Preparing for foot or ankle surgery can feel overwhelming, but understanding what to expect before and after your procedure can make the process smoother and help ensure the best possible recovery.
At Gauld Foot & Ankle, we guide our patients through every step of the surgical journey—from preparation to returning to normal activity. Following proper preoperative (pre-op) and postoperative (post-op) instructions is essential for reducing complications, complete healing, and achieving the best surgical outcomes.
Why Pre-Op and Post-Op Instructions Matter
Surgery is only one part of the treatment process. Proper preparation beforehand and careful care afterward play a major role in recovery.
Following your instructions carefully helps:
- Reduce the risk of infection
- Improve healing time
- Ensure desired surgical outcomes
- Make recovery more comfortable
Patients who follow their pre- and post-surgery instructions closely often experience smoother recoveries and better long-term results.
Pre-Operative Instructions: Preparing for Your Procedure
Before your scheduled surgery, there are several important steps to take to ensure you are ready for the procedure.
1. Complete Your Medical Clearance and Paperwork
Patients are typically required to complete a History and Physical (H&P) examination by the primary care physician within 30 days of the procedure. This evaluation helps confirm that you are medically stable for the anesthesia and the surgery. If you have any cardiovascular conditions, a medical clearance by a cardiologist may be required.
You can access our H&P paperwork here:
Preoperative-History-Physical-Examination-Form
Your primary care physician may need further workup such as blood work, imaging studies, and other medical evaluations prior to signing the H&P paperwork.
Please complete and fax the paperwork as soon as possible to ensure smooth preparation. The forms can be faxed over to Gauld Foot and Ankle clinic at
(Fax: 855-540-2470)
2. Review Medications
Some medications may need to be paused or adjusted before surgery. Your primary care physician/ surgeon will provide specific instructions, but common medications that may require adjustment include:
- Blood thinners (Aspirin, Xarelto, Warfarin etc)
- Anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve etc)
- Certain supplements (Fish Oil, Ginseng, Vit E etc)
- Biologics (Humira, Enbrel etc)
Always inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are currently taking.
3. Visit your Surgeon
You will need to see your Surgeon one week prior to surgery for a Pre-operative appointment.
4. Arrange Transportation
Most foot and ankle procedures require sedation or anesthesia, meaning you will need someone to drive you home after surgery.
Plan transportation ahead of time and ensure someone can assist you during the first 24 hours after the procedure. Surgical centers/ hospitals can also call the patient to fill out paperwork for them.
5. Prepare Your Home for Recovery
Before surgery, it is helpful to prepare your recovery environment.
Consider:
- Creating a comfortable resting area
- Keeping essentials within reach
- Preparing meals in advance
- Setting up mobility aids if needed
If your surgery requires non-weightbearing, you may also need crutches or a knee scooter. Knee scooter is preferred for easier transportation.
6. Follow Fasting Instructions
If your procedure involves anesthesia, you will likely need to stop eating and drinking starting at midnight of the surgery. Your care team will provide specific instructions.
Following these guidelines is extremely important for your safety during anesthesia.
Scheduled Surgery Day
On the day of your surgery, you need to come to the surgery center/hospital at least 1 hour before your surgery. You will be led to the pre-op area and a nurse will go over your paperwork. The surgeon will also come in to mark the extremity and answer any remaining questions.
Post-Operative Instructions: Supporting a Smooth Recovery
Your recovery begins immediately after surgery. Following post-operative instructions fully helps prevent complications and supports proper healing.
1. Rest, Ice and Elevate the Foot
Controlling swelling is one of the most important steps after surgery.
Reduce swelling by:
- Elevation of the surgical extremity above the level of the heart
- Ice behind the knee (15 minutes intervals, multiple times a day)
2. Protect the Surgical Site
Your surgical dressing or bandage should remain clean and dry.
Avoid:
- Getting the bandage wet
- Removing dressings without instruction
- Applying pressure to the surgical area
If you notice excessive bleeding, drainage, or swelling, or if the dressing gets wet, contact your provider.
3. Manage Pain and Medications
Pain after surgery is expected and can usually be managed with prescribed medications and proper rest.
Your doctor may recommend:
- Pain medication (a short course of opioid may be prescribed to control severe pain after surgery)
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Ice therapy
- Anti-nausea medication
- Blood thinner may be prescribed if you are instructed to be non-weightbearing (to prevent deep vein thrombosis)
Always follow medication instructions carefully.
4. Limit Activity
Your provider will give specific instructions regarding weight-bearing and mobility.
Depending on the procedure, you may need:
- Crutches/ knee scooter
- A walking boot
- A surgical shoe
- Limited walking for a period of time
Avoid returning to normal activities too quickly, as this may delay healing.
5. Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
Postoperative visits are essential to monitor healing and remove sutures if necessary. These appointments allow your doctor to ensure that your recovery is progressing as expected.
Signs You Should Contact Your Podiatrist
After surgery, contact your podiatrist if you experience:
- Fever or chills
- Increasing redness or swelling
- Severe pain not relieved by medication
- Unusual drainage from the surgical site
- Numbness or discoloration in the foot or toes
Prompt communication helps address potential issues early.
Your Surgical Care Team at Gauld Foot & Ankle
Our team is committed to guiding patients through every stage of surgical care—from preparation to recovery. Clear communication and patient education are key to achieving the best outcomes.
If you have questions about your upcoming procedure or recovery instructions, our staff is always available to help.
Be sure to review and complete the required paperwork before your scheduled procedure.
Access your H&P paperwork here:
Preoperative-History-Physical-Examination-Form
Proper preparation leads to a smoother surgery and a safer recovery.
Comprehensive Care Under One Health Network
For patients who require vein or vascular evaluation, we work closely with Gauld Vein & Vascular to ensure comprehensive care. Both Gauld Foot & Ankle and Gauld Vein & Vascular operate under Gauld Health, providing coordinated, multispecialty treatment designed around your overall wellness.
This integrated approach allows us to address both musculoskeletal and vascular concerns, ensuring you receive complete, streamlined care.
Call us today (678) 215-1882 or request an appointment online