Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Surgical Shoe
- Surgical Tape
- Cane
- Thermometers
- Walkers
- Plastic Bags
- Ice Packs
Step1
Walk only as ordered by your physician and always wear a surgical shoe, if prescribed.
Step2
Sit with your foot elevated to the level of your chest. Place a pillow under your heel to reduce pressure on the foot. Dangle your foot only as long as is absolutely necessary for the first two to three postoperative days.
Step3
Take pain medication prescribed by your physician for surgical pain.
Step4
Walk with assistance for the first few days - lean on an arm, cane, or walker.
Step5
Put ice on your ankle - 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off - for the first two days. Ice decreases swelling and bruising by constricting blood vessels.
Step6
Keep bandage clean and dry. That means keeping it out of the shower or tub. If you want to shower, wrap your foot in a large plastic bag and tape the opening closed around your calf. If you prefer to bathe, have someone help you into the tub, then prop your leg up along the tub edge. Try not to leave your leg extended up too long, because circulation to the foot is reduced.
Step8
Call your doctor if the bandage comes off or becomes wet or saturated with blood. You should also call if your foot, leg or ankle turn blue, cold or numb, if your temperature is 100 degrees F or higher, or if you have thigh or calf pain.
Step9
Avoid walking a prolonged distance after most types of foot surgery. Back and forth to the bathroom is OK, but walking around the block or going shopping at the mall is not.
Comments
jniebanck said
on 12/24/2007 I'm into my third week post-surgery and things seem to be going well. I can't manage crutches so I was feeling totally dependent and very frustrated. I was thrilled when a friend rented a Nov Ortho-Med Turning Leg Caddy for me. It has swivel wheels in the front, a hand-brake that allows me to control my speed on an incline, and large wheels that make it possible to maneuver on bumpy terrain, so I can even use it outside.
darlabgood said
on 11/15/2007 I had joint fusion surgery Oct.1,2007. I rented a Turning Leg Caddy and it was so much easier than crutch's. The doctors don't tell you how difficult recovery will be. You need to prepare the area your going to spend your most time at to reach everything at arms length. I put tv tray tables close by with a small coffee set up, ice cooler with drinks, and snacks. You won't believe how sore you will be pulling your weight up and down. Hope this helps you.
dkukorlo said
on 11/8/2007 I agree- the Rol a-bout was the best. I had haglund deformity surgery oct 9th. I have to be non weight bearing for 8 to 12 weeks.I can do just about everything for myself with the roll a-bout. The first week I definately needed help and pain pills but after that it hasn't been so bad since I am able to get around so easy. It wouldn't be for someone who is having any knee issues though. I have to have my other foot done in the future so I purchased the roll a-bout instead of renting it. I use it as a foot rest also.
Royjean said
on 8/27/2007 Hi, I'm getting ready to have foot/ankle reconstruction and fusion in October because my Achilles tendon has ripped and my foot has rolled inward. I am not looking forward to this at all. But I have no resort. I have been wearing an ankle brace for months and have been told w/o the surgery, I will be crippled. I know I will be in a cast for 6 weeks and have to use either crutches or a walker and then 8 weeks in a boot, but no one has told me about clothing. What do you all suggest in the way of clothing to wear? I will ask my doctor when I sign the consent papers next month but thought it would be easier to hear from people that have had foot surgery. I am more worried about how to keep myself clean than anything. Like washing myself and my hair. I also do not have health ins. so I'm having to pay for everything.
doodlefairy said
on 12/29/2006 There is a cooler contraption you can rent or buy from the ortho docs which circulates ice water around your injury, staying cold for about 6-8 hours, no need to change packs, wraps completely around with little weight and full contact. It's called an Iceman by DJ Ortho. Works great. You can even sleep with it on for round the clock chilling.