Care instructions
Surgery & home care instructions
Dr. Nafal's instructions for before and after surgery, and for caring for your foot or ankle at home.
How to use these sheets
- Download or print the sheet that matches what Dr. Nafal told you.
- Keep it somewhere easy to find, like on the fridge, during your recovery.
- Not sure which one you need? Call the office and we'll help.
Planning for surgery? Read getting around after surgery about walking boots, surgical shoes and knee scooters.
Before surgery
- Getting ready for foot or ankle surgeryWhat to do in the days before surgery.Download (PDF)
After surgery
- After foot or ankle surgeryBandage care, pain control, swelling, and when to call.Download (PDF)
- Using crutches, a walker or a knee scooterGetting around safely without putting weight on your foot.Download (PDF)
- After toenail removal (part or whole nail)Soaking, bandaging and what to expect after partial or total nail removal.Download (PDF)
Home care for your condition
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain) stretchesDaily stretches and exercises for heel pain.Download (PDF)
- Ankle sprain exercisesMovement, strength and balance exercises after a sprain.Download (PDF)
- Daily foot check for diabetesA simple checklist to do every day.Download (PDF)
- Wound dressing changesStep-by-step dressing care at home.Download (PDF)
- Walking boot and cast careWearing your boot or cast safely, and keeping it clean.Download (PDF)
After surgery, call the office right away if you have a fever over 101°F, bleeding that soaks through your bandage, new or worsening pain or swelling in your calf, or a bad smell or pus from the wound. Call 911 for chest pain or trouble breathing.
These sheets are general guides. If anything here is different from what Dr. Nafal told you, follow his instructions for you.
Can't find what you need?
Call and we'll send it to you or have it ready at your visit.