Have you gotten a recent diagnosis that requires foot or ankle surgery? Facing an upcoming foot surgery can be scary and confusing if you do not know what to expect. We hope that this guide will help you understand what you may be experiencing before, during, and after the surgery. We will also provide tips on making sure your recovery process is effective and as painless as possible.
What to Expect Before Foot Surgery
One of the most important things you can do before surgery is prep your home for recovery afterward. You should not plan on doing any walking or work for up to several weeks after your surgery. You should notify your job that you are having foot surgery and will not be able to work until your doctor permits you to return.
As each foot and ankle surgery is unique in the way it is handled, your doctor will tell you what to expect during the surgery and how you should expect to recover.
What to Expect After Surgery
You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital after your surgery. Once you are home from the hospital, you will need to rest and let your foot heal. Ice, pain medication as prescribed by your doctor, and elevation are critical to ensuring the surgery is successful. Here are five things you should do after your surgery.
- Follow the instructions your doctor gives you.
The best thing you can do to make your surgery successful is to follow your doctor’s instructions. While they may seem restrictive and be frustrating to adhere to, you will be best served by sticking to the protocol.
- Keep your cast or bandage clean and dry.
You can use a plastic bag (like a bread bag) to protect your cast while you are showering or bathing or any time it may become wet. Do not change the cast or bandage unless directed to do so by your doctor.
- Eat a healthy diet.
To give your body the fuel it needs to recover, plan to eat a healthy post-surgery diet. Focus on healthy proteins as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, pain medications can cause constipation, so eating a diet high in fiber can be helpful to reduce the effects of the medicine.
- Watch out for warning signs.
Severe foot pain that is not relieved with elevation, ice, medication, a high fever, intense calf or chest pain, or shortness of breath are reasons to contact your doctor. If you are unable to breathe, you should contact emergency medical services as soon as possible.
- Be patient
Each surgery will vary with the amount of time required for healing, but some surgeries will take as long as an entire year to recover fully. Unfortunately, there is no way to speed up this process so prepare to be in it for the long haul. Be patient with the abilities of your body to recover and encourage it with plenty of rest and proper nutrition and hydration.
Best Foot Doctor NYC Is Here To Help
If you are nervous about an upcoming surgery or feel you may need surgery for your foot or ankle, please contact our offices for help. Best Foot Doctor in NYC is experienced at helping our clients feel safe and comfortable before and after their surgeries. Our offices in Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn and accepting appointments. Give us a call today!