Review:
Cold therapy has been the biggest change in my practice over the past 2 years. Foot surgery is generally painful and uncomfortable. Swelling tends to pool to the lowest point due to gravity. Unfortunately, this point is your foot. The worst pain occurs in the first 2 days, the first 2 weeks are quite painful, and you will slowly notice improvement in the pain after 2 weeks post-op. Cold therapy has significantly decreased the amount of pain medication that I routinely prescribe.
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Review:
Crutches are not easy to use. You need good upper body strength and balance. If you have a lisfranc / midfoot fusion you will be off your foot for 6 weeks. A significant number of my patients have injured themselves while using crutches.
If you are worried about your mobility and want the safest option to mobilize, please consider the purchase of a knee walker scooter. They are generally quite safe and easy to use.
If you want something more adventurous - you have the option of using an iWalk 2.0.
Personally, the iWalk gave me a cramp in my calf and it was not for me. However, some of my patients love this device.
In general, I recommend scheduling a pre-op visit with the physiotherapist. You can try each of the devices and pick the one that is right for you.
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Crutches
Knee Scooter
iWalk 2.0
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Crutches
Knee Scooter
iWalk 2.0
3) Shower Aids
Cast Cover
Bath Stool
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Cast Cover
Bath Stool
4) Vitamin D drops - 2000 IU / day + Vitamin C + 1-2 eggs per day
Please start this now - in preparation for surgery.
5) Aspirin 81 mg / day
If you do not have a contraindication for taking aspirin. I would recommend you take an Aspirin 81 mg / day for each day that you are in the cast.
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6) Foam Bed Wedge to elevate feet
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Foam Bed Wedge
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Foam Bed Wedge
7) Advanced healing waterproof band-aids
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Advanced Healing Band-aids
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Advanced Healing Band-Aids
8) Diet. Make sure you are eating a good well balanced diet with adequate amounts of protein and fruits + vegetables. No junk food. No fast food. No sugar. No smoking.
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