NERVE BLOCK: If you received a nerve block, expect numbness and weakness for 6-24 hours. When you feel it wearing off, start taking pain medication to stay ahead of the pain rather than letting it get too severe and then trying to catch up.
BANDAGES: Keep brace, ace-wrap and cooling pad on until seen in the office in one week.
No tub baths, hot tubs or swimming until we see you in the office.
CRUTCHES/IMMOBILIZER: Use crutches whenever you are on your feet until your first post-op office visit. Wear the immobilizer when walking and sleeping. Do not put weight on your leg.
CRYOCUFF/COOLING PAD: Leave the pad in place. Use the cooling pad for 2 hours on and 15-30 minutes off while you are awake. You may keep it running during the night. There might be condensation on your acewrap. After the first dressing change in the office, you may reapply the pad for pain and swelling and after each exercise session. Do not place on bare skin, always use a towel.
ACTIVITIES: In order to prevent pain and swelling, you should keep your activity to a minimum for the first 48 hours. ELEVATION (preferable above the heart) is crucial. After that, try to limit the time on your feet to 30-60 minutes at a time. Elevate the leg between activities as much as possible.
□ Anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen (Advil) are very useful to lessen swelling and pain,
It lessens your need for narcotic medications. If you are able to take Ibuprofen, take 600 mg
Ibuprofen (3 tabs) every 8 hours if normally you are allowed these medications.
□ Take Acetaminophen (Tylenol or APAP) 1000mg (2 extra strength tabs) every 6 hours.
□ Do not take additional Acetaminophen (Tylenol) if your narcotic pain medicine already has it.
The maximum dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for short term postoperative period should not exceed 4000 mg per 24 hours.
WARNING SIGNS: If you have any of the following, call the office 541-754-1276.
• Pain, unrelieved by medication or worsening pain
• Nausea and vomiting you cannot control
• Fever over 100.0 after the first 48 hours
• Persistent drainage from the incisions (some spotting is normal )
• Increasing redness around the incisions
• Calf pain or tenderness
FOLLOW-UP:
• Physical therapy will be prescribed when you come in for your first office visit.
• You need to see Dr. Evans in about 1 week.
• If you do not have this appointment, call Dr. Evans’ office.
CALL DR. EVAN’S OFFICE AT 541-754-1276 FOR QUESTIONS.
AFTER HOURS CALL ORTHOPEDICS AT 541-754-1150
