Discharge Instructions for Foot Surgery
Arrange to have an adult drive you home after surgery. If you had general anesthesia, it may take a day or more to fully recover. So, for at least the next 24 hours: Do not drive or use machinery or power tools; do not drink alcohol; and do not make any major decisions.
Diet
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Start with liquids and light foods (such as 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 avoid nausea, eat before taking narcotic pain medications.
Medications
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Take all medications as instructed.
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Take pain medications on time. Do not wait until the pain is bad before taking your medications.
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Avoid alcohol while on pain medications.
Activity
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Sit or lie down when possible. Put a pillow 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 time(s) a day. -
You can drive again in
7 days or as instructed by your physician. -
Wear your surgical shoe at all times unless told otherwise by your healthcare provider.
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Use crutches or a cane as directed.
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Follow your doctor’s instructions about putting weight on your foot.
Bandage and Cast Care
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Do not shower for
48 hours. -
When you can shower again, cover the bandage or cast with a plastic bag to keep it dry.
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Don’t remove your bandage until your doctor tells you to. If your bandage gets wet or dirty, check with your doctor. You can likely replace it with a clean, dry one.
What to Expect
It is normal to have the following:
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Bruising and slight swelling of the foot and toes
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A small amount of blood on the dressing
Call the doctor if you have:
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Continuous bleeding through the bandage
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Excessive swelling, increased bleeding, or redness
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Fever over
100.4 °F or chills -
Pain unrelieved by pain medications
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Foot feels cold to the touch or numb
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Increased ache in your leg or foot
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Chest pain or shortness of breath
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Anything unusual that concerns you
