How to Take Care of Your Wound
Supplies Needed:
- Epsom Salts
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandages (normal bandaids)
- Prescribed Medication (if applicable)
Care of Wound, 2-3 weeks
Foot Soak:
- In a basin containing one quart of lukewarm water and two tablespoons of Epsom Salts, soak foot for 15 minutes twice each day
- Remove foot from the soak solution, gently pat dry, apply antibiotic ointment directly onto the nail itself, and then apply a bandage
- Continue this routine for two weeks
Take pain medications and oral antibiotic as directed and if applicable
Walking is fine, but in moderation. Minimal activity for the first 24 hours is recommended to minimize post-operative bleeding.
To avoid swelling:
- Do not sit with your feet down for any length of time
- Do not cross your legs
- Do not stand in one place for an extended period of time
- Do not sit with feet propped up too far - 6 to 12 inches is adequate
Call the office day or night IF:
- There is continual bleeding through the bandage
- You bump or injure your foot
- you develop a fever
- The bandage feels too tight
Eat a regular and well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids
You can relieve a great deal of foot discomfort and can aid in a rapid recovery with bed rest, elevating the foot, and putting ice on the affected area. Only ice the area of injury for twenty minutes of each hour.