半岛体育

If you have been advised by the medical team caring for you that you may benefit from having foot/ankle surgery then the following information will help ensure you are as prepared as you can be for your surgery and recovery.

• Pre-assessment information - You will be invited to attend the pre-operative assessment clinic before your operation. You will meet one of the specialist nurses who will ask you questions about your health and may arrange appropriate tests such as blood tests and an ECG (heart tracing) if needed. This process is designed to make sure you are as physically ready for surgery as possible and also gives you information about what to expect so you can take time to think about whether you still want to go ahead.
• Ankle replacement surgery patient advice leaflet.
• Ankle arthrodesis
• Ankle ligament reconstruction
• Cheilectomy
• Hallux valgus
• Operations for lesser toe deformities
• Morton's neuroma
• First MTP joint fusion

• Preventing hospital-associated blood clots
• MRSA

• It is essential to take time now to organise yourself at home so you will be able to manage safely and independently once you return home. Please read and act upon the recommendations and advice listed below prior to your hospital admission. 
• Non-weight bearing means you will not be able to put weight through your operated leg when walking or moving from one place to another. You will need to hop on your unoperated leg when walking. This will affect many daily activities and can cause fatigue, so it is a good idea to plan ahead as you will need some support at home

Non-weight bearing advice

The following is general advice and may not be applicable for everyone:

Walking while non-weight bearing
You will be seen by a physiotherapist who will advise you on hopping. Where appropriate they will teach you how to hop non-weight bearing with an appropriate walking aid. If you are unable to hop with a walking aid you will need to hire a wheelchair to enable you get around at home.

Beware of hazards such as pets, slippery floors and loose rugs that could cause you to trip when hopping.

Stairs
Where appropriate the physiotherapist will show you how to manage stairs while non weight bearing with crutches, alternatively you could try to manage it by bottom shuffling with chair in place on top of the stairs. If you are unable to manage the stairs you will need to organise a bed downstairs with an armchair, commode and foot stool set up close together so you limit hopping distance.

Standing from chairs, toilets and beds
It can be quite difficult to stand from low furniture with the use of only one leg, especially if your unaffected leg is weak. If you feel that you will struggle with this post operatively it is advisable to have a chair with arms; your bed is at a good height; and you may require toilet equipment.

Washing and dressing
It is important to follow the advice given to you by the medical team with regard to keeping your wound / dressing dry and, if applicable, the cast.

You will need to complete washing and dressing while sitting. You can either place a chair in your bathroom to help with strip washing or sit on your toilet to reach the sink.

It may be possible to have a bath or shower if you have a walk in shower with a seat in it or have a bathboard over the bath; you will need to hire this equipment yourself and purchase waterproof protection for casts.

Preparing drinks and meals
You will be unable to carry items post op whilst using a walking aid. We recommend that you organise somewhere in the kitchen where you can sit while preparing drinks and meals; and to sit and eat. We also advise you to cook extra meals and stock up with freezer food.

Domestic tasks
If you live alone, we advise you to stay with someone or arrange for someone to come in and help you with household tasks, shopping and looking after pets. A rucksack may be useful to carry small items. Social services will not provide support with domestic tasks.

Driving
You must not drive until your consultant advises you it is safe to do so. Driving too soon invalidates your insurance.

Wheelchair hire

• Red Cross   
• Wheelfreedom –  

Other information

• Knee walker -  
• Limbo waterproof protections –  
• Complete Care shop -