Foot surgery may involve ankles, bones, heel, joints, muscles, nerves, toes, toenails, ligaments, tendons or skin. The recovery time for foot surgery depends on the type of surgery performed. While it isn’t always painful, sometimes the total time for recovery can even last several months.
The following techniques explain how the healing process can be accelerated:
Home Recovery Trick: RICE
Once you return home after the foot surgery, applying the RICE method can speed up your recovery.
The RICE acronym stands for:
- R: Rest
- I: Ice
- C: Compression
- E: Elevation
RICE is an effective recovery method, which reduces swelling and pain, regardless if it’s for the following conditions:
- Toenail issues
- Flat feet
- Bunions
- Hammer or claw toes
- Plantar fasciitis.
How to Use the RICE Method?
- Take Rest: The proper RICE method begins with adequate rest, which is the most crucial part of the process.
- Apply Ice Packs: An ice pack wrapped in cloth is used on the foot and ankle to reduce pain and swelling for twenty minutes at a time, followed by periods of twenty minutes without ice.
- Compression Stockings: Compression stockings are used to reduce the chances of blood clots. Deep vein thrombosis is the result of a blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the legs. Compression socks may be necessary to protect the toe and ankle from swelling.
- Elevate the Area: Since swelling can accompany pain in the foot and ankle, an effective way to provide comfort is to elevate your foot. Raising your foot above the hip level will facilitate better blood flow while reducing pressure and pain.
Allowing Time To Heal
In some cases, it may take several months for swelling to subside, whether the surgery is intended to correct a deformity or restore function in the foot. It’s important not to deviate from your podiatrist’s instructions, which will likely involve a continuation of the RICE technique until recovery is complete. In addition to compression stockings, you may also need to use crutches or other walking aids for awhile.