Start with liquids and light foods (like dry toast, bananas, and applesauce). As you feel up to it, slowly return to your normal diet.

Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water or other nonalcoholic fluids a day.

To prevent nausea, eat before taking narcotic pain medicines.

Take all medicines as instructed.

Take pain medicines on time. Don't wait until the pain is bad before taking your medicines.

Don't drink alcohol while taking pain medicines.

Sit or lie down when possible. Put a pillow or 2 under your heel to raise your foot above the level of your heart.

Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen peas in a thin cloth. Place it over your bandaged foot for no longer than 20 minutes. Do this  3 times a day.

You can drive again in  7 days or as instructed by your surgeon.

Wear your surgical shoe at all times unless told otherwise by your surgeon.

Use crutches or a cane as directed.

Follow your surgeon's instructions about putting weight on your foot.

Don't shower for 48 hours.

When you can shower again, cover the bandage, splint, or cast with a plastic bag to keep it dry.

Don’t remove your bandage until your surgeon tells you to. If your bandage gets wet or dirty, check with your healthcare provider. You can likely replace it with a clean, dry one.

Bruising and slight swelling of the foot and toes

A small amount of blood on the dressing

Continuous bleeding through the bandage

Excessive swelling, increased bleeding, or redness

Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) or chills, or as directed by your surgeon

Pain unrelieved by pain medicines

Foot feels cold to the touch or numb

Increased pain in your leg or foot

Chest pain or shortness of breath

Anything unusual that concerns you