The Best Way to Prepare For Foot Surgery

The best way to prepare for foot surgery involves avoiding activities that will require you to walk with your foot hanging down. You should also avoid running errands and doing small household tasks while you are recovering from the procedure. Make arrangements to have someone else take care of these tasks while you are recuperating. In addition, you should be sure to take anti-inflammatory pain medication in advance of the surgery. Your doctor will provide you with instructions on the best way to prepare for foot surgery.

Pre-operative planning

Before undergoing any type of foot surgery, patients should learn about the process of pre-operative planning. Pre-operative planning will help ensure the patient is in the best possible condition for the procedure. Pre-operative planning involves the evaluation of your medical history, a review of your medical history and a thorough examination of your foot. Your doctor may also order lab tests to assess your overall health and fitness for the surgery. He or she will also review the medications you’re taking and recommend any necessary changes to them.

Packing your bag

While you’re in the hospital, you’re probably not going to have a lot of time to do things. Make sure to take the prescribed medications on time. If you’re taking pain medications, you’ll need to limit alcohol intake while you’re taking them. Sit as much as possible during the first few days. Also, you should elevate your foot above heart level as much as possible. If you can’t sit, place an ice pack on the bandaged foot for 20 minutes. After surgery, you can drive home with a surgical shoe, but you’ll need to use crutches or canes to get around.

Taking anti-inflammatory pain medication

Preparing for foot surgery can include taking anti-inflammatory pain medication. If your doctor has prescribed it, make sure to have a few days of supplies on hand. You should also talk to your physician about your pain management needs and what you’ve done in the past to relieve pain during surgery. This will allow you to better manage your pain during recovery. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society provides information on this site for educational purposes only.

Avoiding nicotine

Many surgeons will strongly recommend that you stop smoking before undergoing foot or ankle surgery. Smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of death, accounting for one in five deaths worldwide. However, it is not clear when smoking should be stopped before foot and ankle surgery. Some foot and ankle surgeons will advise you to stop smoking at least a week prior to your surgery. This will help your recovery from the surgery and reduce the risk of complications.

Avoiding activities that will require you to put weight on your surgical foot or ankle

If you have just had a foot or ankle surgery, it’s important to follow all post-surgical instructions carefully. During the first few weeks after surgery, avoid weight-bearing activities. This will help your body recover more quickly. It will also help you manage pain. If you haven’t been advised to stop activity, your orthopedist can recommend exercises that will help you stay active.