Post-Operative Instructions and Information

Proper care during the post-operative period is an integral part of your surgical treatment program. It is imperative that these instructions are followed to ensure proper healing and to obtain the best results.

1. Go directly home. Keep your foot elevated in the car.
2. Elevate your feet above your heart keeping your knees bent slightly.
3. If necessary, bedding may be kept from irritating the surgical site by use of a cardboard box to cradle the covers over the feet.
4. Limited swelling is expected. Occasionally, the skin may take on a bruised appearance. This is normal. The ends of the toes should be a healthy pink color that blanches when you touch them. The healthy pink color should return within 3 to 4 seconds after touching them.
5. Keep your bandages/cast clean and dry. DO NOT remove the bandages or inspect the wound. A small amount of blood on the bandages is normal. If you see excessive bleeding, call your doctor.
6. NO SHOWERS. Cover the bandages with a plastic bag and hang your leg outside the tub while bathing. If you have been instructed to sponge bathe, do so. You must keep this area completely dry. If you get your dressings wet, CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
7. Exercise your leg frequently by bending your knees and ankles to stimulate circulation and speed healing. Lay on your back with your foot in the air. Bend and straighten your knee and ankle.
8. Have your prescriptions filled and take your medications as directed. If medications cause stomach upset, headache, rash, or other abnormal reactions, discontinue their use and CALL THE DOCTOR.
9. Discontinue the use of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.
10. Do not operate machinery, drive a car, or make any important decisions for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
11. If you have a surgical shoe, cast shoe, crutches, walker, or wheelchair, use them as directed and instructed.
12. Limit your activities to bathroom privileges only the first three days following surgery.
    You may place your weight on your foot only while wearing the surgical boot/shoe
    • You may only put weight on your heel while wearing the surgical boot/shoe
    • You may not put any weight on your foot until otherwise instructed by your doctor
    • You may not put any weight on your cast and should walk only with the crutches/walker
    • You may put weight on the cast while using crutches/walker to stabilize you
    • Use crutches/walker as directed
13. You should get plenty of rest with the foot elevated. Drink plenty of fluids. Start off eating light with some fluids, soup, etc. Slowly progress to a normal, well-balanced diet.
14. Take your temperature three times each day until your follow-up visit. Do not drink or eat anything hot or cold within thirty minutes of taking your temperature.
    Call your doctor immediately if your temperature is 100 degrees or greater.
15. Do not stay alone for the first 24 hours following surgery. A responsible adult should be with you.
16. If you have any problems, concerns, or questions, call your doctor anytime. She is available 24 hours a day. Also contact the doctor immediately if: Office 770-745-4224 Pager (emergencies only) 770-332-0988
    • You should bump or injure the surgical site
    • Your medications do not stop your discomfort

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