What I wish I knew before foot surgery

If you’re facing foot surgery, you probably have questions about pain levels, recovery time, and how you’ll manage daily activities. Clear information and proper preparation can help you confidently approach your procedure for a successful recovery.

Dr. Ian Yarger, a board-certified surgical podiatrist at Mount Nittany Health, shares insights to help you mentally, physically, and environmentally prepare for surgery and recovery—information many patients wish they had known beforehand.

Setting realistic expectations

Understanding what to expect is crucial for a positive surgical experience. Every patient’s recovery differs based on various factors.

“It’s not uncommon to hear stories of individuals experiencing a faster or relatively pain-free recovery compared to others,” Dr. Yarger explained. “Recovery from surgery is influenced by a wide range of factors, both physical and psychological. I prioritize setting realistic expectations by educating patients on the typical or average recovery trajectory for their specific procedure.”

“In my experience, patients tend to have the best outcomes when they are mentally prepared for the recovery process and have also prepared their family or support system for what to expect during that time,” he added.

Key facts about foot surgery

Foot surgery encompasses numerous procedures—from bunion correction to fracture repairs. Before your procedure:

• Ask which surgical approach your foot doctor will use
• Ask if hardware like screws or plates will be implanted
• Understand which structure in your foot requires treatment
• Discuss realistic recovery timelines (often 6 weeks to 6 months)

Remember to ask important questions: What’s the success rate? What complications might occur? When can you drive again or return to work? The more you understand before surgery, the better prepared you’ll feel.

Pre-surgery medical preparation

Your surgical team will likely require several pre-operative tests to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery. These may include blood work, an EKG, or a chest x-ray, especially if you’re older or have existing health conditions.

If you take medications regularly, discuss them with your surgeon. Your doctor will typically instruct you to stop taking blood thinners like aspirin or Coumadin before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. You may need to temporarily stop other medications and supplements, too.

Patients with diabetes or other chronic conditions need special attention before surgery. “For patients with diabetes, one of the most important steps in preparing for foot or ankle surgery is optimizing blood sugar control,” Dr. Yarger emphasized. “Maintaining stable blood glucose levels and aiming for an A1c below 7% has been shown to significantly improve surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of postoperative infections.”

“It is essential to work closely with your primary care provider and/or endocrinologist to ensure your diabetes is well-managed before any elective procedure,” he noted. “In many cases, we also recommend meeting with a certified diabetes educator to help improve your understanding of diabetes management and support your preparation for surgery.”

Preparing your home for recovery

One of the most overlooked aspects of foot surgery is how challenging everyday activities become when you can’t put weight on one foot. Take these steps to prepare your living space:

• Create a recovery station on your main floor with everything within reach
• Remove throw rugs and clear pathways to prevent tripping
• Install bathroom grab bars if possible
• Arrange furniture to accommodate crutches or a knee scooter
• Place essential items (medications, phone, water) where you can easily reach them

Consider your meal and bathroom needs too. Stock your freezer with easy meals and move frequently used kitchen items to the countertops. A shower chair and a handheld shower head will make bathing much easier.

Practicing mobility techniques before surgery can help you prepare. “For many foot and ankle surgeries, your doctor may require a period of non-weight bearing on the operative limb following the procedure,” Dr. Yarger pointed out. “In addition to preparing your home, sleeping arrangements, and modifying your daily activities, practicing non-weight-bearing techniques before your surgery can be extremely beneficial.”

“Understanding how you’ll remain non-weight-bearing—whether crutches, a knee scooter, or a wheelchair—and rehearsing these methods ahead of time,” he continued, “including safe transfers and moving from seated to standing positions, can make a significant difference. This preparation often leads to a smoother, more confident transition once you’re back home after surgery.”

Planning your support system

Recovery from foot surgery isn’t the time to be stubbornly independent. You WILL need help, especially during the first couple of weeks. You’ll likely feel groggy or disoriented after surgery, so have a family member or friend stay with you for at least the first day or two.

You won’t be able to drive after right foot surgery. Arrange rides in advance for appointments and errands.

As far as work goes, you might need anywhere from a few days to several weeks away from work. The actual time off will depend on your job and the procedure. When possible, talk about available remote work options during your recovery.

What to expect on surgery day

Arrive early with plenty of time for paperwork and pre-op preparations. Wear loose, comfortable clothes that will fit over the bandages and surgical boots. Leave valuables at home and bring only essentials.

Plan to spend more time at the facility than just your procedure time. Even ‘quick’ outpatient procedures usually mean spending several hours at the surgery center. There’s check-in, pre-op, the actual surgery, and then recovery time afterward.

After surgery, expect your foot to be bandaged, possibly with a surgical boot or cast. You’ll be given detailed instructions about caring for your foot, when to take medications, and what activities to avoid. Bring someone who can pay attention to these details, since anesthesia can make your memory fuzzy.

Keys to a successful foot surgery recovery

Don’t try to tough it out—take pain medication as prescribed, even if the pain isn’t bad. Staying ahead of the pain works much better than trying to catch up later.

It’s important to keep your foot higher than your heart. Use pillows to position your foot properly and keep it elevated consistently throughout the day to control swelling.

Moving again is important for recovery, but only when your doctor gives you the green light. “When appropriate, beginning range of motion exercises for the foot and ankle early in the recovery process can be one of the most effective ways to maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength while minimizing stiffness after surgery.” Dr. Yarger said.

“There is usually an initial period of immobilization during which movement is restricted,” he continued, “it is crucial to begin rehabilitation as soon as your surgeon clears you to do so. Whether initiated at home or under the guidance of a physical therapist, following your rehabilitation plan consistently can significantly reduce overall recovery time and help you return to your normal activity level more quickly.”

Don’t put weight on your foot sooner than recommended, even if you think you can. You could disrupt the healing process and compromise your surgical outcome.

Watch for these warning signs that require immediate medical attention:

• Increasing pain not controlled by medication
• Fever
• Excessive drainage
• Spreading redness
• Calf pain (which could indicate a blood clot)

When in doubt, call your surgeon’s office right away.

Managing the emotional aspects of recovery

The physical challenges of recovery often get the most attention, but the emotional aspects can be equally difficult.

“One of the most challenging aspects of recovery from foot and ankle surgery can be the sense of isolation or the frustration that comes with being unable to maintain your usual level of activity,” Dr. Yarger shared.

“My first piece of advice is to be patient with yourself and keep in mind that, for most procedures, the active recovery phase typically lasts around two months or less,” he advised. “One of the most effective ways to manage these challenges is to plan ahead—set realistic expectations for your recovery, and identify activities you can safely enjoy during this period. Surrounding yourself with a strong support system of family, friends, or caregivers can also make a significant difference in staying positive and engaged throughout the healing process.”

Are you considering or preparing for foot surgery? Schedule an appointment with our board-certified foot and ankle specialist at Mount Nittany Health to discuss your surgical options and create a personalized plan for optimal results.