Care at Home after Foot Surgery

How will I feel after my surgery?

• You may feel slightly nauseated after surgery.
• You may feel light-headed, dizzy or sleepy for 24 hours after an anaesthetic.
• You may have a slight temperature for two (2) days.
• It is normal to have a slightly red, swollen incision.
• It is normal to have a small amount of oozing from pink to dark red from your incision.

• Your temperature is higher than 101°F or 38.5°C;
• You have bright red bleeding from your incision;
• You have more than a small amount of swelling around your incision; elevate the limb on pillows above heart level;
• You have changes in your circulation such as a change in colour from normal to white or blue, or persistent numbness or tingling in the limb;
• You develop an infection, e.g., increased redness, swelling and pain at your incision and/or you develop a “smelly” discharge;
• You develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, which persists after 24 hours.

• Drive a vehicle
• Operate heavy equipment
• Drink alcoholic beverages
• Smoke
• Make any important decisions.

Nutrition:

• Eat light foods for the first day, such as tea, toast, soup or Jell-O® and drink extra fluids.
• If you are diabetic, follow your doctor’s orders for diet and medication.

Activity and Exercise:

• Have a responsible adult stay with you for 24 hours.
• You will need to rest for a few days following your surgery.
• Avoid any activity that strains the area of your surgery.
• Ask your surgeon when it is safe to return to your regular activities and work.

Hygiene:

• Your surgeon will tell you when you may have a bath or shower.

Medication:

• Take only the medication for pain that your surgeon prescribes.
• Follow your surgeon’s order about when to start taking your routine medications.

Surgical Area:

• Keep area clean and dry.
• Keep the affected foot raised above the level of your heart as often as possible to reduce swelling.
• Your doctor may prescribe a special shoe to wear to protect your foot. Your doctor will advise you when to start wearing the shoe.
• If a block is done (freezing) foot may be numb for quite a few hours.

Follow-Up Care:

• Be sure to ask your surgeon if you need to return for a visit.
• By following your instructions and taking good care of yourself you should recover quickly and safely.