Patient Information
Patient Information
In case you have misplaced the information given to you during your visit, we have provided the information below.
Achilles Tendon Stretching Exercises
The Achilles tendon is made up of two separate muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. Therefore, we recommend two different exercises to stretch each:
Exercise #1 (Gasctroc Stretch)
- Lean forward against a wall with both feet directly in-line (parallel) with each other.
- Your back knee is completely straight.
- Your back heel must remain on the floor at all times.
- Your front knee is bent.
- Lean forward against the wall, keeping the back knee straight and the back heel on the ground at all times.
- Your calf, heel cord and foot arch stretch as you lean.
- Hold for 10 seconds, relax and straighten up.
- Repeat 20-30 times for each foot.
Exercise #2 (Soleus Stretch)
- Lean forward against a counter-top or wall with both feet directly in-line (parallel) with each other.
- Flex your knees and squat down, keeping your heels on the ground as long as possible.
- Your lower calf, heel cord and foot arch stretch as you flex.
- Hold for 10 seconds, relax and straighten up.
- Repeat 20-30 times for each foot.
1. You have been given a prescription for pain medication. Take as instructed.
2. Keep your leg elevated, above the level of your heart, over the next few days.
Post-Operative Instructions
1. You have been given a prescription for pain medication. Take as instructed.
2. Keep your leg elevated, above the level of your heart, over the next few days.
3. You have been given a: Surgical Shoe / Walking Cast / Posterior Mold
Post-Op Nail Procedure Instructions
1. You have been given a prescription for pain medication. Take as instructed.
2. Keep your leg elevated, above the level of your heart, over the next few days.
Caring for your Cast
Unless specifically instructed, you should not place any weight on the leg which has the cast. Use your crutches or walker as instructed by the doctor or physical therapist. It is necessary to keep the cast clean and dry.
Your toes should be pink and you should be able to move them freely.
If you experience numbness of the toes, feel that the cast is cutting your skin, or have pain which is not relieved by your pain medication, please call your doctor.
Orthotic Break-In Recommendations
Your orthotic device has been designed and built to help your specific foot condition. By using the impressions we made of your feet and our careful study of your foot condition, we've created a device custom-made for your feet.
However, your device is not a "cure all". Depending on your working conditions, shoe choices, the number of hours on your feet and the specific foot condition, you probably will have some symptoms.