Preparing for Foot or Ankle Surgery

The goal here at Wisconsin Foot Center is always to exhaust conservative (non-surgical) treatment options when caring for any foot or ankle problem you might be experiencing. Fortunately, non-surgical care is often quite effective for providing the relief patients are seeking. There are times, however, when surgery is simply the best course of action to address a medical issue, particularly one that is causing severe pain and foot dysfunction. When we do recommend foot or ankle surgery, it’s important for you to know how to prepare for it.

Preparing for foot or ankle surgery has several considerations you need to keep in mind, including:

• Schedule time off from work. Even the most understanding employer on Earth needs a little “heads up” when you have to be away from your job. You will likely remember to schedule time off for the actual procedure, but don’t forget to make sure you request time for your recovery period as well. Not sure how long that will take? We will let you when we discuss the procedure together.
• Make travel plans. In all likelihood, you will not be able to drive home following your surgery on account of anesthesia used for your procedure. Of course, it’s even more likely you won’t be able to drive if we are performing a surgery on your right foot or ankle (which are essential for operating your gas and brake pedals!). Definitely make sure you have a friend or loved one available to take you to and from the appointment. Depending on the surgery, you may need to figure out how to get around while you recover.
• Make plans for child care. In addition to planning your travel, you should also consider planning for child care (if you have younger children). Now, you probably won’t forget to schedule a babysitter for the day of your surgery, but parents sometimes don’t think about the recovery period. There’s a decent chance you will need to spend time off your feet, which means you cannot be chasing small kids around the house. Planning for this in advance will give you a leg up … so you can literally keep your leg up!
• Follow instructions about when to eat (or not) before surgery. We will provide you with instructions prior to your appointment, including ones on eating. This is important because the effectiveness of anesthesia can be compromised if your body is digesting food. Make sure you follow our instructions so everything goes according to plan.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing. You might prefer to wear fitted clothes on a normal day, but the day of your surgery isn’t exactly “normal.” No matter your usual fashion preferences, you will want to wear clothes that are comfortable and fit loosely. This makes it easier, less painful, and can prevent unnecessary complications from putting your clothes back on over the surgical site.

Of course, your most important surgical preparation is to schedule your procedure with Wisconsin Foot Center!

We provide both surgical and non-surgical solutions for the problems that can plague your feet and ankles. No matter what kind of foot care you need, come see us at our Hales Corners office for effective treatment. Contact us online today or give us a call at (414) 425-8400 and we will be happy to help you!