Post-Operative Swelling

When patients require surgery, we at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry provide compassionate assistance. Swelling is to be expected following surgery—it’s an important part of the immune response. But we know patients will be more at ease if they are aware of what to expect, and if something does go wrong, we want them to know to contact us.


RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is the standard care protocol following surgery. Recovery time will vary but can be expected to take at least a few weeks. During this time, patients should avoid putting any weight on their affected foot, even to put it on the floor. They should try to keep it at a higher elevation than their heart. At some point, they will transfer from a cast to a brace, if they weren’t in one to start. It is important with either for the bandages to remain dry. Putting ice in a water-tight sleeve will prevent moisture from leaking. Neither cold packs nor hot packs should be pressed against the skin for more than fifteen minutes at a time, and a fifteen minute period should be allowed to pass between each application.


Slight fevers are also to be expected after surgery, but patients shouldn’t have much to worry about as long as their temperature does not rise above 100.5 degrees. Bruising is also common near surgical areas, but discoloration usually does not indicate a serious problem unless the skin turns black or white. In either of those cases, patients should request immediate help. As their healing progresses, we’ll be able to refer them to physical therapists, who may also assist with safe forms of pain relief.


Dr. Frank Killian and Dr. Sameep Chandrani run Mercer-Ocean Podiatry. For the location at 2103 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, Hamilton Township, New Jersey, 08619, call 609-585-3200. For the location at 202 Rte 37 W, Suite 4, Toms River, New Jersey, 08755, call 732-557-4266. Visit New Jersey Foot.


 

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