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Tag Archive for Surgery Recovery Tips

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How to Shower with a Broken Foot

If you thought hobbling around with a broken foot was bad enough, you’ve yet to surmount the biggest challenge of all: learning how to shower with a broken foot (cue orchestra playing a wildly dramatic tune). Sure, you’ve been able to go a day or two after the foot surgery without taking a shower. But you can’t exactly get away with not showering for the duration of your recovery period…

Unless, of course, you want to isolate your family, friends, and loved ones with your interesting body odor!

 

There’s no getting around it: you need to learn how to shower with a broken foot. Luckily, you don’t have to go through painful trial-and-error to find out: you just have to read this article.

1. Enlist a family member or a very dear loved one who can help you manage the shower for the first few times after you’ve had the cast slapped on. This can help you get used to the movements necessary for getting in the shower without risking a dangerous fall.

2. Get yourself plenty of rubber bath mats to lay in the tub as well as on the bathroom floor. You want to minimize every possible risk that could cause you to fall, including those dangerous slippery tiles.

3. Get a shower stool. This handy device allows you to sit in the middle of the shower and get clean – without putting any weight on your broken foot.

4. Before you even get into the shower, put on a waterproof cast cover. Another option is a plastic bag that is taped it shut along the leg. You want to ensure that your entire foot cast is wrapped up in the cast cover or bag, which will prevent any water from soaking your foot cast.

5. Put a non-slip shoe on your good foot while you shower. Sure, it might look like the same type of shoe that your grandma wears to water aerobics, but trust us – it’s worth the mild fashion faux pas.

6. Clear the bathroom of any clutter that might cause you to trip and fall. We’re talking loose towels, bath mats, magazines – anything that might make your broken foot more of a permanent woe than a temporary injury.

Now that you’ve got your hands on these tips to shower with a broken foot, it’s time to cut your family or roommates a break and hop in the shower – pronto!

 

Category: Foot Surgery, knee scooter, Showering with a cast | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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How to Climb the Stairs with a Broken Foot

Carefully!

Just kidding (well, not really). We know you’re looking for more than a snappy joke to the question, “how to climb the stairs with a broken foot.” And while we can’t pass up the opportunity to flex our funny bone, we know it’s important for you to get the important information you need. After all, climbing stairs with a cast slapped around your foot can be incredibly dangerous for a variety of reasons.

Ready to become the StairMaster (there we go again!)?

 

Then follow these quick-fire techniques on how to climb the stairs with a broken foot:

•Have a family member or really good friend check the railings to ensure that they’re extra supportive. Why the emphasis on “good friend”? It’s probably just because we’re secret fans of soap operas with back-stabbing friends. But seriously, make sure the person knows how to determine if a railing is stable, and what to do if it isn’t (hint: Phillips screwdriver).

• When it actually comes to climbing the stairs, sit your butt down and get ready to go up the stairs like a toddler would: on your behind. Put your injured leg out in front of you, keep your compactable mobility device by your side, place your hands behind you on the steps, and push off with your hands until your bottom is on the step.

•When you’re ready to go up the next step, keep repeating this process. To get down the stairs, simply use the same techniques, except use your hands to support your weight as you push off your bottom and sit on the next step.

•There are dangers that lay around your stairs as well. Have a family member roll up any loose rugs or carpets that could potentially slip out from underneath you.

If you don’t want to deal with learning how to climb the stairs with a broken foot, considering enlisting a friend to bring your bed downstairs. It can be a hassle at first, but it’s worth it when you don’t have to worry about climbing the stairs with a massive foot cast.

 

Category: Crutch Alternatives, Foot Surgery, Mobility Options | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Elevating Your Broken Foot and Other Foot Surgery Recovery Tips

Foot surgery recovery can be a lot like walking into your favorite casino. You could end up getting lucky in your experience, have the time of your life, and walk away from the whole episode feeling like a million bucks…

Or you could end up feeling like your mind, body, and wallet have been drained from your foot surgery recovery!

When it comes to making the most of your healing time, you don’t have to wallow on the couch and count down the days to when you’re better. To speed up your foot surgery recovery, here’s what you need to do:

  • Elevating your broken foot is one of the most crucial techniques for recovering faster. But don’t just prop it up on your coffee table (your mom taught you better than that!). Get a nice long pillow and place it under your knee. You see, many people make the mistake of placing the pillow under the foot, but this can place a great deal of stress on your joints. Keep it under the knee, and your body will thank you for it.

ELEVATING

  • Get your hands on a stability mobility device. A knee walker can help you get around the house without putting weight on your broken foot – a crucial part of healthy recovery.
  • Make sure that your mental and emotional health is just as prioritized. Take your recovery time to read up on your favorite books, spend time with family members, or get back into that painting hobby you haven’t indulged in since college. It’s a great way to come out of your healing process feeling healed, relaxed, and rejuvenated.
  • Follow your doctor’s advice! Many patients let their medications lapse, especially after the first month of their foot surgery recovery. Take notes when meeting with your doctor, and don’t be afraid to call his or her office with any questions you might have. Remember, it’s your foot – take care of it!

By elevating your broken foot, keeping busy, and having a mobility device on hand, you should discover that your recovery period is like smooth sailing. So what suggestions do you have for recovering from a foot or ankle injury?

Category: Crutch Alternatives, Exercises after surgey, Foot Surgery, Fun After Surgery | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Best Meals to Pre-Make for Foot Surgery Recovery

Let’s face it: foot or ankle surgery is never fun. But if you’ve spent the majority of your time dreading that ominous square on your calendar that contains the date of your surgery, then it’s time for a reality check:

Your foot surgery, whether you like it or not, is happening.

So you have one of two options: you can either avoid preparing for your surgery, or you can take some steps (you know, because stepping’s gonna be hard after your surgery!) to prepare for life after surgery…

And that includes discovering the best meals to pre-make for surgery recovery.

Man does not live on delivery pizza alone. So if you want to ensure that you heal in a healthy and (somewhat) enjoyable manner – without making you feel like Pizza Hut’s number one customer – here are the best meals to pre-make for surgery recovery.

Savory Baked Chicken

Baked chicken is going to be the lifeblood of your surgery recovery – and for good reason. The protein in chicken can help fuel your muscle growth and repair, while the lean meats ensure that your weight stays off of your waist as well as your injured foot.

Baked chicken can be thrown over rice, pasta, or shredded and added to a bed of lettuce. As you can see, savory baked chicken is perfect for eating well while undergoing surgery recovery.

First, grab yourself a couple pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Lay out a sheet of aluminum foil on a large baking pan. Coat the foil with cooking spray (go for olive oil spray – delicious). Lay the chicken on the pan. Now here’s the fun part: start seasoning the chicken any way you want. We’re taking garlic powder, lemon pepper rub – anything! Set the oven to 400 degrees and pop the chicken in for about 30 minutes, or until the juices are running clear.

Super-Fast Tomato and Basil Pasta

Pasta can keep for many days in your refrigerator, which makes this one of the best meals to pre-make for surgery recovery. Try out this meal, which incorporates whole grains and vegetables for maximum healing power.

First, grab yourself a box of whole grain linguine (whole grains are an excellent source of fiber) and pour into salted boiling water. While the pasta’s boiling, chop up a few cups of grape or cherry tomatoes into quarters. Next, chop up some basil leaves (make sure you take the time to enjoy the delicious scent!). Once the pasta is done boiling, drain it. Add the tomatoes and basil to the pasta, and throw in some olive oil or spaghetti sauce to bring it all together. If you’re really feeling adventurous, add some crumbled goats cheese for a tangy flavor that just won’t quit.

Foods to Avoid

While the above recipes are some of the best meals you can pre-make before surgery, it’s important to point out what you shouldn’t be eating during your recovery time. Healing your body is a delicate process, and it’s going to need all the nutrients possible. Therefore, avoid the following foods, as they don’t pack a nutritional punch:

Processed foods (buh-bye, Funions)

Dehydrated foods like beef jerky

Full fat cheese (too much can cause constipation – not really something you want to deal with on top of an injured foot or ankle)

Refined sugars (sweets, white grains, etc.)

Now that you know the best meals to pre-make for foot surgery recovery – as well as what foods to avoid – it’s time to throw on your chef’s hat and whip up a creation that would make Paula Deen jealous (butter not included).

Category: After Surgery diet, After Surgery Recovery, Foot Surgery, Nutrition After Surgery | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Non Weight Bearing Advice You MUST Take After Foot Surgery

Whether this is the first time you’ve experienced foot surgery or the third (if this is the case, you may want to re-examine your hobbies), you may already know the most important rule of thumb for foot surgery recovery: you MUST avoid putting weight on your injured foot.

Like with most things, it’s a lot easier said than done. Everyone’s willing to give you non weight bearing advice, but it can be difficult to take. After all, you had no idea how much you took your mobility for granted. Suddenly, simple activities like preparing yourself dinner or even walking across the office to hand in that report become monumental occasions that practically merit an Olympic gold medal.

But before you start dreaming of how you’ll look on that Wheaties box, take note: there is plenty of non weight bearing advice that’s easy to execute after a foot surgery. Best of all, most of this advice encourages you to sit back and relax – and who doesn’t need an excuse to catch up on all the seasons of Modern Family?

With this in mind, take a look at the non weight bearing advice you MUST take after foot surgery.

Make Your Bed or Couch Your Kingdom

One of the first pieces of non weight bearing advice you must take is that you should stay off your injured foot as much as possible. Sure, this might seem like common sense, but once you’re actually saddled in the cast, you might find it hard to resist getting up and walking around. That’s why you need to make your bed or couch your kingdom, where all you need is within an arm’s distance.

This means ensure that snack foods are easy to reach (enlist the help of a family member to cook meals). Keep a large stack of DVDs nearby that you can pop into your television (consider investing in a television streaming program like Netflix or Hulu, so you don’t even have to get up). Keep a large pile of books and magazines nearby to indulge in. Make your bed or couch as comfortable as possible so you won’t even be slightly tempted to leave.

Ask For Help

Many people have a hard time asking for help when they’re injured. Maybe they’re too stubborn to have a family member take over dinner duties, or maybe they’re too proud to ask for a ride into work everyday. Regardless, this next piece of non weight bearing advice is crucial – don’t be afraid to ask for the help you need. People are more willing to assist you than you might initially realize. By asking for help, you’ll be able to make your recovery period much more convenient – not to mention enjoyable!

Get a Knee Walker

Crutches are, in a word, lame. They’re awkward to deal with. They make it nearly impossible to get anywhere without bumping your foot or experiencing armpit blisters. That’s why you need to invest in a better mobility device, like a knee walker.

At Knee Walker Central, we specialize in providing injured persons with knee walkers, which make it much easier for people to get around without the inconvenience of crutches. Best of all, your arms will be freed up, which means you can open doors, grab things off of shelves, and engage in other normal activities. Your insurance company may even cover the cost of your knee walker, so be sure to ask us to help with your knee walker claim.

If you follow all of the non weight bearing advice contained within this article, you’ll find that it’s not only possible to get through your recovery period – you may actually enjoy it!

Category: Foot Surgery, Fun After Surgery, Knee Walkers | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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How to Shower With A Broken Ankle

 

You’re back from the hospital, and you’ve got the cast to prove it. You can get around the house just fine, thanks to your brand-new mobility device. You have enough room to get around the kitchen. Your living room is prepped for your recovery time, complete with shiny new DVDs of your favorite movies and TV seasons. Yes, your living situation is completely optimized for your broken ankle recovery…

Except, of course for the shower.

A seemingly simple daily activity has now become a complicated and frustrating part of dealing with a broken ankle. Showering with an injured foot is not easy, especially with a large cast in tow. You’ll need to follow expert advice to learn how to shower with a broken ankle…

And you’ll find this expert advice right here.

Before you continue reading, be sure that you incorporate your doctor’s advice with the techniques you’ll find in this article. Your bathing habits will vary depending on whether you’re wearing a cast or a boot, so pay careful attention to the following advice:

Recruit Help

Whenever there’s someone around to help you out, make sure they’re standing by your side when you’re getting in and out of the shower/tub. This is essential in helping you avoid falling, as your balance may be off the first few times you bathe. Make sure your assistant is totally comfortable with this assignment, as he or she will inevitably get an eyeful.

Try to Take Baths As Often As Possible

To avoid the general nuisance of wrapping your boot or cast in a plastic garbage bag, you may want to consider switching your shower habits to a daily bath. Have your assistant help you into the tub, and prop your broken ankle up on the side of the tub. This keeps your foot out of the water, which is essential in keeping your cast/boot nice and dry. Make sure your assistant is around to help you out of the tub. If you’re flying solo for your recovery time, skip this technique and use the following one.

Shower with Confidence

If it’s too much trouble to bathe, turn your shower into a broken ankle-friendly oasis. Have a family member go out and buy a plastic stool that you can sit on (many people suggest lawn chairs, but unless you have a massive shower, that isn’t always going to work). Place the stool in the middle of the shower. Make sure that your shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and other essentials are within reaching distance of your stool.

Now find yourself a large plastic bag (kitchen trash bags or garbage bags work fine) and tie it around your leg. Tape the upper part of the bag just above your cast or boot, as this makes it waterproof (try to avoid duct tape, it’s almost impossible to get off!).

Now that you’re properly prepared for water, get in the shower and sit on the stool. Turn on the water and enjoy the feeling of being clean again. Helpful hint: you may want to consider bringing a pair of scissors into the shower with you to cut off the bag when you’re done showering. Make sure to keep it out of reach of the water, as you don’t want it to rust up.

Clean Your Boot/Cast

Your body may be clean, but your cast or boot might feel like anything but. That’s no problem – a simple mixture of household bleach and water can make a cleaning solution that will kill any nasty germs that linger on your cast. Your bleach solution should never exceed the 1:10 mark, which means that for every one part of bleach you use, you’ll need to offset it with nine parts clean water (filter any tap water before putting it in the solution). Mix it in a bucket or spray bottle, which will make for easier cleaning. Use a clean towel to gentle scrub the cast/boot down. Always discard of the solution you make, especially if you have children in the house.

Now that you know how to shower with a broken ankle, you can enjoy the healing and rejuvenating powers of a warm shower!

 

Category: After Surgery Recovery, Showering with a cast | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Top Ten Movies to Watch While Recovering from Foot Surgery

When you’re stranded on the couch as a result of recovering from foot surgery, you don’t want to waste any of your precious recovery time. You want to do the best foot and ankle exercises. You want to catch up with old friends on Facebook and finally send Grandma a birthday card. You want to be productive…

And you also want to do some serious movie watching!

If you’re recovering from foot surgery, the entertainment world is at your feet (pun intended). You have hours upon hours in which to indulge in quality time with your television without feeling guilty. Forget household errands and picking up the dry cleaning – you have a foot that needs to heal!

So if you’re stuck for ideas for movies to watch or you simply want to make yourself forget about the fact that you’re healing, here are our top ten movies to watch while recovering from foot surgery (non-biased opinions not included):

1. Anchorman. Let the vision of Ron Burgundy’s mustache help you forget about the pain of recovering from foot surgery.

2. Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Always a great film. And if you’ve never seen it, it’s about time you do!

3. Avatar. Get lost in Pandora – and leave the world of physical therapy and stitches back on Earth where they belong.

4. The Godfather. If you haven’t seen this classic yet, it’s time. And if you’ve already seen it, you know you want to watch it again.

5. Alien. A sci-fi horror classic that set the bar for cinema for decades to come.

6. Aliens. It’s just as good as the first one. But if you feel the need to watch the later sequels, just blame your temporary misjudgment on the pain medicine.

7. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. It’s long. It’s awesome. And the hobbit feet will make you feel better about your own.

8. Bridesmaids. One of the best films of 2011 for a reason. You’re not human if you don’t laugh at during the airplane scenes.

9. Anything by Steven Spielberg. The man’s a genius – so take your pick from his classic offerings, like Jurassic Park, Jaws, E.T., and so on. Here’s a helpful hint: avoid anything he made after 1996.

10. A Christmas Story. You don’t have to be in the midst of the holiday season to enjoy this 1983 American classic. You’ll practically cringe with delight when Ralphie encounters a department store Santa Claus!

What are your favorite movies to watch when you’re feeling sick or recovering from foot surgery? Let us know!

Category: After Surgery Recovery, Fun After Surgery, Knee Walkers | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,