If you're scheduled for foot surgery, now's the time to prepare for the recovery period. Since all foot surgeries are different, your doctor will be able to provide you with specific post-operative instructions for your condition. However, in addition to those instructions, there are some simple things you can do to speed up the recovery process, and keep you comfortable while you're healing – especially during those first few days following surgery. Here are three tips to make the recovery process easier and less painful.

Stay Off Your Foot

After surgery, you'll need to take things easy for a few days. Taking it easy means staying off your foot as much as possible. Putting too much weight on your foot, or walking around too much, can slow down the recovery process. It can also cause additional problems for your foot. To prevent complications, and give your foot time to help properly, sit back and relax for the first few days following surgery. While you're resting, remember to keep your foot elevated. Elevating your foot will help prevent inflammation, and will alleviate some of the pain and discomfort associated with surgery.

Use Plenty of Ice

Once you've had surgery on your foot, it's going to swell. Unfortunately, the swelling can lead to additional pain, which you don't want. The best way to alleviate the discomfort associated with swelling is to use plenty of ice. Fill a few plastic baggies with ice and gently place them on your foot. To keep your skin from getting too cold, place a towel on your foot first. You can also make your own ice packs ahead of time. Place 1-cup of rubbing alcohol and 2-cups of water in a resealable baggie and place it in the freezer. The solution will freeze to a soft, slush, which will conform to the shape of your foot. Make several of them before surgery so that they'll be ready for use when you get home.

Get Some Help

You're not going to be able to do much when you get home from the hospital. To make sure you can get the rest you need, arrange to have someone come in and help for the first few days. Not only will they be able to take care of things like food preparation, they'll also be able to help you get to the bathroom, which can be difficult right after surgery.

If you're scheduled for foot surgery, use the tips provided here to prepare for the recovery period. For questions and concerns regarding your surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor. 

For additional insight, you will want to contact a company such as El Camino Center for Sports Medicine​.