Podiatrist - Reston
1860 Town Center Drive
Suite 220
Reston, VA 20190
703-391-0211
Directions for Home Care After Hospital Surgery

©2003 by Seth A. Rubenstein, D.P.M.

Having performed your operation, we are interested in your prompt recovery and comfort. Please cooperate with us by carefully adhering to the following rules of post-operative home care.

 

  1. Day of Surgery--If you have not already done so, have your prescription filled immediately. Elevate both feet in the car and please go directly home. Go to bed and keep your feet elevated by putting two pillows under the feet and one under the knee. Do not tuck the covers tightly about your feet.

  2. General Activities--Since each person heals at his or her own rate, it is virtually impossible to say with absolute certainty when you will be able to resume full physical activities. Recovery is a progressive process - you will feel better day-by-day.
    • The first day, leave the bed only to go to the bathroom.
    • The second day, dangle your feet over the bed for approximately five minutes out of every hour. You may eat meals at the table on the second day unless instructed otherwise by the doctor.
    • For the first week or two, resting each day is important. You may gradually increase the amount of activity each day, but strenuous work, heavy lifting, and excessive social activities should be avoided.

  3. Discomfort and swelling--The numbness will last 5-20 hours, and swelling is expected. In some cases the skin of the foot or the leg may take on a bruised, black-and-blue appearance.

  4. Temperature--Take your temperature on the second, third, and fourth days after surgery at 5:00 P.M. Anything below 101 degrees, after surgery, is normal. If your temperature is 101 degrees or above, please give us a call.

  5. Bleeding--A slight amount of drainage on the bandage is normal and should cause no concern. Resting the foot in an elevated position will limit bleeding. If bleeding continues, wrap a towel around the foot and apply an ice pack to the oozing area. The surgical solution that was painted on your foot prior to the operation is dark in color and the operation site may appear to be oozing when it actually is not.

  6. Dressing--Keep the bandage absolutely dry and do not remove it.
    If the bandage becomes too snug, remove the ace bandage and reapply. If this does not help, call the office. If the bandage should inadvertently become wet, call the office immediately.

  7. Stitches--The stitches will remain in place from 10 -14 days depending upon the nature of the operation. A slight pulling sensation may be felt due to the stitches, but this is a normal occurrence.

  8. Ice--Apply a well-sealed ice bag to your ankle for 20 minutes, every second waking hour for the first 48 hours. Do not leave ice on at bedtime or during long naps.

  9. Medications--Specific instruction for taking pain control medications will be provided after your surgery. Please follow these recommendations for your comfort.

  10. Shoes--Wear your special postoperative shoe at all times. It will be several weeks before you will be permitted to use your regular shoes again. You may be advised to use crutches and bear no weight on your foot following surgery.

  11. Diet--A regular diet may be kept with the exception of alcoholic beverages.
    Drink large quantities of liquids, especially citrus and other fruit juices.

  12. Post-operative Care--The post-operative care period lasts for approximately six weeks. During this time, periodic visits to the office will be required and your healing will be carefully attended. It is essential in terms of future health that your feet be completely healed before you are discharged from medical care from this operation. If for some reason healing is not complete after this period, you will be instructed to return regularly until full healing has occurred. The importance of this care cannot be overemphasized.

  13. Future Foot Health--Following your discharge as a surgical patient, follow-up care may be recommended to prevent future foot problems.
    It will be suggested that you return at periodic intervals for foot examinations. A foot health check-up is your insurance for a comfortable walking life.

Please call the office after leaving the office if you have:
  • Undue discomfort or swelling.
  • Excessive heavy or prolonged bleeding.
  • Dizziness or fainting.
  • Or call if you are troubled or worried about anything related to your surgery.

Emergency, Evening Telephone Number

  • Please call the office, (703) 391-0211. The staff or answering machine will give instructions how to reach the doctor if needed.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation!














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