Having stitches removed: Post-operative instructions for patients

Today your stitches have been removed or trimmed, if absorbable stitches have been used. Unless you are in a cast or have been advised otherwise, you can start to make the change from the post-operative surgical shoe to a running trainer. This needs to be a trainer with a thick sole, not a thin-soled fashion trainer. You may not immediately be able to fit your foot into the trainer. It can sometimes take a week or so before you are able to comfortably get your foot into the trainer. This is not a problem, as long as you are not in the surgical shoe for too long.

Two days after your stitches have been removed you can wash and bathe your foot, unless you have been advised otherwise. You should not bathe or shower for too long. When drying the foot, be careful not to displace any scabs or healing tissue. After bathing or showering, dry the foot with a clean towel and apply Bio oil to the scar or aqueous or a non-fragranced moisturising cream.

Depending on the type of operation you have had, exercises may be given to you. It is important that you carry these out as instructed.

Your wound should now heal. However, if you notice that the wound has opened, there is any discharge or it becomes red and hot or painful you need to contact us, not your GP, for a review appointment.

New pain that is not relieved by rest also needs to be reviewed by our team. It is not unusual to develop some discomfort as you begin to do more with your foot, but this pain should be minimal and relieved by rest.

Four to six weeks

If you have had an operation to re-position the bones with screws etc, the bones are still healing and you need to be very careful with your activities and how you treat your foot. Your foot will become painful if you do too much and it will also swell; this is a sign that you should rest.

Your recovery time is dictated by the procedure you have had. It is advisable to re-read the information sheet about your operation.

Returning to work

Ask your podiatric surgeon about the most suitable time to return to work, as this varies depending on the type of procedure you have had and the nature of your job.

Emergencies

Please go directly to an accident and emergency (A&E) department if you experience any of the following:

• You develop severe pain, swelling or redness in your calf
• You develop pain away from the site of surgery, for example in the calf or chest
• You develop flu-like symptoms, for example high temperature, lethargy etc.

If you have any other urgent problem outside of normal working hours, please contact the out-of-hours GP service or go to your local A&E department.

If you are unsure what to do or where to go in a non-emergency situation, phone  NHS 111. This is a free helpline open 24-hours-a-day.