Podiatrist Offices Conveniently Located In Kenilworth, Bayonne, Little Ferry & Montclair New Jersey

Innovative Foot & Ankle

Footnotes / Blog

Monday, December 20th, 2010 Sean Kaufman

Understanding Recovery

All foot or ankle surgeries require a recovery period to allow bones and soft tissues to heal properly. Depending on the type of surgery, your weight-bearing status will vary in degree and duration. In all cases, staying off your feet as much as possible during the first 48 hours is essential to reduce swelling and postoperative pain. Limit activity to only restroom and mealtime breaks.

If prescribed a surgical shoe or boot, it is crucial to wear it at all times—including during sleep for the first few nights—to prevent accidental injury to the surgical site.

Bandage Care

  • Keep bandages dry and clean: Use commercially available shower bags from your local pharmacy when bathing to prevent moisture.
  • Normal bleeding: A small amount of blood on the bandage is typical and not a cause for alarm. However, contact your doctor immediately if bleeding is larger than the size of a silver dollar.

Pain Management

Postoperative pain is normal, but several measures can help minimize discomfort:

  1. Pain medication: Take the prescribed pain pill as soon as you feel the first hint of pain. Painkillers work more effectively when pain is minimal.
  2. Elevation: Keep your foot elevated above heart level (using 2-3 pillows) to reduce swelling.
  3. Ice application: Apply ice to safe areas such as behind the knee, inside the ankle, or on top of the ankle. Avoid placing ice directly over the bulky bandage near the incision. Use a 20-minutes-on, 40-minutes-off schedule while awake during the first two days.
  4. Bandage adjustment: If pain persists, check if the ace bandage is too tight. Loosen it gently while leaving the gauze bandage underneath intact.

When to Call the Office

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Bandages become saturated with blood
  • Pain persists despite following the above measures
  • Fever of 100°F or higher
  • Injury or bump to the surgical site
  • Adverse reactions to medication (e.g., rash, itching, shortness of breath, severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea)
  • Calf pain
  • Bandages become wet
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