dr Laurent Goubau

Surgery Instructions: Hindfoot & Ankle Surgery

  • Surgery Instructions: Hindfoot & Ankle Surgery

dr Laurent Goubau

Surgery Instructions: Hindfoot & Ankle Surgery

Just had surgery on the middle or back of your foot or your ankle? Download Dr. Laurent Goubau's post-operative instructions to learn what to expect and do.

This information is to help you in recovery after foot/ankle surgery. Please read this information carefully. Feel free to ask the doctors and nurse any questions you may have about your recovery at home. You will receive further instructions at you next doctor’s visit.

Activities and Precautions:
  • Keep your foot dressing dry and intact. Do not remove or change bandage.
  • When you shower it is advisable to wrap your foot in a towel and cover it with a plastic bag or cast shower bag. This will protect your dressing from getting wet. Alternatively, it is better to take a bath and keep your foot outside of the tub.
  • You should use your crutches or a walker, and put no weight on the operated foot.
  • Keep your foot elevated as much as possible to help minimize swelling. “Toes above the nose” for at least 48hours. When lying in bed, place the lower extremity on 2 to 3 pillows. When sitting, place the lower extremity on a chair. You may also apply ice. If possible, wiggle toes frequently.
  • If necessary, take the following medications as prescribed at your discharge:
  • Dafalgan 1g 1tablet 4times a day
  • Ibuprofen 600mg 1 tablet 2times a day
  • Oméprazole 20mg 1 tablet once daily
  • Tradonal odis 50mg 1-3 tablets daily
  • Vitamine C 1g 1tablet daily during 6weeks
  • Time schedule for medication : 
    • Oméprazole/vitamine C
      7h00
      Dafalgan
      7h00
      13h00
      19h00
      23h00
      Ibuprofen
      9h00
      21h00
      Tradonal odis
      11h00
      17h00
      23h00
    • Stop taking these medications if you develop side effects

  • Your follow‐up appointment should be arranged for in 9 days.

Please take your x‐rays/MRI’s/CT scans home with you

When to call your doctor
It is important to call or email your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness from your incision or dressing.
  • Body temperature above 101.5 degrees F for more than two days.
  • Significant increase in foot pain.
  • A small amount of bloody drainage may be normal, if it persists, you should call the office.