5 Things to Do Before Your Foot Surgery

Whether you’re getting a bunion corrected, a hammertoe fixed, or an old injury repaired, getting foot surgery is a big step toward living a pain-free life. But before you let us at Goldsmith Podiatry take care of you, there is a bit of prep you should do. Recovering from foot surgery can be a logistical challenge, so here are 5 ways to make your transition from the operating room to the couch as smooth as possible.

1. Map Out Your Home

Before your appointment, set up your living room or bedroom. Make sure you have a comfortable spot where you can keep your foot elevated above your heart, which will be crucial for keeping swelling down.

Also, stock your side table with the essentials: your phone charger, TV remote, snacks, water, and any pain medications we prescribe to you.

2. Arrange Your Aftercare

This might seem obvious, but you probably shouldn’t drive yourself home after surgery, and you likely won't be driving for a few weeks if the surgery is on your right foot.

Be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up and, if you live alone, stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours.

3. Clear the Runway

Take a walk through your house and look for trip hazards. Things like loose throw rugs, electrical cords, or even your pet’s toys can be dangerous when you are navigating on crutches, a knee scooter, or a walking boot.

If you have a two-story house, consider setting up a temporary sleeping area on the ground floor to avoid stairs entirely for the first week.

4. Meal Prep

You probably won't feel like standing at the stove to cook a three-course meal while balancing on one foot. A few days before surgery, prepare some easy-to-heat meals and stock up on simple snacks.

High-protein foods and plenty of fiber are your best friends during recovery because they help with healing and keep your digestion moving while you are less active than usual.

5. Get Your Post-Op Gear Ready

Your podiatrist will give you a list of things you’ll need, but it helps to have them ready ahead of time. This includes an ice pack (or two, so you can rotate them), a shower chair if you aren't allowed to put weight on your foot, and a waterproof cast cover.

Trying to wrap your foot in a trash bag and duct tape while you’re in pain is a recipe for a soggy bandage.

Not all these tips apply to every foot surgery, but in the event of a major reconstructive project, it’s best to keep these in mind.

Happy healing!

If you’re looking for more foot care tips, give us a call at (212) 877-1002 so Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina T. Ruff at Goldsmith Podiatry can help guide you in the right direction.