Pre-Operative Instructions and Information
- Wash feet thoroughly twice daily.
- Clean the toenails thoroughly. Remove all polish.
- Please refrain from wearing tight fitting garments.
- Please be prompt for your scheduled surgery.
- Please have someone available to drive you home after your surgery.
- If there are any questions regarding the surgery or fees involved, please call the office.
- If you have a post operative shoe, bring it on the date of surgery.
- After surgery, you can immediately relieve foot discomfort and aid rapid recovery with bed rest and elevation of the foot. It is important to keep your foot constantly elevated above the heart level for the first few days. Apply an ice pack to the area.
- Take your prescribed medications as instructed.
- Don't mix alcohol with medications.
- Wear post-operative shoes as prescribed. DON'T walk even one step without them on.
- Keep your bandages clean and dry. DON'T remove the bandages or inspect the wound.
- Occasionally, slight bleeding will show through the bandage; this is normal. However, should continued bleeding persist, call the office immediately.
- Eat a well-balanced diet and drink fluids. Avoid spicy foods, excessive pastries or candies.
- It is best to walk for a short period of time, followed by a rest period and elevation of your feet. Remember to walk only with your special post-operative shoes.
- SOME DON'TS
- Do not sit with your feet down or stand up for any length of time. This may cause feet to swell or throb.
- Do not cross your legs. This cuts off circulation to the foot and causes swelling.
- NOTE: If your feet do swell, lie down and prop them up on pillows so that your feet are higher than your hips. Keep one pillow behind your knee. This will allow the congested blood to leave your feet, thus relieving the pressure.
- Do not remove the surgical bandages.
- Do not apply heat to your feet.
- WHEN TO CALL THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY
- If the bandages become saturated when bleeding persists.
- If the medication makes you sick or does not stop your pain.
- If you develop a fever.
- If you should bump or injure your foot.
To insure good results from your foot surgery, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.
If you have an emergency after hours, please call Dr. Reese at the office and leave a message 434-447-3395.