Before leaving the hospital, you will be given specific discharge instruction for wound care, driving, activity level, medication, and any further restrictions necessary. Your healthcare provider will also let you know of symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
You will be given pain medication as it is normal and expected to have mild to moderate foot pain for several days. This pain is normally relieved by pain medicine.
It is also important that you plan on being driven home with the help of a relative or friend. You should not drive for at least 24 hours following your procedure. However, if you have a cast on your foot, driving may be delayed for several weeks.
You are encouraged to keep your foot elevated above your heart for the first few days after surgery to limit swelling. Your doctor will inform you of when you can bear weight on your foot and if you should use crutches. Your doctor will also give you a general timeline for returning to regular shoes.
The first follow-up visit with your doctor will be approximately one to two weeks after your surgery. The stitches will also be removed between one and three weeks. If pins or screws are used to stabilize the osteotomy, these are often removed in 8 weeks. Some screws however do not need to be removed unless they are bothersome.
