WRAP UP

The surgery Itself

  • It will be over quickly

  • Sometimes there are delays so just chill and wait

  • When you wake up

  • Dressings and bleeding 

  • Pain relief

  • Instructions from nurses

The first week

RICE

Swelling and oedema management - ELEVATE ELEAVATE ELEVATE

Pain management - Follow the Drs Orders

Mobilisation vs immobilisation you should know what you are to do

 

Things to look out for

Infection 

  • Wounds feel hot and tender. 

  • Unusual discharge from your wound or an odour from your dressings.

  • Fevers, sweats and/or generally feeling unwell.

Swelling 

  • Swelling is not reduced with eleva,on of the leg.

  • A change in the colour of your toes or coldness.

  • The calf muscle in the lower leg of the treated foot swells or is painful.

Bleeding 

  • Your dressings are showing an excessive amount of fresh blood.

  • Elevation and application of pressure dressings doesn’t stop the bleeding.

Pain 

  • The medication that has been prescribed for you is not helping control the pain while you have been resting with your limb elevated.

Medication

  • You are experiencing ill effects due to the prescribed medications (eg nausea, vomitng, stomach discomfort).

RECOVERY

Short term recovery

Be committed to the process of recovery

Listen to the team and ask questions if not sure

Swelling management oedema management

Pain management

Progressive return of strength and range

Long term recovery

Stay committed

Be committed to the process of recovery

Listen

Swelling management oedema management

Pain management

Progressive return of strength and range

Progresive rtn of ads

Preventing future problems

As you prepare for foot and ankle surgery, it is important to consider how you can prevent future problems from arising. By taking proactive steps now, you can set yourself up for a successful recovery and reduce the risk of complications down the road.

One key way to prevent future problems is to follow your surgeon's pre and post-operative instructions closely. This may include keeping weight off the affected foot, wearing a brace or compression garment, and attending regular rehabilitation therapy sessions.

Once rehabilitation is finished leave with some KPI’s (Key performance indicators) that you can independently test and manage and maintain. 

Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help support your recovery and reduce the likelihood of future issues.

 

Where to from here

Well done on completing the course

I hope you found our free download checklists along the way and that you filled in your quiz like preparation checklists that show your current level of preparedness

If it shocked you a bit on how much you have got to do then good - get into it

If not then good you ar well on your way to getting a great outcome

If there is one key message its prepare to succeed and keep your foot elevated gravity is not your friend