Post Surgery Essentials: What You Need for a Comfortable Recovery
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Recovering from surgery can be challenging, but having the right essentials can make it more comfortable. Find out what you need for a smooth recovery in this guide.
I’ve been living with some pain in my foot for years and finally decided to have surgery for it this year. I’ve seen a podiatrist several times and discussed other options to try and shrink or minimize the mass that was in my foot, but it finally got to the point that the only other option was surgery. It turns out, I had an occult (unseen) ganglion cyst inside my foot attached to the muscles and some nerves. It’s something that I have been walking on for years and would sometimes be painful enough that it would cause me to limp while walking or make it hard to stand on. So even though I now need to be off my foot for at least 3-4 weeks, I’m glad to finally have this taken care of and am hopeful that it might be gone forever!
My foot all wrapped up post-surgery
What is an unseen ganglion cyst?
An unseen ganglion cyst, also known as an occult ganglion cyst, is a type of cyst that forms near a joint or tendon. Unlike a visible ganglion cyst, which can be seen and felt as a lump under the skin, an unseen ganglion cyst does not have any visible signs or symptoms. It is typically discovered through imaging tests, such as an MRI or ultrasound when investigating unexplained joint pain or discomfort. Although unseen ganglion cysts are usually harmless, they can sometimes cause pain or limit joint movement and may require treatment if they become problematic.
How long does it take to recover from foot surgery?
Recovering from surgery for an unseen ganglion cyst in the foot can vary in duration. Each individual case is unique, and several factors influence the healing process. On average, it takes around two to three weeks for the initial post-surgical pain and discomfort to subside. During this time, adequate rest, elevation, and icing the area can help alleviate swelling and promote healing. However, the complete recovery period can range from six weeks to a few months, depending on the size and location of the cyst, the surgical technique used, and individual healing capabilities. It is crucial to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon and engage in gentle exercises or physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. Patience and consistent adherence to the recommended recovery protocols are essential for a successful rehabilitation process.
Post Foot Surgery Recovery Essentials
After undergoing surgery, it's important to have the right essentials on hand to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. From pain management to wound care, this guide will provide you with a list of post-surgery essentials that will help you through the healing process.
iWALK Hands-Free Crutch
If your foot surgery requires you to be off your foot for any period of time, this hands-free walking crutch is a serious game changer! I was actually lucky enough to borrow one from a friend, but knowing that I am going to be off my foot for at least 4 weeks, I can’t imagine getting through it without this and definitely would buy one for myself if I didn’t have the ability to borrow. Resale value is also great for these or you can choose to keep it and lend it out to family/friends who might need it in the future. Definitely a worthy investment! The best part about this walking crutch is how much easier it is to get up and down the stairs (albeit, still very slowly),
Padding for Crutches
After my foot surgery, I was sent home with a pair of crutches, but found the rubber cushions that they included kept falling off the crutches, so I ordered these colorful padded toppers for the crutches to make them more comfortable when I use them.
Wedge Healing Shoe
This is something that was also given to me post-op - but if for any reason you don’t get one or don’t like the one that you do get, this healing shoe has been easy to use - it velcros in two places and helps me keep the kids from hitting the bottom of my foot, which is the most important for my healing process.
Watertight Foot Protector
One of the most important parts of my recovery is that I need to keep my foot (and the wraps and bandages) dry - and this bandage needs to be on my foot for nearly 3 weeks! This watertight foot protector is a great option to keep your foot dry in the shower or bath and is also great if you need to be outdoors when it’s raining.
Adjustable Shower Stool
Another helpful item if you need to stay off your foot and have space in your shower or tub - this adjustable stool would allow you to keep your foot off the ground while standing.
Elevation Pillow
Another thing that has been important for my recovery is to keep my foot elevated. Obviously, you can use multiple pillows that you already have, but if you are looking for something more convenient, this elevated pillow has great reviews and is nice and slim so it doesn’t take up too much space. It comes in two sizes - a long length and a short length.
Ice Pack Wrap
I was also given an ice pack wrap when I left after surgery that was a different brand but works exactly like this one. So if you have any need for wrapping a flexible ice pack around an injury or an area for recovery, this is a great option!
Non-Slip Socks
I had one pair of non-slip socks that I had from my last pregnancy but grabbed this pack of gripper socks to wear around the house during my recovery. This pack of non-slip socks has great cushion and good coverage of non-slip rubber on the bottom. I like having these non-slip socks for around the house for extra security while I’m hobbling around on just one foot.
Comfortable Slip-on Shoes
I haven’t owned a pair of Crocs since college but finally decided to grab a new pair to wear around when I’m out of the house post-surgery. Plus, once I am back to walking on my foot they will be a great post-op shoe that doesn’t squish my foot and provides a lot of cushion to walk on.
Laptop Desk Tray
One of the main things that I found I needed during my recovery is a great laptop desk tray to use for work when I can only rest in bed or on the couch with my foot elevated. This bamboo laptop desk tray is super sturdy, has extendable legs that easily fold, an elevated laptop surface with room for a mouse on the right-hand side, plus a tiny drawer on the side to hold some pens, memory sticks or the removable wood bar to keep the laptop on the tray when elevated.
Water Bottle
As much as I love my Stanley Tumbler (especially with added leak stoppers), having any kind of water bottle on hand during post-op recovery is important. I linked this Owala water bottle since it has a built-in straw and an easy flip-open top.
Medication Organizer Bin
Anyone recovering from surgery knows there are a variety of medications that likely go with your recovery. This organizer bin with a lid is a great way to keep them all together in one spot and within easy reach.
Medicine Dosage Labels
Depending on what type of medicine you are taking, if you need to track when you have taken your medicine, these TookTake medication dosage labels are the best thing around!
