Post-Operative Treatment
Instructions
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Elevate your foot/ankle. This can be achieved by placing pillows underneath your leg. Elevating your foot/ankle will help to minimize swelling and pain post-operative.
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Do not remove your bandage. You may loosen the outer layer of the bandage if it feels too tight. This may also help to minimize post-operative pain.
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Keep your bandage dry. Wrapping your foot/ankle in a plastic bag or using a Cast protector will help to keep your bandage dry while you bathe.
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Apply ice to help control pain and swelling. You may apply a bag of ice directly over the bandage, or behind the knee. Apply ice for 10 minutes, then remove for 10 minutes (continue this routine throughout the first 1-2 days post-op).
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Take your pain medication as prescribed. The first 2-3 days following surgery is when post-op pain is most severe. Taking your prescriptions on a regular routine will help you to control this pain. See example below
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Do not drive, operate hazardous machinery for the next 24 hours or while taking narcotic pain medicine. You must have a responsible adult with you for 24 hours after anesthesia for your comfort and safety.
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No strenuous exercise.
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Diet: increase as tolerated; light today, normal diet tomorrow; avoid hot, spicy, or greasy foods for 2-3 days.
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Please call our office. If you have any questions regarding these instructions, if it is an emergency go directly to the ER
