Post-Op Instructions

The following post-operation instructions are to be followed as directed by Dr. John Nassar. Please touch base with our office to make sure you are following the post-operation schedule that is right for you.
 

Activity

 

• Keep your foot elevated above the level of your heart.  This is important to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
   

• Limit your walking during the first 48 to 72 hours.  Be sure to get up, move around, and take deep breaths several times a day.
   

• You may touch your foot down for balance, preferable putting the weight on your heel, unless otherwise instructed.
   

• Arrangements for crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair will be made at the surgery center, hospital, or office.  It is wise to practice with crutches or a walker prior to your surgery.
   

• It is recommended that you take aspirin 81mg twice a day unless you have an allergy or sensitivity to aspirin or GI intolerance/ history of GI ulcer. Dr. Nassar will discuss with you on your 1st post op appointment how long you should continue this.

Care of your Dressing

 

• The dressing on your foot is applied with some pressure to reduce swelling.  However, if it feels too tight or if your pain is not relieved by the prescribed pain medication, you may loosen the dressing.  Use scissors to cut along the side of the dressing allowing it to slightly open up.  Then, use tape to hold the dressing on in this loosened position.
   

• Keep the dressing dry.  Take sponge baths or keep your leg outside the bathtub when bathing.
   

• It is not uncommon to see some blood on the bandage after surgery.  Do not let this alarm you.  Add some extra gauze to the bandage and tape it in place.
   

• If there is excessive bleeding, notify the office at 480-451-3668.
   

• Do not remove your dressing.  It will be changed at your first return visit.
   

Pain Control

 

• Take the pain medication as prescribed.  It is better to take the medication regularly (every 4 to 6 hours) to keep the pain under control, than to try to “tough it out”.You may take 1 or 2 pills at a time.  If you are a smaller person or if pain medication makes you drowsy, try 1 tablet at first. If you had a nerve block then start taking pain meds as soon as you start having pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe.
   

• Take the medication with food, rather than on an empty stomach.  A prescription may be issued in the event of nausea.
   

• If you develop itching, mouth/ tongue swelling, or shortness of breath, then stop taking the medication and notify the office (480-451-3668).  Mild itching may be controlled with over the counter Benadryl.