Best Way to Get Around After Foot Surgery
One of the best ways to get around after foot surgery is to follow the instructions for non-weight-bearing activity. After learning the non-weightbearing instructions, you can plan your way to stay mobile. Hopefully, you’ll be back to your old self in no time! Read on to learn how to stay mobile after foot surgery. Listed below are some helpful tips for recovering from foot surgery.
Non-weight-bearing
Despite the fact that you aren’t allowed to use your feet for weight-bearing activities for a while after foot surgery, you can still get around by using assistive walking devices, such as knee scooters or crutches. Before you go under the knife, think about which device you’ll use and which one will make it easier for you to walk around. Some medical centers can lend you crutches or other assistive devices.
In some cases, you may be able to use crutches during your recovery, but they require too much upper body strength. A roller aid can be a good alternative to crutches, since it allows you to glide around without wearing out your upper body. Other patients might also benefit from a walker or iWalk. Your surgeon will give you the best recommendation based on your specific condition.
Elevating
Post-foot-surgery patients should elevate their legs, as this will help with healing. The problem with this method, though, is that it increases pain, swelling, and the risk of infection. To begin, sit with your back flat and legs elevated above your heart. Then, place 2 pillows under each foot. Continue to elevate the foot for at least 48 hours after the procedure. Ultimately, this will help reduce swelling and pain, as well as decrease the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Keeping the leg elevated after foot surgery is critical for preventing fluid from collecting in the foot. Make sure that you keep your leg elevated when you are sitting or lying down. Taking an NSAID medication can also help reduce swelling and pain. Be sure not to take too many as this can interact with the pain medications you are taking. You will also want to practice using your ambulatory aid as directed by your orthopedist.
Resting
Following your doctor’s orders is crucial for your recovery after foot surgery. You need to avoid exerting too much pressure on the foot and avoid exerting too much weight. Putting too much pressure on the foot will lead to swelling, inflammation, and pain, so it’s important to limit your mobility. If you cannot do it on your own, use crutches or a wheelchair to get around.
Elevating your foot while resting helps reduce pain and swelling. It can be uncomfortable to elevate your foot while resting. Try placing 2 pillows underneath your foot to keep it elevated off the floor. Make sure to keep it elevated for 48 to 72 hours. Your physical therapist or physician will provide more detailed instructions regarding your specific recovery. If you have any questions, please ask your physical therapist or physician.
Pain medication
The best way to get around after foot surgery is to follow your podiatrist’s instructions for the recovery period. Many procedures require patients to rest their foot for 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. In some cases, the patient must limit their walking to the bathroom only. The procedure may also require a patient to be non-weight bearing on crutches, which means they cannot put any weight on their foot and must keep their foot elevated.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to reduce swelling and ease pain. These medications include ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, celecoxib, ketorolac, and acetaminophen. Nonopioid pain relievers may include ketamine, morphine, and midazolam. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also contain a psychoactive ingredient.
