Having foot surgery is ironically debilitating for a short while, because it causes you to lose all or almost all use of your foot briefly while it heals after the operation. If your other foot is healthy, you will be able to continue getting around with the help of crutches or a cane, but you may need to use a wheelchair while you recuperate.
One thing the medical profession has learned in recent years is that it is not good for someone who has just had surgery to remain in a hospital bed for days, without getting up and around. The lack of movement tends to foster negative side effects like blood clots and muscle atrophy.
Therefore, don’t be surprised if a physical therapist or a nurse comes to your bedside later on the same day of your foot surgery and has you stand up and move around a little. This facilitates good circulation and muscle integrity.
Let’s talk about some of the steps involved in getting back to walking again after having surgery on your feet, and where you can go in Central Maryland for outstanding orthopedic treatment and foot care.
Standing Up with the Help of a Physical Therapist
The first thing you are likely to do during your recovery phase is to stand up, even though you will probably not be able to put any pressure on the operated foot. Physical therapists know how to hold up a patient so you will not fall, and meanwhile your body is already adjusting to being upright again like normal.
If you cannot stand yet, your therapist or a nurse will likely guide you into a wheelchair just so you can start moving around beyond the hospital bed. It may sound strange, but doing so actually helps you move your arms, torso, and head/neck area so your body gets some action. It’s healthy and normal to move around and not stay in bed.
Learning How to Use Mobility Aids
Next, you will be shown how it feels to use crutches or other walking aids. Your recommended mobility aid will be based on the type of foot surgery you had and how much pressure you can put on that foot.
A walker may be implemented once your foot is healing, and you are able to put pressure on it. A cane is usually the last walking aid that is used before you’re able to walk on your own totally independently again.
Practicing Daily Foot Care
Because the feet and toes are so delicate, and the muscles and bones in them are so small and susceptible to injury after having foot surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will explain some of the key things to do every day while you recover from the operation. This may involve stretching the feet, such as using your hands to move the foot around and thereby enable proper circulation.
As with any type of surgery, there will be a bit of care involved with taking care of the surgical wound, at least for the first one or two weeks while the site heals fully. You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent getting an infection, so be sure to follow your orthopedic doctor’s directions.
You may also be asked to keep the site dry or to put ointment on the area. Be sure to follow your orthopedist’s recommendations, and do not attempt to cleverly deviate.
Foot Surgery Specialist and Podiatrist in Central Maryland
If you have foot pain or diabetes, it is in your best interest to partner with a skilled orthopedist or a podiatrist who specializes in diagnosing and treating foot problems.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our outstanding physicians here at the Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland, contact our friendly staff today at (410) 644-1880 or (855) 4MD-BONE (463-2663), or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your foot doctors of choice!
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