You did it. You went under the knife and had a surgeon fix your foot or ankle ailment. Now that the doctor’s job is over, it’s your turn as a patient to put yourself in the best position to fully recover after foot surgery. Today, we share seven tips to aid in your recovery.
1. Rest – The first thing you’ll want to do after a surgical operation is to give the injury a chance to heal in the short term, and that means staying off the foot for a little while. Odds are your doctor will tell you to elevate your foot as well, as this helps decrease swelling.
2. Get Moving – This may seem counterintuitive considering the first point, but hear us out. Rest is great in the short term, but soon enough you’re going to want to begin re-strengthening the muscles and ligaments in your foot. Sometimes a little rest is better than too much rest, so when safe, begin strengthening exercises to kickstart your rehab.
3. What’s Up, Doc? – Again playing off the above point, you’ll really want to listen to your doctor’s advice in terms of how to care for your injury, when to begin strengthening exercises, what complications to be aware of, dressing and bathing guidelines, painkiller dosage, driving or work restrictions, etc. Your doctor will provide you with a lot of information, but discuss these topics during pre-operation consultations so you can make necessary arraignments, like getting a ride home from a friend, making sure the pantry is stocked and informing your employer.
4. Nutrition – Nutrition is one of the most overlooked aspects when attempting to recover after foot surgery. Not only does your body need a range of vitamins and minerals to aid in the healing process, but because you’ll be physically limited in the days and weeks after your operation, you won’t be able to burn off excess calories as easily. Adjust your caloric intake and strive for healthy options. Your foot is already in a weakened state, don’t make rehab more difficult because you’re asking your foot to bear extra weight.
5. Mind Your Mindset – Surgery takes a physical toll on a person, but it always takes a mental toll. I’ve had patients tell me about all kinds of different post-op emotions; being bored on the couch, anxious about limited mobility, stressed about missing school or work, worried about being a burden to others or discouraged by slow healing. It’s important to stay in a good mental mindset following an operation, so keep your brain motivated. Read a book, do a crossword, or call a friend.
6. Watch Your Wound – Post-surgical complications are rare, but they do happen. Know what signs to look for and follow your doctor’s instructions for caring for your wound and changing your dressing. If you notice any signs of a problem, call your doctor.
7. Rehab and Physical Therapy – If you’re truly interested in returning to pre-injury form, you’re going to want to stick to your rehab or physical therapy schedule. You are in control of your own health, and it’s up to you to put in the work. Gradually work your strength up and stop if you ever feel pain. For specific rehab exercises, speak to your doctor or physical therapist.