Discharge Instructions for Foot Surgery
  Arrange to have an adult drive you home after surgery. If you had general anesthesia, it may take 1 or more days to fully recover. So for at least the next 24 hours: 
  
  
    Diet
    Here are some dietary suggestions following surgery:  
    
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Start with liquids and light foods, like dry toast, bananas, and applesauce. As you feel up to it, slowly return to your normal diet. 
       
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Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water or other nonalcoholic fluids a day. 
       
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To prevent nausea, eat before taking narcotic pain medicines. 
       
    
   
  
    Medicines
    It's important to follow these directions:  
    
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Take all medicines as advised. 
       
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Take pain medicines on time. Don't wait until the pain is bad before taking your medicines. 
       
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Don't drink alcohol while taking pain medicines. 
       
    
   
  
    Activity
    These instructions are to help with your recovery:  
    
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Sit or lie down when possible. Put a pillow or 2 under your heel to raise your foot above the level of your heart. 
       
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Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen peas in a thin cloth. Place it over your bandaged foot for no longer than 20 minutes. Do this  3 times a day. 
       
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Ask your surgeon when you can resume driving. 
       
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Wear your surgical shoe as advised if you were given one. 
       
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Use crutches or a cane as directed. 
       
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Follow your surgeon's instructions about putting weight on your foot. 
       
    
   
  
    Bandage and cast care
    Here are tips to follow: 
    
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Ask your provider when you can take a shower. 
       
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When you can shower, cover the bandage, splint, or cast with a plastic bag to keep it dry. 
       
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Don’t remove your bandage until your healthcare provider tells you to. If your bandage gets wet or dirty, check with your provider. You can likely replace it with a clean, dry one. 
       
    
   
  
    What to expect
    It's normal to have the following: 
    
   
  
    Call your healthcare provider
    Contact your surgeon right away if you have any of the following:  
    
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Continuous bleeding through the bandage 
       
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Excessive swelling or increased bleeding 
       
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Warmth or redness around the dressing or surgical site 
       
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Fever over 100.4°F (38°C), or as advised by your surgeon 
       
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Chills
       
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Pain unrelieved by pain medicines 
       
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Foot feels cold to the touch or numb 
       
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Increased pain in your leg or foot 
       
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Swelling in the calf above the treated foot,
       
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Anything unusual that concerns you 
       
    
   
  
    Call 911
    Call 911 if you have either of these: 
    
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Chest pain
       
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Shortness of breath
       
    
   
 
				
			 
			
				
				
				
				
				
						Online Medical Reviewer:
						Rahul Banerjee MD
						
					
						
Online Medical Reviewer:
						Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
						
					
						
Online Medical Reviewer:
						Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
						
					
				
			
					Date Last Reviewed:
					9/1/2023
					
				
		
				
				
			
					© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.