Surgery can address a number of different foot and ankle issues that you may develop, and oftentimes the final step in the operative process is to close the incision site with stitches. Stitches help to close an opening on the skin, allowing for better healing and working to keep bacteria out of a wound site, but since the surgical site won’t heal overnight, you’ll need to be mindful of providing the right environment for healing to take place. In today’s blog, we share some tips for managing stitches on your feet and ankles.
Protecting Stitches On Your Feet
The skin being held in place by your stitches will take weeks to fully heal, so you’ll want to be mindful of how you care for your incision site in the days that follow your operation. You’ll need to be extra careful with stitches on your feet, and this area may be more prone to irritation or bacteria contamination than other areas of your skin. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when working to help the stitches on your feet heal.
1. Keep The Area Dry – Sweat and moisture can soften the skin, which can lead to skin reopening or make it easier for bacteria to infiltrate. Keep your feet dry and avoid wearing heavy socks that could cause your feet to sweat. Wear waterproof coverings if you need to take a shower.
2. Regular Cleanings – Make it a point to clean the area at least once a day. Avoid getting the stitches wet, but try to clean the incision site and the area around your wound. Replace bandages with clean ones, especially if your incision site has any drainage, which can be common in the days immediately following surgery.
3. Know The Signs Of An Infection – Keep an eye out for the signs of an infection. The most common signs include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discolored Discharge
- Heat
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Sensitivity
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to your surgeon.
4. Don’t Touch – Unless you’re cleaning the area, don’t touch the area with your hands. Playing with your stitches or touching the area can bring germs to the surgical site and greatly increase your risk of an infection. Touching the area could also loosen the stitches, leading to poor wound healing.
5. Healthy Eating – Consume a range of healthy vitamins and nutrients to promote tissue recovery and keep your immune system functioning properly, both of which are important when working to help your skin heal correctly after surgery.