food and beverages, such as convenient snacks and pre-prepped meals[4] X Expert Source Neal Blitz, DPM, FACFASBoard Certified Podiatrist Expert Interview. 22 April 2020. toiletries books movies over-the counter medicines, such as a gentle laxative and prescription or over-the-counter pain medicine
Think about what items you will want to have nearby when you return home from surgery. For example, you might want to have a stack of books by your side, or the remote control to the TV, or a backscratcher.
For example, you might consider moving a coffee table to the side of the room so that you do not have to walk around it. Or, you might consider moving your bed to the ground floor so that you don’t have to go up and down the stairs all of the time.
Make sure that you let your family members and friends know that you are having surgery and ask if one or more of them would be able to help you out now and then during your recovery.
Your doctor has a vested interest in seeing you get better, so adhere to 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 surgery site. Call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the instructions he or she provided.
Non-Opioid/non-narcotic pain relievers are often prescribed for small to medium levels of pain and are the safest form of prescription pain management. Common examples are ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen. Opioid pain relievers are prescribed for medium to severe pain. Follow the doctor’s instructions specifically when taking opioids as they can be extremely addictive. Examples of opioid painkillers include oxycodone and hydrocodone.
Use an ice pack or bag of ice to reduce inflammation. Be sure to place a towel between your foot and the ice and to check the skin under the ice regularly. Do not leave the ice in place for longer than ten minutes at a time. Do not place ice directly on top of the wound until it is completely healed. Elevate your foot to combat swelling. Try to keep it about six inches higher than your heart. [9] X Research source
Do not remove the bandages until the doctor has given you permission to do so. Keep the bandages dry. Use a cast protector to keep your foot dry if you need to take a shower. [10] X Expert Source Neal Blitz, DPM, FACFASBoard Certified Podiatrist Expert Interview. 22 April 2020. Ask your surgeon or podiatrist when it will be okay for you to wash the surgical site. Do not put any creams, lotions or anything else on the wound unless as directed to do so by the doctor.
Make sure to stay hydrated to help your body stay regular. Eat high fiber foods to combat the constipation effect opioid pain killers have. Discuss the issue with your doctor if it continues for more than two days.
Don’t skip your post-surgical appointments as they are important to ensure your foot is healing as planned. Bring up any questions or concerns you have regarding the progress of your foot to your doctor.
Your doctor will tell you if you are ready for any amount of weight bearing. Be patient, rushing to place weight on your foot after surgery could re-injure you.
Infection can be a risk early in your recovery. If you notice redness and warm swelling around the surgery site or are experiencing a fever you may have an infection. Nerve damage is often not permanent, but you may experience numbness or tingling in the region surrounding the surgical incision. While it usually passes, you should discuss it with your doctor
If you experience pain doing something the doctor has authorized, you may want to contact him or her to make sure you are not hindering the healing process. [12] X Research source Rest when you’re tired. Healing requires a significant amount of rest, so if you find yourself exhausted, it’s in your best interest to take it easy for a while.
Physical therapy can help you recover sooner and with more success. Physical therapists are trained to understand the limitations caused by your injury and devise exercises to help you regain your mobility. [13] X Research source Physical therapy can also help manage pain resulting from the surgery.
Do not drive while taking opioid pain killers as they can hinder your ability to drive in a similar way to alcohol. Be careful using the foot you had surgery on when pressing pedals. Your doctor will be able to tell you if your foot can support the weight of pressing a clutch or gas pedal.
Consider whether or not you will need to be on your feet for a significant portion of your day and whether your foot is healed sufficiently for that. Discuss your return to work with your doctor and your boss to ensure you’re all on the same page. See if your work can provide you with temporary accommodations for the limits you experience while recovering.
