2 Week Review MICA Information Sheet

• Follow-up in the outpatients for wound review & removal stitches at 10 – 14 days usually

• Continue to remain very sedentary until 6 weeks after surgery.

• Walking is only allowed in the stiff soled post-operative shoe and steps should be short to avoid rolling weight through the forefoot. This rule must be observed until 6 weeks after surgery when Mr Redfern will see you again and provide further advice

• Less elevation is required after 2 weeks from surgery, but you will still need to keep the foot elevated for some of the day (sufficient to minimise swelling in the foot)

• Begin moving the big toe with simple exercises. From 2 weeks onwards, you should begin to move the big toe joints to restore movement. You can do this by using the muscles that move the toe and by holding the big toe and moving it up and downwards as far as you can. These exercises should be done at least twice a day

• Showering and bathing now allowed. It is fine to get the foot wet but important to protect it carefully so Mr Redfern suggests a chair be placed outside the shower or next to the bath. This allows you to sit and immediately dry the foot after bathing or showering and then put the post-op shoe back on

• Crutches: One Crutch now enough if only one foot surgery (if both feet operated on then you should still use both crutches for support to avoid stumbling)

• Gymn etc: The gym is best avoided until 6 weeks after surgery. Only upper body weights work allowed until 6 weeks after surgery. NO weight bearing exercises through legs.

• Drviving: May begin to drive automatic vehicle with caution in surgical shoe IF surgery to left foot ONLY (otherwise return to driving at 6-8 weeks post surgery).