Arrange to have an adult drive you home after surgery. If you had general anesthesia, it may take 1 or more days to fully recover. So for at least the next
Don't use machinery or power tools.
Don't drink alcohol.
Don't make any major decisions.
Here are some dietary suggestions following surgery:
Start with liquids and light foods, like dry toast, bananas, and applesauce. As you feel up to it, slowly return to your normal diet.
Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water or other nonalcoholic fluids a day.
To prevent nausea, eat before taking narcotic pain medicines.
It's important to follow these directions:
Take all medicines as advised.
Take pain medicines on time. Don't wait until the pain is bad before taking your medicines.
Don't drink alcohol while taking pain medicines.
These instructions are to help with your recovery:
Sit or lie down when possible. Put a pillow or 2 under your heel to raise your foot above the level of your heart.
Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen peas in a thin cloth. Place it over your bandaged foot for no longer than
Ask your surgeon when you can resume driving.
Wear your surgical shoe as advised if you were given one.
Use crutches or a cane as directed.
Follow your surgeon's instructions about putting weight on your foot.
Here are tips to follow:
Ask your provider when you can take a shower.
When you can shower, cover the bandage, splint, or cast with a plastic bag to keep it dry.
Don’t remove your bandage until your healthcare provider tells you to. If your bandage gets wet or dirty, check with your provider. You can likely replace it with a clean, dry one.
It's normal to have the following:
Bruising and slight swelling of the foot and toes
A small amount of blood on the dressing
Contact your surgeon right away if you have any of the following:
Continuous bleeding through the bandage
Excessive swelling or increased bleeding
Warmth or redness around the dressing or surgical site
Fever over 100.4°F (38°C), or as advised by your surgeon
Chills
Pain unrelieved by pain medicines
Foot feels cold to the touch or numb
Increased pain in your leg or foot
Swelling in the calf above the treated foot,
Anything unusual that concerns you
Call
Chest pain
Shortness of breath