Post-Operative Care Guidelines for Foot and Ankle Surgery

After surgery, the recovery process is absolutely essential to you getting back to the life that you love living. Foot and ankle surgery is a rather taxing procedure, and the recovery process can be a rather cumbersome and timely process as well.

Once you return home, you can expect to be in some degree of pain, and the occupying swelling should subside in a few days or weeks. Your foot and ankle doctor would have prescribed you some pain medication for some relief. It is best to keep your foot elevated above your heart as this helps to reduce the swelling quicker. 

Following the post-surgical care instructions that you receive is as important as the surgery itself. Without the proper care, your recovery could take a whole lot longer. You can find additional post-surgery care information at Texas Orthopaedic Associates.

Medication

Ensure that you stick to the meds that have been prescribed for you. Most likely they are going to be for pain management, and for anti-inflammatory purposes too. They are going to be extremely beneficial in your recovery.

Rest

No matter what surgery you get, any surgery is a big deal, and should be treated as such. Your entire body experiences shock when you go under the knife, and therefore rest is an integral part of recovery. For your foot and ankle as well as your entire body. This rest will allow your body to exercise its natural healing properties.

Restricted Movement

As time moves on, your range of motion will begin to increase. It is however recommended that you limit your movement to that that is essential, otherwise remaining as motionless as possible. You should refrain from moving your foot or ankle for at least 2 weeks after surgery. 

Hygienic Practices

Maintaining good hygiene practices is very necessary after surgery. Reason being, is that after surgery you still run the higher than normal rate of risking an infection. That is why keeping a strict hygiene practice in place is great for your recovery. This will greatly reduce the risk of infection.

Keep Your Mind Occupied and Engaged

One of the toughest things that people have to deal with during recovery is boredom. This is a good time to take a few weeks to get the rest that you need, while at the same time engaging in a few activities that you rarely have time for.

• Learn/ Develop a New Skill – Sewing, playing the guitar, or even learning something new. Now is a great time for you to cross a few things off your bucket list. Perhaps it’s time to learn a new language?
• Do some Reading – Catch up on these books that you just have not had the time for. Now is the perfect time.
• Write Letters and Journal – While resting why not write letters to the people that you love. Tell them how much they mean to you and thank them for helping you out during this tough time. 

The aftermath of foot or ankle surgery can be a tough time. Make sure that you follow the care instructions, and make the most of your forced rest.