Your foot/ankle may be numb and painless for as long as 24 hours after surgery. This is due to the local anesthesia used during your surgery. When this wears off your will start to experience normal postoperative pain. It is important that you not wait for the pain to become unbearable before taking your medication. By doing so, it will greatly affect your ability to obtain timely pain relief. Use your pain medication generously in the first week after surgery. You may experience swelling or a feeling of tightness and throbbing when your foot is resting on the ground. Elevating your leg above the level of your chest and the use of a basic ice bag behind your knee can help relieve this.
Warning Signs for a Blood Clot
If you experience constant cramping in your calf not relived with elevation or your calf is hard, warm or red contact our office. If you experience shortness of breath or sharp chest pain go immediately to the nearest emergency room. In addition, you will be asked to wear a compression stocking on your non-operative leg until you begin the weight bearing process. This is to reduce the risk of a blood clot.