For the First 24 hours After Surgery• For your own safety a responsible adult must drive you home

• Someone responsible should stay with you for the first 24 hours

• Do not stand or walk without assistance

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery

• Do not drink alcohol or eat a heavy meal

• Do not make important personal or business decisions, or sign important papers.

Diet

• Begin with liquids and light food (Jello, Soups etc.)

• Progress to your normal diet if you are not nauseated

• Fluids are encouraged

• High fiber diets are recommended because some pain medications can cause constipation

Activity

• No walking other than to the bathroom or kitchen for the first 3 to 5 days

• No more than 10 minutes of standing or walking per hour for the first 3 to 5 days

• Use pillows to elevate your foot above chest level for the first 3 to 5 days

• After the first 3 to 5 days continue to elevate your foot as much as possible

• After the first 3 to 5 days light activity only

Wound Care

• Keep your dressing dry. Sponge bathing is recommended

• If your dressing becomes wet call your surgeon immediately. (The incidence of infection increases if the dressing becomes wet.)

• Bleeding can occur after your surgical procedure. If you notice a small amount of blood on your dressing don’t be overly concerned. If your dressing becomes saturated call your surgeon for instructions.

• Apply ice to your foot and ankle for 20 minute out of every 2 hours for the first 3 to 5 days and then as it feels comfortable.

• If you have an Ace bandage that feels too tight you may reapply it so that it is looser.

• Your post-operative shoe should be worn with all walking activity with weight bearing as directed by your surgeon.

Medications

• A long-acting local anesthetic has been added to the surgical site which will eliminate pain for the first 8-12 hours post-operatively.

• The anti-inflammatory Toradol (Ketorolac) may have been prescribed to you for pain relief. If so, take this medication with 8.0 ounces of fluid or a meal every 6 hours as directed until complete. If stomach distress is encountered discontinue this medication.

• If a narcotic pain medication has been prescribed for you begin taking this medication as prescribed as soon as the pain begins. This can be taken in conjunction with an anti-inflammatory without adverse reaction. If nausea or vomiting occurs with this medication call your surgeon immediately.

• Pain usually peaks within the first two to three days and then continues to improve.

• You may resume your regular medications.

When to Call Your Physician: San Luis Podiatry Group

• More than slightly bloody drainage

• Signs of infection: swelling, heat, redness, red streaks, pus, temperature over 101°, any disruption of the surgical site

• Pain that is not controlled by your prescribed medications

• Nausea

If you have any concerns questions or concerns regarding your post-operative instructions give the office a call at:

San Luis Obispo
(805)543-7788
1551 Bishop Street, 210B
San Luis Obispo, Ca 93401

Templeton
(805)434-2009
1101 Las Tablas Road, Suite K
Templeton, Ca 93465