Although foot or ankle surgery can knock you off your feet for a few days, there are numerous ways you can speed up your recovery process. Whether you’re recovering from bunion surgery or an Achilles operation, our goal is to get you back on your feet as quickly and painlessly as possible. Take a look at the tips below to speed up your recovery after surgery.
1. Listen to your doctor – They say ‘mother knows best’, but unless your mother is an orthopedic surgeon, your best bet for recovering after foot surgery is to follow your doctor’s orders. They’ve handled thousands of patients who have undergone similar operations, and they know firsthand which recovery techniques work best.
2. Get ample rest – Whether you’re undergoing a minimally invasion operation or a major surgery, your body is going to be at less than 100 percent after the procedure. One of the best things you can do for your body after surgery is to give it plenty of time to recover. It may be tempting to get back to work as soon as possible after an operation, but you can actually prolong your recovery and leave yourself more susceptible to re-injury if you try to get back on your feet too quickly.
3. Eat right – It may be tempting to order a pizza while you’re stuck on the couch, but because you won’t be as active after an operation, your body won’t be able to burn off as many calories as usual. If you eat the same amount of calories as normal, but get half the exercise, you’ll inevitably gain weight, which will only put more stress on your foot once it is strong enough to bear weight post-op.
4. Practice proper wound care – Caring for your wound once you leave the medical center is another important step in recovery. Follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning and caring for the wound, and change your bandages anytime they become damp or moist. Dry bandages help decrease the likelihood of infection.
5. Be aware of possible complications – Although we do everything in our power to limit complications in the days after an operation, be sure you know what symptoms to watch out for after surgery. If you notice redness or swelling in the surgical site, or if you experience dizziness or nausea, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. Sometimes these feelings are common in the hours after an operation, but other times they can indicate a serious issue. The earlier you talk to your doctor, the better.
6. Keep your mind sharp – Watching a movie can be fun if you’re forced to stay off your feet after an operation, but even something as passive as watching TV can be mentally fatiguing. Participate in activities that stimulate your brain, like reading or solving crossword puzzles to keep your brain sharp. In fact, you can head on over to our blog to check out 20 ways you can stay entertained after foot surgery. Remember, staying mentally healthy is just as important as staying physically healthy when recovering from surgery.
By following these tips, you’ll be giving your body the best chance to recover quickly and fully after an operation. If you have any questions about recovering after surgery, feel free to contact Dr. Silverman.