The surgical incision has been closed with sutures

Do not get the dressing or wound wet for the first two weeks. When showering place a bag over the dressing and secure with tape to your leg to avoid the wound getting wet

Do not remove the dressing until your 2 week appointment – the first dressing change will occur at your 2 week appointment

Stitches will be removed at your 2 week appointment

After the stitches are removed, you may begin to shower after 2-3 days

Do not immerse the foot in water (bath, hot tub, pool) for 4 weeks

Do not apply any lotions or creams on the wound for 6 weeks

You may walk on your heel only for the first 6 weeks while in a post-op shoe. You will be given crutches if needed

After 6 weeks you may begin fully walking on the foot

You will be given a prescription for pain medication and Aspirin (blood thinner)

Pain medication should be used regularly for the first 24-48 hours, when required for the first 1 to 2 weeks, followed by Regular Tylenol

Aspirin should be taken for 30 days, no exceptions

For right foot surgery you are not permitted to drive for the first 6 weeks

For left foot surgery, please contact your insurance company to see if you are permitted to drive

Driving is not permitted while on narcotics

You will be in a post-op shoe for the first six weeks following surgery

You will be permitted to put weight through your heel only. If you are able to get to work safely, and will be seated for the majority of the day, you may return to work a couple days after surgery

Return to full duties is usually possible after 8-12 weeks

You will have your first appointment 2-3 weeks after surgery in the Fracture Clinic

Your next appointments will be at 6 weeks, 3 months then 6 months post operatively

You will have x-rays taken at these appointments

It is normal to experience mild to moderate pain, numbness, or tingling for the first 2 weeks following surgery

Please come to the emergency department if you are suffering from severe pain

You will get back to most of your activities by 3 months

Swelling often remains for 6-12 months

You are expected to experience a FULL recovery (no pain, no swelling, ability to walk, etc.) in 9-12 months

For the first 2 weeks you should perform hip and knee exercises only

From 2-6 weeks you may perform range of motion exercises for your ankle only, 5-10 times per day

After 6 weeks you will begin to walk without the post-op shoe and begin strengthening the foot and ankle – you will be referred for formal physiotherapy at this time