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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:

    • Don't use machinery or power tools.

    • Don't drink alcohol.

    • Don't make any major decisions.

    Diet

    Here are some dietary suggestions following surgery: 

    • Start with liquids and light foods, like dry toast, bananas, and applesauce. As you feel up to it, slowly return to your normal diet.

    • Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water or other nonalcoholic fluids a day.

    • To prevent nausea, eat before taking narcotic pain medicines.

    Medicines

    It's important to follow these directions: 

    • Take all medicines as advised.

    • Take pain medicines on time. Don't wait until the pain is bad before taking your medicines.

    • Don't drink alcohol while taking pain medicines.

    Activity

    These instructions are to help with your recovery: 

    • Sit or lie down when possible. Put a pillow or 2 under your heel to raise your foot above the level of your heart.

    • 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.

    • Ask your surgeon when you can resume driving.

    • Wear your surgical shoe as advised if you were given one.

    • Use crutches or a cane as directed.

    • Follow your surgeon's instructions about putting weight on your foot.

    Bandage and cast care

    Here are tips to follow: 

    • Ask your provider when you can take a shower.

    • When you can shower, cover the bandage, splint, or cast with a plastic bag to keep it dry.

    • 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:

    • Bruising and slight swelling of the foot and toes

    • A small amount of blood on the dressing

    Call your healthcare provider

    Contact your surgeon right away if you have any of the following: 

    • Continuous bleeding through the bandage

    • Excessive swelling or increased bleeding

    • Warmth or redness around the dressing or surgical site

    • Fever over 100.4°F (38°C), or as advised by your surgeon

    • Chills

    • Pain unrelieved by pain medicines

    • Foot feels cold to the touch or numb

    • Increased pain in your leg or foot

    • Swelling in the calf above the treated foot,

    • Anything unusual that concerns you

    Call 911

    Call 911 if you have either of these:

    • Chest pain

    • 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.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

    Disclaimer