be extreme or mild.Your doctor has a vested interest in seeing you get better, so follow the limitations he or she sets.The doctor may assign you specific tasks to aid in the healing of the surgery such as icing, elevating, or specific ways to clean the site.Call your doctor if you have any questions about the instructions he or she gave.
Step 7: You can take medication to manage your pain.
After your foot surgery, the doctor will prescribe you medication to help manage the pain.Non-Opioid/non-narcotic pain relief is the safest form of prescription pain management.Ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen are common examples.For medium to severe pain, opiate pain killers are prescribed.Opioids can be extremely addictive so follow the doctor's instructions when taking them.Opioid painkillers include oxycodone and hydrocodone.
Step 8: Don't let your swelling get out of hand.
It is normal for your foot to swell in the days after surgery, but there are things you can do to reduce the swelling.An ice pack or bag of ice can be used to reduce inflammation.Place a towel between your foot and the ice to make sure you don't get blisters.Leave the ice in place for ten minutes at a time.Ice should not be placed on the wound until it heals completely.To fight swelling, raise your foot.Keep it six inches higher than your heart.
Step 9: The surgical area needs to be taken care of.
The area around the surgical incision needs to be kept clean, dry and protected.The doctor may allow you to remove the bandages.The bandages need to be kept dry.If you have to take a shower, use a cast on your foot.When will it be okay for you to wash the surgical site?Unless the doctor tells you to do so, don't put anything on the wound.
Step 10: There are common side effects of pain medication.
It is not uncommon for patients to use the rest room for a few days after surgery.Staying hydrated will help your body stay hydrated.Eating high fiber foods can help combat the effects of pain killers.If the issue continues for more than two days, talk to your doctor.
Step 11: Attend the surgery follow up appointments.
In the months after your surgery, your doctor will want to see you.Post- surgical appointments are important to make sure your foot heals as planned.Bring up any questions or concerns you have with your doctor.
Step 12: You should learn to get around.
crutches, cast, or specialized footwear can be used after your surgery.Depending on your surgery, your mobility may be limited.If you are ready, your doctor will tell you.Don't rush to put weight on your foot after surgery, it could hurt you.
Step 13: Keep an eye out for issues.
There are a number of possible consequences from foot surgery.If you notice any of the symptoms, contact your doctor.It is a risk early in your recovery.If you notice redness around the surgery site or a high temperature, you may have an illness.You may experience a sensation of weakness in the area around the surgery.You should talk to your doctor about it.
Step 14: Take it slowly.
It will take a long time for your foot to heal, so be patient and follow your doctor's instructions.If the doctor has given you permission to do something, you should contact him or her to make sure you don't ruin the healing process.When you are tired, rest.If you find yourself exhausted, it is in your best interests to take a break.
Step 15: Go to physical therapy.
Physical therapy can help you get back on your feet.Physical therapy can help you recover quicker.If you have an injury, a physical therapist can help you regain your mobility.Pain can be managed with physical therapy.
Step 16: You should be careful while driving.
It might be difficult to get back behind the wheel after your surgery.Discuss any limitations with your doctor.Opioid pain killers can make it harder to drive in a similar way to alcohol.When pressing pedals, be careful with the foot you have had surgery on.Your doctor can tell you if your foot can support the weight of pressing a clutch or gas pedal.
Step 17: Get back to work.
The nature of your surgery and what you do for a living will determine when you can return to work.Regardless of the time period, be careful not to affect the healing process.Do you need to be on your feet for a significant portion of your day or do you have enough time to heal your foot?Discuss your return to work with your doctor and your boss to make sure you are all on the same page.If your work can provide you with temporary accommodations, that's great.