Preparing Your Home in Advance of Foot Surgery
If you’re scheduled for foot surgery, be prepared for some recuperation time when you won’t be able to get around easily or perform your normal activities. Planning for this is as essential as preparing for the surgery.
At Concord Podiatry, with locations in Concord and Plymouth, New Hampshire, podiatrist Dr. David E. Biss and our expert team know that recovering from surgery presents some unique challenges. That’s why we’ve put together these tips.
How to prepare your home in advance of foot surgery
Here are some tips for how to set up your recovery space.
Set up a bed on the ground floor
If you have multiple levels in your home, you’ll need to stay off the stairs for a while. That’s why we suggest setting up a bed, table, and other furniture you need on the ground floor. It’s even better if you can set it up in a room with a door so you can get your much-needed rest when others are nearby.
Keep essentials close by
Along with your bed, set up a day area on the ground level, where you can sit comfortably while you’re up and keep your foot elevated if needed. Make sure you have all the essentials — phone, computer, TV, snacks, extra pillows, medication — close by so you don’t have to get up often.
Plan your work time
Since COVID-19, workplaces have become more flexible than ever, so you may be able to work from home while recovering from foot surgery. If you already have a home office, make sure it’s easy to access.
If you can’t work from home, you’ll need to make arrangements with your employer. You probably won’t be able to drive for some time after foot surgery, so decide if you need to take a leave of absence or find someone to drive you to and from work. Public transportation will be too difficult to navigate easily.
Clear pathways throughout your home
You’ll have to limit your activity during recovery from foot surgery. However, you’ll still need to get up occasionally so your muscles don’t atrophy. Clear the pathways you use most often to reduce your chances of tripping.
Focus on the areas between your temporary bedroom, workspace, bathroom, and kitchen. Remove any clutter to give yourself more space, pick up cords, and consider removing rugs so you don’t slip or trip if they shift. Also, make sure that all pathways have adequate lighting so you can see where you’re going.
Stock up on easy-to-heat meals
If you live alone, make sure you have enough groceries in your house before your foot surgery. You won’t feel like standing for long periods to cook, but it’s important to eat nutritious food while you recover. Consider preparing and freezing single-meal portions ahead of time or purchasing pre-made, microwavable meals.
You may also want to enlist the help of a friend in case you need to make a store run for whatever you forgot to buy in advance. This also has the advantage of giving you some social time when they stop by.
Get your mobility aids in advance
You won't be able to bear weight on your foot right after surgery, so you’ll need something to help you get around. Mobility aids include crutches, a cane, a walker, or a knee scooter.
Talk to Dr. Biss before the surgery about which mobility aids he recommends. Purchase them and try them out so you’ll know they fit your body properly and can help you get around.
Also, consider a shower stool to make showering easier and safer when you can’t stand on both feet.
Ask family or friends for help
Recovering from foot surgery takes time, and even if you live alone, that doesn’t mean you have to recover completely on your own.
Ask family members or friends to help, whether it’s preparing meals, driving you to an appointment, caring for your pets, or tackling chores like vacuuming and taking out the trash. If no one’s available, you might want to look into short-term in-home caregiving services.
Preparing for foot surgery means being prepared for your recovery time, too. If you have any questions, ask Dr. Biss about what he recommends.
To schedule a consultation, call Concord Podiatry at either of our locations, send us a message online, or text us at 351-777-6056.