POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

These instructions are important in helping you rehabilitate from your surgery. Please follow them carefully. If there is anything you do not understand, please ask.

RestIt is important that you rest and keep your foot elevated as much as possible for the first 7-10 days to encourage healing and discourage wound break down.

Pain Management
Pain is better treated before it arrives. A regular regime of pain killers taken in the post-operative phase is very important. It’s recommended that you take regular analgesic, whilst pain is moderate to severe, however after that period it is recommended that you take regular up until your post-operative visit.

Please take analgesic 2 hours prior to your post-operative appointment.
Two hours before going to bed take two analgesic to help you sleep.
There is no need for you to be in constant pain.
Elevation
Swelling can delay wound healing and cause the wound to break down. Swelling can be due to over activity and not keeping your foot elevated and this can also increase the risk of infection. Place your operated leg on two pillows so that it is above the level of your hip when you are lying down. The use of ice packs (or frozen peas, beans etc.) can be a very effective way of reducing swelling. Place the ice pack in a towel over the ankle or foot for 20 minutes 3-4 times per day.

Exercise
While you are resting it is important that you do passive gentle movement exercises. This is to encourage your blood flow, muscle strengthening and prevention of joint stiffness. The exercise information given to you by your surgeon or the physiotherapist is designed to help you with your rehabilitation and to gain the best results after surgery. Continue with your exercises once you are home and up until your post-operative appointment.

Dressings
Keep your bandages/cast clean and dry. Leave in tact until your post-operative appointment. When showering/bathing, wrap the dressings or cast in a plastic kitchen or garbage bag and seal the top of the bag above your dressings with tape.