About Foot Surgery

The aim of all foot and ankle surgery is to provide pain relief, improve your foot and ankle function to carry out your normal activities. It is important for the patients to fully understand the procedures before you undergo surgery. 

Foot and ankle surgery should only be considered if you have a thorough understanding of your condition and have no other medical alternatives. Your foot surgeon should discuss possible non-surgical and surgical treatments as well as what could happen if the condition is left untreated. The experience of surgeon is of paramount importance depending on the complexity of the surgery.

The following is a general outline of what you might expect after an operation on your foot or ankle. For specific enquiries, speak to your orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon.

• Organise for someone to drive you home after surgery
  

• Rest and allow time off from work and/or family to give the wounds a chance to heal without complications

• Elevate your leg for at least seven days after surgery as feet do swell
  

• Pain relief (strong) should be taken regularly for the first 2-3 days as prescribed

• General pain relief medication, such as paracetamol, should be taken every four to six hours

•  If the pain does not subside with medication, check the bandages to ensure they are not too tight

• Most people feel comfortable using crutches in the first 1-2 weeks to help get around

• Keep bandages dry. A plastic bag will usually do the trick

• If there is excessive redness, pain or swelling near a wound, it is possible that you have an infection. This is rare but needs urgent attention

• Speak to your foot surgeon about the right time to put weight on your leg and foot