From outpatient treatments to major procedures, no two foot surgeries are exactly alike, but there are some common rules of thumb to help make your surgery a success. According to podiatrist, Joseph G. DiPrima of Fairport, NY, following your podiatrist’s recommendations pre- and post-surgery will improve your experience and optimize your results.  

Below, the podiatrist shares the top five things you should know about the foot surgery process: 

• Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions: As your surgery date approaches, you will receive detailed instructions from your podiatrist on how to prepare for your specific surgical procedure. This may include no smoking, avoiding aspirin and other painkillers, and fasting before anesthesia.
• Be Prepared: Discuss with your podiatrist how long your recovery period will be, and prepare accordingly. Common examples include arranging time out of work, stocking up on groceries, and asking a friend or family member to assist with errands and other challenging tasks.
• Make Your Home Safe: Your mobility and stamina will be greatly diminished following a major surgery, so it’s important to adapt your home in advance. Add a seat to your bathtub and sturdy bars to support you during trips to the bathroom, and move your bed downstairs, if applicable, to minimize walking up and down steps.
• Discuss Your Pain Relief Plan: There are many pain relief options available on the market, from ibuprofen to narcotics, so make sure you discuss them with your podiatrist if you have any concerns. Icing and elevation are also an important part of pain relief and surgery recovery.
• Give Your Recovery Time: Remember, your body takes time to heal properly, so it’s important to take the recommended recovery period instead of rushing to get back to normal activity. Supporting the healing process and preventing re-injury should be your top priorities during this time. 

For more information on foot surgery and other podiatrist specialties by Joseph G. DiPrima, call the Fairport foot doctor’s office at (585) 249-0020. You can also stay up-to-date by liking the Facebook page.