When conservative management fails, you may need surgery to help relieve foot pain and maintain or restore the function of your feet. Some post-op swelling and even foot pain are not uncommon, but the good news is that it is all manageable and usually short-lived.
Podiatrists recommend the following care instructions to deal with post-op foot pain.
Rest Up and Slow Down
You will need to make some serious changes and stay off your feet for the first few days and weeks after your surgery. Avoid any activities that would put pressure on your feet and aggravate the foot pain.
If you are an active person that enjoys taking long walks and going on hikes, you will have to wait a little longer to go back to doing that. Standing too long in the queue can make the pain worse, which is why you should avoid going out shopping. Instead, stay home and rest up. Walking around the house and yard should be enough exercise until you recover fully.
Cold Treatment with Ice Packs
Holding an ice pack to your feet, and especially if they are not dressed, can provide foot pain relief. You can use a plastic bag for the ice, and should never place ice directly onto the skin.
You can apply the ice pack as frequently as you may wish. Cold treatment helps with foot pain by reducing inflammation in the affected area.
Compression
Depending on the type of foot surgery, your podiatrist may recommend compression to help with the swelling and foot pain. Elastic and static bandages, as well as compression stockings, work great to provide this effect. Compression helps to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation, both of which go a long way into helping relieve foot pain.
Elevate Your Leg
Keep your leg elevated at least 6 inches above your heart when sitting or lying down. Two pillows under your foot should be enough to provide this elevation. With your swollen feet propped up, gravity will help any fluid build-up in the feet to flow back to your upper body and core. The swelling will go away faster, and with it, you will get relief from the foot pain you may be experiencing.
Along with a prescription for painkillers, you can manage foot pain after surgery with the outlined care instructions. If you experience increased pain and swelling, you should go back to your podiatrist's office for a checkup.
For more information, contact a local podiatrist.
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