People who come into a Podiatrist’s office with serious foot conditions can sometimes need surgery. This is completely normal and is the recommended treatment method when other options will not prove to be effective.
While you may be apprehensive about foot surgery, a Podiatrist makes this recommendation because they know it will be the best treatment for you. Now, before you actually arrive for your surgery, there are a few things you can do to help yourself feel more prepared after you arrive home for recovery.
Preparing the House
When you have time before your surgery, you can do a few things to prepare your house to make it easier to get day-to-day tasks done. For example, if your bedroom in your house is upstairs, you want to consider making a sleeping space downstairs to avoid needing to walk up and down.
You can also prepare some loose-fitting clothing to make it easier when dressing and undressing, especially if you can’t put any weight on your foot. You’ll also want to stock up on any essential items that might run out during your recovery time. This eliminates the need to drive anywhere until your foot is healed.
To mitigate the need for standing on your feet for extended periods of time, you can also prep some meals that would otherwise take time to cook. Consider freezing meals or using a crockpot to shorten prep time.
All of these little things will make a difference when you’re trying to recover from surgery.
Avoid Driving After Surgery
After foot surgery, you will not be able to drive, which is why it’s recommended to bring someone with you or coordinate a ride. It’s also discouraged to drive even 1-2 weeks after driving because it is difficult to elevate your leg, or you might be on certain medications. It’s best to arrange someone to drive you when necessary during your recovery time.
Personal Care After Surgery
If you received a cast after your surgery, you want to ensure you are avoiding getting it wet. Otherwise, it can lead to an infection in the incision. To properly cover your foot, wrap some plastic bags around your foot and safely secure them with duct tape. Place a towel in any openings to prevent water from leaking in.
As you can see, there are not many things needed to be done in order to prep for your surgery. Keep in mind that your Podiatrist has years of specialized experience in this field and is capable of handling your surgery.
If you are scheduled for surgery and have questions, feel free to reach out and we would be happy to help.