Post-Surgery Home Care

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              OUT PATIENT POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

           For surgery performed in a Surgery Center or Hospital.
Now that we have performed your surgery, we are very concerned with your prompt and complete recovery. In order to prevent possible complications and help you achieve the best results, we urge you to follow these instructions carefully.

  • Go directly home and keep your feet elevated on the way home.
  • Elevate your foot/feet through the weekend and for several days following surgery as necessary.  This will reduce any swelling and pain. Avoid prolonged standing or walking until your doctor advises that you may do so.
    While sitting or lying down, keep your feet propped up on a chair or pillow, preferably at or above the level of your heart.
  • Take pain medication every 4-6 hours during the day of surgery. After this point, take pain medication on an as needed basis every 4-6 hours. Post-operative pain that is not controlled by pain medication should be reported to your doctor.
  • Apply an ice bag to the top of your foot or ankle ( or the back of the knee if you have a cast) for 20 minutes out of each hour for the first 3-5 days after surgery. Do not apply an ice bag overnight.
  • DO NOT REMOVE BANDAGES OR CAST!! KEEP BANDAGES/CAST CLEAN AND DRY.
    Your doctor will change the bandages at the first visit after your surgery.  Contact the doctor if your bandage were to get wet. Wet bandages need to be changed as soon as possible by the doctor to reduce the risk of infection.
  • The first visit should be 3-5 days after surgery and the second visit should be 12-14 days after surgery.
  • Wear the postoperative shoe whenever you stand or walk directing weight towards the heel.
  • Certain surgeries require you to be non-weight bearing for multiple weeks to allow proper healing. This is accomplished with crutches, a walker or wheelchair.  A physical therapist at the hospital or medical assistant in the office will show you the best methods to ambulate effectively. Start slowly and take extra precautions to avoid any falls that may compromise your surgery.
  • If you are wearing a cast which feels tight and your toes become blue, tingling or numb, call the doctor immediately.
  • A small amount of bleeding through the bandage is normal. If the bleeding continues and the bandage becomes soaked, call your doctor.
  • Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat well balanced meals to promote good healing.
Please feel fre to contact the office at any time should you have any questions or concerns. For your convenience, the doctor is available 24 hours a day by calling our office at (504) 264-3668.

Wishing You a Speedy Recovery..........................................................................    from the family of Panepinto Podiatry !