DISCHARGE AND AFTERCARE

Discharge Instructions for Foot Surgery

January 24, 2018

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.

  • Do not 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 avoid nausea, eat before taking narcotic pain medicines.

Medicines

It is important to follow these directions: 

  • Take all medicines as instructed.

  • Take pain medicines on time. Do not wait until the pain is bad before taking your medicines.

  • Avoid alcohol while on 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.

  • You can drive again in 7 days or as instructed by your healthcare provider.

  • Wear your surgical shoe at all times unless told otherwise by your healthcare provider.

  • Use crutches or a cane as directed.

  • Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about putting weight on your foot.

Bandage and cast care

Here are tips to follow: 

  • Do not shower for 48 hours.

  • When you can shower again, 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 healthcare provider. You can likely replace it with a clean, dry one.

What to expect

It is 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 healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following: 

  • Continuous bleeding through the bandage

  • Excessive swelling, increased bleeding, or redness

  • Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) or chills

  • Pain unrelieved by pain medicines

  • Foot feels cold to the touch or numb

  • Increased pain in your leg or foot

  • Chest pain or shortness of breath

  • Anything unusual that concerns you

Updated:  

January 24, 2018

Sources:  

Eby A. Care of the post-op foot surgery patient: A chronic or acute foot disorder may mean surgery for your patient. We give you the 411 on post-op care. Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! 2008;6(6):18-25

Reviewed By:  

Joseph, Thomas N., MD,Walton-Ziegler, Olivia, MS, PA-C