What will you do if you’re recovering from an injury during this holiday season? One word: rest. If you’re recovering from a foot or ankle injury or surgery, allowing time for recovery is very important. Moving too fast can lead to reinjury or delayed time for complete healing.
Dr. Brandon A. Macy of Clark Podiatry Center has some tips for how to take it easy during the holidays.
Rest and recline
Elevating an injured foot or ankle is one way to help with recovery. During the holidays, when the pace has slowed, take some time to get off of your feet. Rest in a recliner or use pillows to elevate your injury on a bed or flat sofa. Taking a nap is also helpful, as your body needs plenty of energy to recover.
Ice to the rescue
If you have an injury such as a sprained ankle, initial symptoms like swelling and bruising may be common. Apply an ice pack to your injured ankle to reduce the swelling. Also, elevate your ankle while kicking up your feet. If swelling continues or worsens, it’s time to make an appointment with your podiatrist.
Use your support
You may want to ditch the orthotics, crutches, or the boot that your doctor gave you at your most recent appointment. Trust us, you will regret the decision to skip out on the tools and devices that will help you fully recover. Following an injury, one of the main goals is to avoid pressure on the injured area. If you add pressure too early, you can take steps backward in your recovery by reinjuring the area.
Resist the urge to take a break from recovery during the holidays. Follow doctor’s orders and the tips above to ensure you fully recover with minimal chances for another injury in the same place. If your healing is taking longer than usual, schedule an appointment with Clark Podiatry Center by calling 732-382-3470. Dr. Brandon A. Macy is a board-certified podiatrist. New Jersey’s Children’s Foot Health Institute is also part of the Clark Podiatry Center. Visit us at our Clark, New Jersey office.