There are many reasons why you may experience pain or discomfort in your ankle or foot. Some of these reasons may include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or another serious injury. Whatever the case may be, a podiatrist will address the issue by first considering a non-surgical treatment option. Should these options fail, then he or she will pursue surgical options, which are often necessary when you have stress or sports-related injuries, an ankle deformity, degenerative arthritis, or a forefoot condition. In the event that a surgical procedure is needed, here are a few tips that will help you ensure that your recovery is as quick and smooth as possible.
Keep Your Foot Elevated
Following your surgery, you are likely to experience some discomfort and pain, along with some numbness, due to fluid buildup. To help alleviate this, you will want to keep your foot elevated while you are resting. This is important for at least the first week after your surgery but can be possibly longer if dictated by your surgeon.
Apply Ice Packs
To help reduce the swelling and pain, you should apply ice packs to the area. This can be incredibly beneficial, but it is important that you do not leave the ice packs on bare skin for longer than about 20 minutes at a time. Otherwise, you may end up with frostbite. If you have properly dressed your foot or have the ice pack wrapped in a towel, your surgeon may suggest using the ice packs for a longer period of time since these barriers will protect your skin from frostbite. Ideally, you should consult with your surgeon for his or her recommendation first.
Clean Your Cast Regularly
If your cast gets wet and is left that way, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, potentially leading to a terrible infection. When you wake a shower, make sure to use a couple of plastic bags to cover the cast or get a cover that is designed specifically for casts. In the event that it does get wet, make sure to dry it immediately.
Get Plenty of Rest
As you are recovering from surgery, it is imperative that you get sufficient rest. This will help speed up your recovery more than just about anything else. You will need to take off a couple of weeks from work, even if it is a desk job, to ensure that you are able to rest properly. If you have a physically demanding job, you will probably need more time off of work. Your surgeon will discuss how many weeks or months it will be before you can return to work in partial or full capacity.
For more information, contact a foot and ankle specialist in your area.
Share6 July 2021
When I started jogging daily, I didn't think that anything could get in the way of a decent workout. I focused on my speed, endurance, and technique, and after a few months, I felt like I was really doing great. Unfortunately, I started developing trouble with a bunion on my foot, which made me think twice about hitting the road. I decided to talk with my podiatrist about the problem, and he told me I needed to have surgery. It was a difficult recovery, but my podiatrist saved my exercise routine. I want you to know how a professional could help, so read my blog.