Though no foot surgery is like another, they all require some recovery time. Whether it’s for bunions, hammertoes, or some other foot condition, foot surgery requires a little planning ahead so you have an easier time recovering.
At Apple Podiatry Group, our skilled podiatrists, Jarna Rathod-Bhatt, DPM, and Rahul Bhatt, DPM, want nothing more than for your foot surgery recovery to go as smoothly as your procedure.
Here, we want to share with you some ways to prepare your home in advance of your foot surgery.
As much as you may want to continue to do everything yourself, that’s not possible after foot surgery, especially those first few days.
First things first, be sure to ask someone to drive you home after your surgery. Even local anesthesia makes you too groggy to safely drive yourself home. Plus, you may not have full use of both of your feet.
Though you might be able to get just about everything you need through a delivery service, you might need to have a friend or family member help you with some of the basics, like prepping your meals and cleaning up — especially during those first few days when getting around may be tough.
Whether you have a walking boot or crutches, you need to make sure you have plenty of space to move around. You also need to take note of slipping or tripping hazards and prepare your home accordingly.
This might include temporarily removing throw rugs, repairing torn carpet, or fixing uneven floors. You should also move or tape down loose wires and cords and put in night lights in rooms and hallways.
You want to create a clear path from room to room to prevent falls that might lead to an injury that prolongs your recovery.
Stairs are also a potential hazard during those first few days you’re recovering from foot surgery. We recommend you avoid them if you can.
If your bedroom is on the second floor, create a resting space on the main floor. Use your guest room, home office, or living room as your home base. Though temporary, make your main floor space as comfortable as possible so you can rest.
Set up your temporary resting space so that everything you need is within reach. This might include books for reading, paper for writing, and the remote for your TV. You should also plug in your chargers and keep the cords on a nearby table so you can easily recharge your phone, tablet, or computer.
You also want to make space for your medication.
Be sure to stock up on your usual essentials — food, drinks, medication, toilet paper — before your surgery so you don’t get caught shorthanded during your recovery.
You also need to make sure you have a shower chair and non-slip bathroom mats. You may need a special cushion that keeps your foot elevated when lying down. A grabber may come in handy to help you get things that might be a little out of reach.
Planning and prepping meals is also a good thing to do in advance of your foot surgery. Though you can get take out, having meals ready to go can make life a lot simpler for you and your friend or family member you enlisted for help.
Create single portions and put your meals in the freezer so you can heat and eat.
When you feel your house is ready, take some time to practice in advance of your foot surgery. If you need crutches or a walker, ask for them ahead of time so you can learn how to navigate through your open spaces.
Recovering from foot surgery is hard enough. Getting your home prepared in advance can make things a lot easier.
To discuss foot surgery with our skilled podiatrists, call the office nearest you — we have locations in Arlington, Irving, Fort Worth, and Flower Mound, Texas — or request an appointment online today.
