A Patient Guide | How to Prepare for Orthopaedic Surgery

Having foot problems like bunions is not a laughing matter. If you leave them as they are, bunions can interfere with your daily routine. Apart from the intense pain pricking into your skin, you might knock yourself off the floor due to imbalance.

That is why if you are suffering from foot problems, do not leave them untreated for too long. Otherwise, their condition would get worse, and you would end up suffering for more.

Of course, no one wants that, neither are you. Therefore, make sure to see an orthopaedic doctor in Singapore once in a while. During your visit, do not forget to ask them if your foot problems need surgery or not. Note that even though it is a bit scary to consult them, you need all the help you can get to ease your foot problems.

If they say you need to undergo one, you have to get yourself ready. Doing so would help you recover faster in Singapore and maximise the result of orthopaedic surgery. To make that happen, take note and follow these things below. They are what you need to do to get ready.

Before: Preoperative Consultation.

When you go to an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, they will not perform the procedure right away. That is not how it works. Honestly, before they could do anything, even access your concern, you have to provide these details.

·       WHAT KIND OF FOOT PROBLEM DO YOU HAVE.

In case you have no idea what it is, you may describe it in your own words. Just make sure you told them when it began, how much it bothers you and what kind of treatment you have tried so far.

·       MEDICAL HISTORY, INCLUDE FAMILY’S RECORD.

The reason they need these files is that some foot problems are hereditary. Something you got from your parents or grandparents.

·       PREVIOUS & CURRENT MEDICATION.

Understanding what kind of medicine you are currently taking would help them know what prescription to prescribe after the procedure.

·       ALLERGIES (ONLY IF YOU HAVE ONE).

If the orthopaedic doctor does not know that you have one and you took a medicine, there is a chance your foot problem will get worse than it is. Therefore, make sure to mention the allergy you have.

·       LIST OF QUESTIONS.

Create one if you have many things you want to know. Having this would help you a lot in case you forget what you want to ask.

So far, these are mostly the things you have to discuss with the orthopaedic doctor. At the end of your consultation, they will let you know if your foot problem indeed needs surgery. Once confirmed, they will ask you when you want to get it.

A Few Days Before Orthopaedic Surgery.

What-to-Do-a-Few-Days-Before-Orthopaedic-Surgery

Before you leave the clinic in Singapore, the doctor will discuss orthopaedic surgery. No worries, they are not complicated details as you think. They are just reminders of what you need to do so the procedure will go smoothly.

More or less, here are some of the advice they will give you.

·       NO DRINKING OF ALCOHOL OR SMOKING.

You have to since these vices would only make the blood thin. If you are going to get difficult orthopaedic surgery, doing these would only increase the complications. Therefore, try not to do them for at least two days before the actual surgery day.

·       FAST FOR EIGHT HOURS. (ONLY A DAY BEFORE THE PROCEDURE)

Fasting is necessary to make the anaesthesia work. That is why an orthopaedic doctor often recommends doing it after midnight if your procedure will be around lunch.

·       EAT A BALANCED DIET.

A healthy meal can increase the recovery rate of your body. Hence, while you are waiting for the orthopaedic surgery date, make sure to eat healthily.

During Orthopaedic Surgery.

During-Orthopaedic-Surgery

In Singapore, on the day of orthopaedic surgery, there are only things you need to do:

·       WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES.

This outfit will help you change quickly with the clinic robe and vice versa once the procedure ends. As such, the treated area will not get irritated.

·       BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU.

Since the sedative used during the surgery can make you feel drowsy, you need someone to drive you home. If any of your family members cannot make it, ask a friend with whom you are close.

After Orthopaedic Surgery.

Once the treatment ends, you have to stay for a while to recover a bit. The same is true even for a minor procedure like bunion surgery in Singapore.

That is why before you leave the orthopaedic clinic, listen to the instructions that the doctor will give you. At this point, they will let you know when your follow up appointment and need to get your stitches removed.

At Discharge.

What-Should-You-Do-Afterwards

Whether you had foot or ankle surgery, the specialist in Singapore will ask you to do the following. They are the things that can help you recover faster and return to normal.

·       SLEEP WELL.

A study shows that getting enough sleep increases the healing process of the body. Therefore, try to get sleep after your orthopaedic surgery ends.

·       EAT ENOUGH.

If you eat healthily, every tissue in your body will heal faster, including the incision area.

·       TAKE MEDICINE.

Indeed, medicine does not taste good, but they are great for your incision. That is why instead of skipping medication out after a meal, set a reminder to remember you have to take it.

·       ATTEND FOLLOW UP.

Your foot problem does not end after surgery. Sometimes, you have to visit there more to make sure everything went well.

·       GET PHYSICAL THERAPY.

If you are not a fan of physical therapy, that is okay. The orthopaedic doctor can give you some exercise so you can move your limbs much faster.

Do You Still Have More Questions About Orthopaedic Surgery?

If you have more questions in mind, you may get in touch with the Specialist Orthopaedic Centre. They are an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore with years of experience in treating foot and lower limb problems.

If you are interested, speak to their orthopaedic doctor in Singapore by leaving a message on their website.

David Curry

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