After a foot or ankle surgery, taking good care of yourself is important. It can take a couple of weeks or months to get back on your feet. It is important to note that recovery might not always be easy, but with the right support from your caregivers, you can heal and recover quickly. Following your doctor’s instructions is usually the first step to achieving a quick and full recovery after surgery. However, you can find it difficult to stay motivated as time progresses. If you suffer from a severe ankle and foot condition, consult Dr. Jeffrey E. McAlister to determine whether you are eligible for surgery. If eligible, follow these five simple tips below to achieve a safe, speedy, and comfortable recovery.
- Eat Healthily
Eat healthy foods to give your body the necessary nutrients for faster healing. Eating healthy can also reduce the risk of infections and increase strength and energy after a surgical procedure. Avoid eating unhealthy foods that can make you add more weight. Increased weight can cause pressure on your ankles and feet, slowing healing. Before returning home after surgery, ensure a guided list from your doctor about which foods to consume and which to avoid.
- Avoid Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol can be a trigger for clotting. It is best to avoid it for at least two weeks after surgery because it can weaken blood flow and increase the risk of blood clots. It can also increase your blood pressure, which can cause you to bleed more easily.
If you take pain medications after surgery, drinking alcohol may lead to drowsiness or dizziness that could increase the risk of injury to your foot. If this happens after your foot and ankle surgery, contact your doctor immediately to avoid further health complications.
- Elevate Your Legs When Sitting or Lying Down
It is important to keep your legs elevated when sitting or lying down to help prevent blood clots. Place your foot on a stationary surface such as a chair or table when sitting. If you are lying down, place one foot on a pillow to maintain proper blood flow. Elevating your foot can also help minimize pain and swelling, common occurrences after surgery. As a result, it can speed up healing and make you comfortable throughout recovery.
- Get Plenty of Rest
Rest is a key part of recovery. Getting plenty of rest after the surgery is important, as this will help your body heal and recover faster. Resting allows the body to repair itself, which helps prevent infection and other complications. To help you get the best rest possible during your recovery, take frequent breaks from activities such as walking or standing. Limit heavy lifting for at least six weeks after surgery.
- Take Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
You may be able to take ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen if you need pain medication. These medications are usually effective during foot and ankle surgery recovery care. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the release of chemicals that cause inflammation in your body.
Aspirin also blocks the release of these chemicals, but it does so by changing how your body breaks down blood. Acetaminophen is an analgesic for pain relief. It is similar to aspirin except that they have different effects on blood clotting ability.
If you or a loved one has been through the foot and ankle surgery, following the above tips can help make recovery easier. While getting back on your feet after foot and ankle surgery might not be easy, following your doctor’s advice can help you move quickly.
If you have any concerns about your recovery process, do not hesitate to contact your doctor immediately. Also, remember to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor our progress and ensure healing is taking place.