Nobody likes having surgery, especially if it means having to stay off of your feet! With the upcoming holidays, now’s the perfect time to start considering having your operation, so you can start the healing process in time to enjoy the season. For a successful recovery, though, it’s essential that you follow all post-op foot care orders so you can heal up properly and get back to enjoying life on your feet!
Like any operation, it’s important to be prepared. Foot surgery comes with its own set of unique obstacles, because it can leave you immobile for a period of time. You need to not only prepare yourself, but your home as well. To make post-op foot care easier, here are some things to keep in mind:
- You will want to equip your shower with a chair and a hand held shower head.
- Reclining chairs with a foot rest are a comfortable way to elevate your foot, which helps reduce swelling along with using ice.
- You will need to use crutches, a cane, walker, scooter, or wheelchair. At first, mobility will be very limited, but as time passes you may be able to get by with simply a cane.
- A bed hoist can help a caretaker or loved one move you to and from the bed.
- You won’t be able to climb (and possibly even stand), so consider investing in a grabber tool to help you reach things.
It’s a good idea to have a caregiver come and help you run errands. You can also utilize the help of a willing loved one who can get you to your follow-up visits, too. Have plenty of easy to prepare meals on hand. It’s also a wise idea to have a cordless phone as well as a good Internet connection. If you are prepared, it will be easier to adhere to strict instructions of rest, elevating your foot, and keeping it clean and dry. Remember—hurrying the healing process will hinder it! Be patient along with being prepared, and you will be back on your feet in no time.
For more information regarding post-op foot care call Dr. Peyman Elison and Dr. Viedra Elison at (623) 584-5556 to schedule an appointment at Fixing Feet Institute in Surprise, AZ.
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