From bunions and hammertoes to achilles ruptures, arthritic joints, and broken bones, there are many foot and ankle conditions and ailments that might require surgery in order to make a full recovery. There’s no doubt that surgery is a major milestone on your journey to recovery. However, many patients overlook the importance of the days and weeks leading up to and following a surgical procedure when, in fact, these are critical periods in the recovery process.

Here are some general tips and best practices to keep in mind ahead of a scheduled surgery. For specific recommendations, be sure to work with your medical provider to identify the best ways to promote a successful recovery.

Preparing for your surgery

• Understand the procedure: to avoid any surprises during the day of the operation, be sure to ask your surgery team plenty of questions about the procedure, including how long it will take, how much pain to expect post operatively, and if any medications you’re currently taking will interfere with the procedure.
• Keep good hygiene: it’s always a good idea to stay clean, but it’s extra important to thoroughly clean your feet and ankles leading up the procedure to prevent any infections. This should involve twice daily scrubbing, including under your toenails.
• Dial in your diet and hydration: you want to feel your best going into the procedure, so sticking to healthy foods – including fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains – while drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol is important in the days and weeks before your surgery.

Recovering from your surgery

• Rearrange your home: while this might not be possible for everyone, it’s recommended that you rearrange your living space so that everything you need is on one floor, eliminating or reducing the need to use stairs. When this isn’t feasible, coordinate with friends and family who can stop by to help with meals and other household chores.
• Stay clean: just like in the lead up to surgery, you want to reduce the risk of infection following your procedure. Make sure you’re keeping the affected area bandaged and the skin surrounding it clean. This might require a shower cast cover that allows you to clean around the area where you had surgery.
• Manage pain with RICE: post operative pain can be expected and may continue for days or weeks following surgery. Adhering to the best practices of Resting, Icing, Compressing, and Elevating the affected area will be essential to making a full recovery. RICE helps with managing pain and inflammation during the recovery period. Always make sure to take your pain medication as prescribed by your surgeon.

Every surgery is different and each patient faces unique circumstances on the road to recovery. As always, consult your doctor and surgery team for specific recommendations that apply to your situation. Follow your doctor’s instructions diligently and understand that recovering from a surgery is often a gradual process.

If you have any specific questions or are in need of an appointment, get in touch with our team of experts today.

Let us restore your balance.

If you notice the discomfort in your heels persisting, our trusted team of podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can work with you to alleviate the pain by customizing a treatment plan to your lifestyle.

Schedule your appointment today!