Discharge Instructions for Foot Surgery

Start with liquids and light foods, like dry toast, bananas, and applesauce. As you feel up to it, slowly return to your normal diet.

Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water or other nonalcoholic fluids a day.

To prevent nausea, eat before taking narcotic pain medicines.

Take all medicines as advised.

Take pain medicines on time. Don't wait until the pain is bad before taking your medicines.

Don't drink alcohol while taking pain medicines.

Sit or lie down when possible. Put a pillow or 2 under your heel to raise your foot above the level of your heart.

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.

Ask your surgeon when you can resume driving.

Wear your surgical shoe as advised if you were given one.

Use crutches or a cane as directed.

Follow your surgeon's instructions about putting weight on your foot.

Ask your provider when you can take a shower.

When you can shower, cover the bandage, splint, or cast with a plastic bag to keep it dry.

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.

Bruising and slight swelling of the foot and toes

A small amount of blood on the dressing

Continuous bleeding through the bandage

Excessive swelling or increased bleeding

Warmth or redness around the dressing or surgical site

Fever over 100.4°F (38°C), or as advised by your surgeon

Chills

Pain unrelieved by pain medicines

Foot feels cold to the touch or numb

Increased pain in your leg or foot

Swelling in the calf above the treated foot,

Anything unusual that concerns you

Chest pain

Shortness of breath