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Discharge Instructions for Foot Surgery
Arrange to have an adult drive you home after surgery. If you had general anesthesia, it may take 1 or more days to fully recover. So for at least the next 24 hours:
Diet
Here are some dietary suggestions following surgery:
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Start with liquids and light foods, like dry toast, bananas, and applesauce. As you feel up to it, slowly return to your normal diet.
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Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water or other nonalcoholic fluids a day.
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To prevent nausea, eat before taking narcotic pain medicines.
Medicines
It's important to follow these directions:
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Take all medicines as advised.
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Take pain medicines on time. Don't wait until the pain is bad before taking your medicines.
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Don't drink alcohol while taking pain medicines.
Activity
These instructions are to help with your recovery:
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Sit or lie down when possible. Put a pillow or 2 under your heel to raise your foot above the level of your heart.
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Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen peas in a thin cloth. Place it over your bandaged foot for no longer than 20 minutes. Do this 3 times a day.
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Ask your surgeon when you can resume driving.
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Wear your surgical shoe as advised if you were given one.
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Use crutches or a cane as directed.
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Follow your surgeon's instructions about putting weight on your foot.
Bandage and cast care
Here are tips to follow:
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Ask your provider when you can take a shower.
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When you can shower, cover the bandage, splint, or cast with a plastic bag to keep it dry.
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Don’t remove your bandage until your healthcare provider tells you to. If your bandage gets wet or dirty, check with your provider. You can likely replace it with a clean, dry one.
What to expect
It's normal to have the following:
Call your healthcare provider
Contact your surgeon right away if you have any of the following:
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Continuous bleeding through the bandage
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Excessive swelling or increased bleeding
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Warmth or redness around the dressing or surgical site
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Fever over 100.4°F (38°C), or as advised by your surgeon
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Chills
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Pain unrelieved by pain medicines
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Foot feels cold to the touch or numb
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Increased pain in your leg or foot
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Swelling in the calf above the treated foot,
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Anything unusual that concerns you
Call 911
Call 911 if you have either of these:
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rahul Banerjee MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer:
Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
9/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.