--- title: Post-Foot-Surgery Tips description: What a patient does during the recovery period is the most critical in order to heal. Here are a few tips to improve post-foot-surgery recovery. image: https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Doctor%20shaking%20hand%20with%20a%20patient%2c%20isolated%20background.jpeg --- - [Home](http://www.sweeneyfootankle.com/index.php) - [Our Doctors](http://www.sweeneyfootankle.com/our-doctors.php) - [Blog](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog) - [Contact Us](http://www.sweeneyfootankle.com/contact.php) The Woodlands [(281) 292-4944](tel:) | Magnolia [(281) 789-4956](tel:) *Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery* [![vast.png](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo.jpg?width=319&height=87&name=logo.jpg "vast.png")](https://www.sweeneyfootankle.com/) - [Services](http://www.sweeneyfootankle.com/services.php) - [New Patient Info](http://www.sweeneyfootankle.com/new-patient-info.php) - [Common Disorders](http://www.sweeneyfootankle.com/common-disorders.php) - [Foot & Ankle Resources](http://www.sweeneyfootankle.com/foot-ankle-resources.php) - [Appointments](http://www.sweeneyfootankle.com/appointments.php) --- 2 min read [Foot Surgery](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/topic/foot-surgery) --- # Post-Foot-Surgery Tips 11 Jun, 2019 ![Doctor shaking hand with a patient, isolated background](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Doctor%20shaking%20hand%20with%20a%20patient%2c%20isolated%20background.jpeg?width=900&name=Doctor%20shaking%20hand%20with%20a%20patient%2c%20isolated%20background.jpeg) SHARE - - - [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/post-foot-surgery-tips&body=Check%20out%20https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/post-foot-surgery-tips&media=https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3108168/Stock%20images/Doctor%20shaking%20hand%20with%20a%20patient,%20isolated%20background.jpeg](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/post-foot-surgery-tips&body=Check%20out%20https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/post-foot-surgery-tips&media=https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3108168/Stock%20images/Doctor%20shaking%20hand%20with%20a%20patient,%20isolated%20background.jpeg) - - Post-surgical success requires that the patient play a significant role in the healing process. Different things affect healing from foot surgery, but what a patient does during the recovery period is the most critical. Here are a few tips to improve the chance of post-foot-surgery recovery. ## Follow the Post-Surgical Orders From the Doctor Foot surgery recovery doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience and the ability to follow the doctor’s orders. The doctor and staff will provide specific guidelines to follow as the foot heals. The post-surgical program is structured to set a path that enhances healing. Each task has a purpose, so follow the instructions precisely and in the right order, including elevating the foot and how to clean the surgical site. If any order is confusing, call the office to get clarification. ## Be Prepared for Downtime One of the most essential parts of healing is allowing the body to rest — that may take some preplanning, though. Set up a recovery station that has everything necessary within reach like: - The TV remote - Food and drink - Pillows to elevate the foot - Crutches, cane or whatever mobility aid the doctor assigns for you When it becomes necessary to move to go to the bathroom or bed, for instance, create a clear path. Remove throw or area rugs and clear furniture out of the way. For those who live alone, it might be necessary to get a family member or friend to run for supplies or to check in several times a day and bring nutritious meals. Proper nutrition aids in the healing process. ## Monitor the Incision(s) Invasive surgery requires the doctor to create one or more wounds to complete the procedure. Patients should get in the habit of checking these wounds for signs of infection such are redness, swelling and drainage. Infection can present in other ways, as well. Patients who run a fever or have the chills may have a post-surgical complication. Call the doctor with any questions regarding wound care or if there are signs of a problem. ## Focus on Pain Management It is better to keep pain under control. If it gets to a certain level, it will interfere with healing and be harder to put back in check. If given a prescription for pain medication, follow the dosage instructions. If the medication is marked “as needed for pain,” take it as soon as you feel any discomfort. If it becomes unbearable or changes in intensity, call the doctor’s office. ## Be Prepared for Post-Op Emotions Surgery of any kind takes a toll emotionally. Patients should be ready to experience a wide range of post-op emotions. There may be stress due to downtime from work or school. The limited mobility can cause anxiety and frustration. The need to rely on others can lead to feelings of helplessness and being a burden. Negative emotions have an impact on the body and can slow healing. Find ways to stay busy like reading books, binge-watching a favorite TV show or doing crosswords. The distraction can help ease those feelings. If feeling overwhelmed, talk it out with a friend or loved one.  Foot surgery works to improve foot health and mobility, but recovery is often the hardest part. Following some common-sense advice will improve healing and encourage surgical success.  [![Let's Discuss Your Physical Therapy Options](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3108168/d8c2d2bc-9479-4877-bcc1-c3f161ff25b5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3108168/d8c2d2bc-9479-4877-bcc1-c3f161ff25b5)   ### Most popular posts [![](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Elderly%20Foot%20Pain.jpg?width=300&name=Elderly%20Foot%20Pain.jpg)](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/foot-health-for-seniors-maintaining-mobility-as-we-age) [Foot Health for Seniors: Maintaining Mobility as We Age](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/foot-health-for-seniors-maintaining-mobility-as-we-age) 20 May, 2026 [![](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Toenail%20Fungus.jpg?width=300&name=Toenail%20Fungus.jpg)](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/a-smarter-approach-to-toenail-fungus-treatment-and-topical-cream) [A Smarter Approach to Toenail Fungus: Treatment and Topical Cream](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/a-smarter-approach-to-toenail-fungus-treatment-and-topical-cream) 27 Apr, 2026 [![](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ankle%20pain-1.jpg?width=300&name=ankle%20pain-1.jpg)](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome-causes-symptoms-relief) [Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Relief](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome-causes-symptoms-relief) 17 Apr, 2026 ![Email Icon](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/1781314/Email%20Icon.svg) ### Subscribe to Our Blog ## Related Articles [![recovering from foot surgery - elevated foot on sofa with crutches](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/hs-fs/hubfs/screen_2x-1.jpg?width=500&name=screen_2x-1.jpg)](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/stepping-toward-recovery-your-guide-to-foot-surgery-rehabilitation) [Foot Surgery](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/topic/foot-surgery) --- ### [Stepping Toward Recovery: Your Guide to Foot Surgery Rehabilitation](https://info.sweeneyfootankle.com/blog/stepping-toward-recovery-your-guide-to-foot-surgery-rehabilitation) The success of your foot surgery relies primarily on the skill of your surgeon, the reason for the surgery, your overall health - and what y... 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