Are you preparing for foot surgery? Make sure you consider all the different ways it can impact your life. From making work a challenge to requiring a bit of extra finesse when it comes to getting around, foot surgery can definitely force you to spend more time at home. That's why you need to prepare your house for your post-surgery needs.
Our doctors here at Premier Foot & Ankle, all have your best interests in mind when it comes to caring for your feet before, during, and after surgery. It’s important you do the same by prepping your home beforehand.
One of the hardest things for many people who’ve undergone foot surgery is to ask for help from their loved ones. Especially if you're used to doing everything yourself. But, it's important you ask for help because you need to stay off your feet as much as possible. Avoid running errands and doing little things around the house that someone else can do. If you live alone, it’s especially important to ask a friend or family member to stay at your place for a few weeks or so.
If you know there are going to be certain obstacles in your way, find the best options to avoid them ahead of time. For example, if you have stairs that lead to your bedroom, set yourself up on the couch for a week or two, just to avoid the problem of not being able to climb the stairs on your own.
If you have front steps, make sure you have an easy route where you can go through the back door with no problem. If you keep things you know you’ll need on high shelves, move them lower so you can reach.
Make sure all the light bulbs in your house currently work; especially the hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living room. You don’t want to stub your toe because you can’t see at night.
Whether you have a throw rug on the floor or an electrical cord that runs through the living room, you’re going to want to store it away somewhere else for the time being. Don’t make it any harder on yourself than it has to be.
Do you usually cook for your family or yourself? Make a few meals and store them in the freezer. Does your dog need to be walked every day? Send him to a friend or family member’s home for at least a week. Do you usually take your trash out to the curb or get your mail from the mailbox? Make arrangements to make sure these tasks will still get done, even if no one else is staying with you.
You'll already be uncomfortable enough from the surgery, so there’s no point in dressing up or wearing items in which you cannot move. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to put on and take off without anyone's help. This will make it easier for you to go about your day.
Being prepared is half the battle, as foot surgery will change your day-to-day activities in more ways than you might realize. But if you take good care of yourself and rest up as much as possible, you’ll notice a serious difference once you’re back on your feet.
If you want to learn more about foot surgery preparedness or come in for a consultation, visit one of our offices by booking an appointment online.
