Whether for cataracts, caesarean section, joint replacement, or anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL) surgery in Singapore, surgery, in general, can impact and make a significant change in your life, both big and small ways. Surgery is a life-changing decision that can end your discomfort or bring you more unfortunate circumstances, such as death. If you are suffering from a condition that requires surgery, ensure to look for the most reliable surgeon available.

A bunion is one of the most common conditions that may need surgery if left untreated. Due to the deformity and pain it provides your foot, you will most likely need bunion surgery in Singaporeto alleviate the intense discomfort it gives and bring the original form of your toe back. To help you prepare for surgery, here are some tips to consider.

SCHEDULE SURGERY AT A CONVENIENT TIME.

Before the surgery takes place and gets scheduled, a lot of medical tests will happen first to assess your overall health and the condition of your bunion. Your ankle specialist in Singaporeor a surgeon will need a lung X-ray, electrocardiogram for your heart inspection, and urine and blood tests to ensure you’re healthy for surgery. A few weeks after your surgery, keep your foot elevated for a few days. It is crucial to avoid any movement that can harm your bunion and let it rest until it fully recovers. It will be hard to get around for a while, and your physician won’t also recommend you to do draining activities or movements yet. So, when you’re scheduling your surgery, consider the best schedule that works for you. If you have scheduled events or plans, you may want to cancel them.

ENLIST HELP.

Before and after your bunion surgery in Singapore, you will really need help. Never hesitate to ask for help, especially post-surgery, as things can be overly challenging as you think it is. The first few days post-surgery will make you feel a little lightheaded, and your weight management, especially on your feet, will be unstable. You won’t be able to perform your usual and everyday tasks, such as walking, running, or even household chores. Make sure there are family members, friends, or your partner around to help you with everything, from walking, standing up, doing the dishes, and many more. You can also consider hiring an in-house nanny from reliable care centres.

GET A SUPPORTING DEVICE.

Besides people, there are also some devices that can serve as extra support for you after your bunion surgery in Singapore. Your surgery will hamper your mobility in the meantime or only until your toe starts to recover. During the period where you can’t do any task or struggle with using your foot, a knee cart, scooter, and a pair of crutches can be your lifesaver! Invest in a steerable knee scooter or cart with added layers of the padded base. These pads can allow your knee to rest while you’re moving.

With a steerable cart, you can do a few household chores that aren’t strenuous, such as washing dishes, laundry, getting water, moving from the bedroom to the living, or even light vacuuming. While a knee cart is functional, a pair of crutches serves a practical purpose. In the small spaces where it is difficult to manoeuvre or fit your cart, that’s when you can use your crutch.

GET GEL ICE PACKS.

Gel ice packs can also serve as your good angel! A few days before your surgery, purchase at least two ready-to-go bags and place them in your freezer. By the time you get home from your surgery, it is frozen and can work to reduce your discomfort. An ice pack is one of the effective home remedies to alleviate the pain and reduce the swelling on your toe. However, it would still be appropriate to ask your ankle specialist in Singaporeabout which medications, therapies, and remedies would work with your foot.

RESTOCK YOUR FRIDGE AND PANTRY.

Since you are likely unable to move or get out of the house, it is advisable to stock up on your goods before your bunion surgery schedule in Singapore. Buy all your needs, including food, toiletries, medical kits, and other essentials, such as paper towels, packed meals, canned goods, wet wipes, or other household necessities. Also, consider purchasing portable snacks, frozen or ready meals, or easy-to-make foods on hand. If you have family and friends who can do the cooking for you, that would be really helpful!

INVEST IN SHOWERING AIDS.

Besides the mobility aids you can use, you can also invest in showering equipment pieces, such as a shower chair, shower seal, or sleeves. Things can get rough and tough after your bunion surgery in Singapore,causing you to struggle with standing or moving your feet. If you are worried about your hygiene, you can take a bath while keeping your foot dry by wrapping it in a shower sleeve or seal or using a surgical boot.

However, ensure to ask your physician first before wearing a surgical boot. To refrain from standing up on one foot, you can utilise a shower chair to rest your foot while showering.

KEEP STUFF WITHIN YOUR REACH.

Another thing to consider when preparing for your bunion surgery in Singaporeis navigation. Ensure everything is within your reach. If you gave the knee cart some thought, you need to widen the spaces for each piece of furniture. If you live in a two-story home, consider transferring your room to the ground floor for convenience. When taking a bath, place your shower chair inside and ensure that your bathroom essentials are also within reach. In your bedroom, stash a few snacks and water bottles on your side table to refrain yourself from standing up and walking.

Final Remarks

Generally, bunion surgery in Singaporelasts an average of 45 minutes to a maximum of three (3) hours. The surgery and its duration will all depend on the severity of your bunion, including its form and condition. The recovery post-surgery can take about six to eight weeks. It will take at least four to six months until it fully recovers. Also, expect to experience swelling and pain in the affected foot for the first two months. If, by any chance, you get a fever, flu, or a cold a day before your surgery, inform your surgeon about it immediately to reschedule.

Specialist Orthopaedic Centre can be your constant care partner. They specialise in musculoskeletal injuries, trauma, geriatric orthopaedics, and paediatric conditions. To schedule an appointment with their doctors, contact them through (65) 6272 0933/(65) 6243 9233 or book directly via their website.