Like most surgical procedures, including plantar fasciitis surgery and bunion surgery, you’ll need to keep the operated area completely dry. Following bunion surgery, your surgeon will recommend you keep the stitches in the sutured area dry and clean. Keeping the operated area thoroughly dry is extremely crucial to enable the infection to heal better and faster. In this article, you’ll know about How to Shower After Foot Surgery?
Does that imply you will not be able to shower or take a bath after your foot surgery? As per instructions issued by NICE (National Institute for Health and Excellence), you can shower 48 hours after your foot surgery. Nevertheless, it is up to your doctor to establish when it’ll be convenient for you to take a shower after your surgery.
The surgical site, type of surgery, and closure procedure will influence your surgeon’s decision to a considerable extent. Wearing orthopedic boots, and adjustable night & day splints will go a long way in speeding up postsurgical healing.
What Happens Just After Your Foot Surgery?
Once the surgeon has carried out the surgery to correct the bunion deformity, the operated area will be completely bandaged. You’ll have to wear a boot whenever you step down from your bed for walking around or taking a shower. Your physician will suggest you relax for 2-3 days following the surgery to expedite the healing of the treated area.
So you’ll not be able to bathe during this period but you’ll able to take a shower 48 hours after the operation. Showering is more convenient and safer compared to bathing as the former lets you keep your dressing dry.
Showering Safely Following a Foot Surgery
Strictly abide by the instructions suggested by your surgeon or healthcare provider following foot surgery. You’ll have to prepare in advance which includes sourcing appropriate equipment, taking necessary precautions, and asking a family member or friend to assist. You’ll need to make sure that the bandage or dressing does not get wet or moist while you are in the shower.
And to ensure that, you’ll have to envelop or wrap the operated area with a waterproof bag. Alternatively, you can cover up the treated foot with a plastic bag to prevent the limb from soaking. You’ll have to keep the dressing completely covered every time you shower till your doctor decides that the bandage can be opened.
It is most likely that you’ll be wearing boots if you’re showering 24-48 hours after the surgery. Hence you’ll have to see to it that your boots stay fully dry. So you’ll need to sheath the footwear with a watertight cast cover.
If the boots and the dressing become moist, the sutured area will itch, and the healing will be unnecessarily delayed. Ask your surgeon for the type of plastic bag or waterproof protector to use. Nevertheless, keep in mind that you should not buy a product that dislodges the dressing/bandage when you remove the bag.
It’ll be more convenient to sit on a shower chair or shower stool instead of standing when taking a shower. A shower chair will allow you to remain seated firmly without sacrificing comfort while you position the treated foot onto the bathtub’s edge. Setting up guardrails or banisters around the showering area helps in providing you extra support while you step in or out of the shower.
Ensure That a Loved One Lends a Helping Hand Initially
Many people have inhibitions about requesting assistance from a family member or a friend following the surgery. However, you’d be better off asking someone close to help you out at least for the initial 2-3 weeks after surgery. You’ll find it easier to follow the instructions suggested by the surgeon, and handle the situation more effectively when someone is around.
How to Shower After a Bunion Surgery: Follow These Tips?
Contrary to what you may think or believe, showering or bathing following your bunion operation doesn’t need to be challenging. All you’ve to do is just heed the postoperative recommendations and advice of your surgeon and you’ll soon be able to bathe normally. You’ll most probably receive a waterproof cast protector on the day of your surgery, either before or after the operation.
Related: What Are the Flat Foot Celebrities With Bunions?
A cast protector is simply a type of postoperative dressing or bandage that you’ll have to position over the operated area while showering. Follow these tips to ensure that your dressing stays entirely dry while you take a shower:-
- Make sure you’re seated on a shower stool so that you can conveniently stretch the operated foot away from the showerhead (to prevent the limb from drenching). To be on the safe side, place the foot on a raised platform such as a bathtub’s edge. Better still if you place another shower chair or stool for resting your treated leg.
- Step into the shower completely naked only wearing your boot (i.e. walking boot)
- Take off the boots once you sit down and keep the footwear at a safe distance so that it does not get wet.
- Now position the waterproof cast protector over the operated foot just beneath the kneecap, and clasp down firmly to form a watertight seal
- It is safer to use a handheld showering rod while showering as the wand lets you control spraying in a manner that keeps your treated feet dry
- Once you’re through, wipe your body without getting up from your chair or stool, and thereafter detach the cast protector.
- Walk away from the shower carefully, put on your boots, step out of the bathroom, and sit down to clothe yourself
- Once your doctor removes the stitches (after 14-15 days), you’ll be able to shower without placing the cast protector over your foot. However, you’ll not be able to step inside the bathtub till the protective crust atop the operated area withers away
- Until and unless you cannot stand steadily without your boots, you should continue to shower in a seated position
ProPlantar™ Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint for Speedy Bunion Correction
The ProPlantar™ Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint works perfectly for postsurgical fixation and recovery, including bunion deformity correction following surgery. You can wear this night splint (before putting on your walking boots) as this brace will help you to slowly and steadily get back to your natural posture.