Post-operative instructions for Achilles tendon repair
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and Restrictions
- 0-2 weeks: Non-weight bearing: It is safe for you to use crutches, or a scooter. A scooter can be ordered online to facilitate getting around. You should not place any weight on the operative leg for two weeks.
- 2-4 weeks: You start partial weight bearing in a boot at this time. Your boot will have wedges to ease tension off the Achilles while you continue to heal. You can remove the boot to bathe and to dress, but you must follow the restrictions on putting weight on your leg. You will start physical therapy at this time. You may continue to use the crutches to protect the weight bearing. You are expected to wear the boot while sleeping.
- 4- 6 weeks: Begin full weight bearing as tolerated, in the boot.
- 6-8 weeks: Remove the wedge in the boot, and continue full weight bearing as tolerated.
- 8-12 weeks: Wean out of boot with the supervision and approval of Dr. Thompson. At this time, you may need the crutches again to ease into walking without the boot.
Wound Care
- You will be placed in a soft splint covered with ace wrap after surgery. Please cover splint with plastic bag or wrap to keep dry.
- After 2 weeks, at your post-operative appointment, your soft splint will be removed, and your sutures/ staples will be taken out in the office. At this time, you will go into a tall boot for immobilization.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, Ice and Elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your leg by resting it on a pillow so it is higher than the level of your heart.
- Monitor your toes in the soft splint. They should remain pink in color, and warm. Please call the office if you begin to feel like the splint is too tight preventing good circulation to the foot.
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication).
- Aspirin 81 mg twice a day for 3 weeks—blood thinner to prevent blood clots. (Other blood thinners may be used in place of this in higher risk patients.)
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy will begin two weeks following your surgery date. A referral and list of locations have been provided. This is crucial to your recovery!
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.
Post-operative instructions for ACL reconstructions
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and Restrictions
- Weight bearing on the operative leg allowed and encouraged immediately following surgery.
- Crutches, cane, or walker may be used for a short time following surgery until pain subsides.
- You will be fitted for a brace during surgery. This brace must be worn locked in extension (with leg straight) when walking until Dr. Thompson or a physical therapist can see you complete a straight leg raise independently in the office.
- The brace can be worn unlocked to work on gentle range of motion exercises as instructed by the therapist after surgery.
Driving
For a left knee, you may resume driving when you have stopped taking narcotic pain medication
We advise you to drive in an empty parking lot to practice slamming on the brakes to ensure you are comfortable with driving prior to driving with traffic. You should be cleared to drive by Dr. Thompson. This is usually after your have stopped narcotic pain medication for the left knee, and after completion of straight leg raise independently for the right knee.
Wound Care
- Keep the dressing in place for 72 hours. During this time, please cover dressing with plastic bag or wrap if you shower.
- After 72 hours, the dressing may be removed to shower. Allow soapy warm water to run over incision, but do not scrub the incisions. Pat incision dry. You may reapply Band-Aids or ace wrap as needed.
- You will have 2-3 stitches in place that will be removed at your two weeks follow up appointment. You will also have a small incision with dissolvable sutures.
- Keep the dressing dry. Small amounts of drainage on the dressing are normal and may be reinforced with a 4 X 4 gauze or ace wrap
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, Ice and Elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your leg by placing a pillow under the ankle; NOT KNEE. This will help prevent the knee getting stuck in a bent position.
- Apply an ice pack to help reduce pain and swelling for 24-48 hours.
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off.
- You may also use a Cold Therapy Unit to help with swelling and reduce the use of narcotics. Do not let the cooling pad touch the skin. You may use a dressing or cloth between your skin and the ice/ Cold Therapy Unit. This can be used full time for two days following surgery and then as needed.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication)
- Aspirin 81 mg twice a day for 3 weeks—blood thinner to prevent blood clots. (Other blood thinners may be used in place of this in higher risk patients.)
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication 1 or 2 tablets to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical Therapy
Please contact a physical therapy office and schedule an appointment 3-5 days following surgery. A list of facilities has been provided. This crucial to your recovery!
Here are a few exercises to complete at home beginning the night of surgery. We advise you to complete 10 repetitions of each exercises 2-3 times a day.
- Quad sets: Push the back of the knee into the bed and hold for a count of 10. Imagine having a pillow under your knee and squash the pillow!
- Straight leg raises: lift the leg in the knee brace off the bed for a count of 10. Ensure to keep your muscles tight!
- Ankle pumps: Push ankle up and down multiple times to encourage blood flow in the legHamstring sets: Push the heel into the bed for a count of 10. Imagine a pillow under your heels, and you are trying to squish the pillow!
- Flexion: Unlock the brace and bend the knee as far as possible. Use your hands to help bend the knee. Hold for a count of 10 seconds.
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room
Post-operative instructions for clavicle
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and Restrictions
You will be placed in a sling following surgery. Please keep the sling in place for 1 week, until your follow up appointment. Avoid range of motion exercises during this time.
Wound Care
- Keep the dressing in place for 48 hours. During this time, please cover dressing with plastic bag or wrap.
- After 48 hours, the dressing may be removed to shower. Allow soapy warm water to run over incision, but do not scrub. Pat incision dry. You may reapply Band-Aids as needed.
- You will have a suture line in place that will be removed at your two week follow up appointment.
- Keep the dressing dry. Small amounts of drainage on the dressing are normal and may be reinforced with a 4 X 4 gauze.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, Ice and Elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your arm by resting it on a pillow placed on your chest.
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication)
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.
Post-operative instructions for common extensor tendon repair
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and Restrictions
Please avoid any heavy lifting for two weeks
Wound Care
- You will be placed in a soft splint covered with ace wrap after surgery. Please cover splint with plastic bag or wrap for showers to keep it dry.
- After two weeks, during your post-operative appointment, your soft splint will be removed, and your sutures/ staples will be taken out in the office. At this time, you will go into a Velcro brace to prevent wrist flexion. You will begin physical therapy/ Occupational therapy to work on strength and range of motion.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, Ice and Elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your arm by resting it on a pillow placed on your chest so it is higher than the level of your heart.
- Monitor your fingers in the soft splint. They should remain pink in color, and warm. Please call the office if you begin to feel like the splint is too tight preventing good circulation to the hand.
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off. Do not sleep with ice on yourarm.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication).
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical Therapy
Start physical therapy after your two-week post-operative check. You will be given a referral and list of locations. This is crucial to your recovery!
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.
Post-operative instructions for distal biceps tendon repair
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and Restrictions
Please avoid lifting anything heavier than a cup of coffee for the first week following surgery.
Wound Care
- You will be placed in a soft dressing following surgery. Please keep the soft dressing in place for 48 hours. During this time, please cover dressing with plastic bag or wrap.
- After 48 hours, the dressing may be removed to shower. Allow soapy warm water to run over incision, but do not scrub. Pat incision dry. You may reapply Band-Aids as needed. You will have a suture line in place that will be removed at your two weeks follow up appointment.
- Keep the dressing dry. Small amounts of drainage on the dressing are normal and may be reinforced with a 4 X 4 gauze and ace wrap.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, Ice and Elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your arm by resting it on a pillow placed on your chest so it is higher than the level of your heart.
- You may bend the elbow as much as the dressing allows
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication)
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical Therapy
If recommended by Dr. Thompson, physical therapy will begin 3-5 days following surgery. A referral and list of locations will be provided. This is crucial to your recovery!
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room
Post-operative instructions for hip arthroscopy
Activity and Restrictions
Crutches will be needed for ambulation during the immediate post-operative period. Partial weightbearing (Flat foot with weight of leg) with crutches for three weeks following surgery.If prescribed a brace, it should be worn when out of bed for 3 weeks. This helps protect the tissues during their early healing process.
Wound Care
- You will have a large waterproof dressing over incisions right after surgery. Keep the dressing in place for 48 hours.
- After 48 hours, the dressing may be removed to shower. Allow soapy warm water to run over incisions, but do not scrub. Pat incisions dry. You may reapply Band-Aids as needed.
- You will have 2-3 stitches in place that will be removed at your two weeks follow up appointment.
- Keep the dressing dry. Small amounts of drainage on the dressing are normal and may be reinforced with a 4 X 4 gauze and/or Band-Aids.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, Ice and Elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Use ice throughout the day for the first week following surgery – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off.
- After the first week, you may want to still consider icing after therapy session or when swelling occurs.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Diclofenac 100mg once a day for one month (anti-inflammatory medication)
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy will begin 5-7 days following your surgery date. A referral and list of locations have been provided. This is crucial to your recovery!
You may begin a home exercise program to start the day after surgery. These exercises should be performed 2-3 times per day:
- Hamstring sets: push heel into bed for count of 10.
- Heel slides: sit on a firm surface with your leg straight in front of you. Slowly slide the heel of your operative leg toward your buttock by pulling your knee to your chest when you slide.
- Prone lying: lay on your stomach for a combined total of two hours per day, divided into multiple sessions. This will help stretch the front portion of your hip joint
- Note: We recommend using a stationary bike with no resistance to encourage early motion in your hip joint. Start the day after surgery. Begin with small sessions of approximately 10 minutes at a time, twice daily. Use your good leg to push the pedals, with the surgical leg not doing any work.
- If a constant passive motion (CPM) device was recommended, please begin using it the morning following surgery. You should set the initial parameters for 0 – 40 degrees of motion. Then, advance by 10 degrees per day until you have reached 0 – 90 degrees. DO NOT exceed 90 degrees. You may discontinue the CPM once you have started physical therapy.
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room
Post-operative instructions for knee arthroscopy
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and Restrictions
Use cane or crutches for security and comfort as needed. Discard them as soon as possible unless otherwise specified. Weight bearing is allowed as tolerated. Use pain and swelling as your guide to activities and exercise.
Wound Care
- Keep the dressing in place for 48 hours. During this time, please cover dressing with plastic bag or wrap.
- After 48 hours, the dressing may be removed to shower. Allow soapy warm water to run over incision, but do not scrub the incisions. Pat incision dry. You may reapply Band-Aids as needed.
- You will have 2-3 stitches in place that will be removed at your two weeks follow up appointment.
- Keep the dressing dry. Small amounts of drainage on the dressing are normal and may be reinforced with a 4 X 4 gauze or Band-Aids.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, Ice and Elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your knee and apply an ice pack to help reduce pain and swelling for 24-48 hours.
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off. Do not sleep with ice on your knee.
- You may bend your knee as much as the dressing allows.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication)
- Aspirin 81 mg twice a day for 3 weeks—blood thinner to prevent blood clots. (Other blood thinners may be used in place of this in higher risk patients.)
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical Therapy
If advised by Dr. Thompson, please contact a physical therapy office and schedule an appointment 3-5 days following surgery. A list of facilities has been provided. This crucial to your recovery!
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room
Post-operative instructions for knee manipulation
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and Restrictions
You are encouraged to move your knee as much as possible.
Rest, Ice and Elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your leg by resting it on a pillow placed underneath your ankle, NOT KNEE. This will prevent your knee from getting stuck in a bent position.
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off. You are encouraged to move your knee as much as possible immediately following surgery.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication).
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical Therapy
You will begin physical therapy, 1 session five days a week for two weeks to maintain full range of motion of the knee. This should be completed before surgery to ensure appropriate scheduling.
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.
Post-operative instructions for ORIF ankle
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and Restrictions
You will be non-weight bearing for the first four weeks following surgery. You will be given crutches to help with walking. Patients often find it useful to order a Scooter to help get around. This can be ordered from amazon.
Wound Care
- You will be placed in a soft splint covered with ace wrap after surgery. Please cover splint with plastic bag or wrap.
- After 2 weeks, at your post-operative appointment, your soft splint will be removed, and your sutures/ staples will be taken out in the office. At this time, you will go into a tall boot for immobilization.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, Ice and Elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your leg by resting it on a pillow so it is higher than the level of your heart.
- Monitor your toes in the soft splint. They should remain pink in color, and warm. Please call the office if you begin to feel like the splint is too tight preventing good circulation to the foot.
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication).
- Aspirin 81 mg twice a day for 3 weeks—blood thinner to prevent blood clots. (Other blood thinners may be used in place of this in higher risk patients.)
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy will begin four weeks following your surgery date. A referral and list of locations have been provided. This is crucial to your recovery!
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.
Post-operative instructions for ORIF distal radius
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and Restrictions
Please avoid any lifting during this time for the first week following surgery.
Wound Care
- You will be placed in a soft splint covered with ace wrap after surgery. Please cover splint with plastic bag or wrap for showers to keep it dry.
- After 1 week, during your post-operative appointment, your soft splint will be removed, and your sutures/ staples will be taken out in the office. At this time, you will go into a Velcro brace and begin physical therapy/ Occupational therapy to work on strength and range of motion.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, Ice and Elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your arm by resting it on a pillow placed on your chest so it is higher than the level of your heart.
- Monitor your fingers in the soft splint. They should remain pink in color, and warm. Please call the office if you begin to feel like the splint is too tight preventing good circulation to the hand.
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication).
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy will begin one week following your surgery date. This is crucial to your recovery!
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.
Post-operative instructions for ORIF tibial plateau
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and Restrictions
- You will be non-weight bearing for four weeks. You will be given crutches to help with walking. You may also find it helpful to use a wheelchair.
- You will be in a brace that will allow flexion and extension of the knee for four weeks.
- After four weeks of non-weight bearing, you will slowly progress to partial weight bearing.
Wound Care
- Keep the dressing in place for 72 hours. During this time, please cover dressing with plastic bag or wrap.
- After 72 hours, the dressing may be removed to shower. Allow soapy warm water to run over incision, but do not scrub. Pat incision dry. You may reapply Band-Aids and ace wrap as needed. Brace should remain in place.
- You will have a suture line in place that will be removed at your two weeks follow up appointment.
- Keep the dressing dry. Small amounts of drainage on the dressing is normal and may be reinforced with a 4 X 4 gauze and Ace Wrap.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, Ice and Elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your leg by resting it on a pillow so it is higher than the level of your heart.
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication).
- Aspirin 81 mg twice a day for 3 weeks—blood thinner to prevent blood clots. (Other blood thinners may be used in place of this in higher risk patients.)
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical Therapy
Start physical therapy as soon as possible following your surgery date. A referral and list of locations have been provided to you. This is crucial to your recovery.
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.
Post-operative instructions for partial knee replacement
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
About your surgery
A partial knee replacement is a safe and effective way to reduce pain due to arthritis when medications, exercises, and modification of activities are no longer helpful. The surgical procedure takes approximately 90 minutes and is done with spinal or general anesthesia. Frequently a nerve block is also used to decrease pain and need for narcotics both during and after surgery. Numbness in the leg from this can often last greater than 24 hours. At the beginning of the procedure, a vertical incision is made in the front of the knee to access the joint. During the procedure, the arthritic parts of the femur and tibia are removed and the joint resurfaced with components of metal and plastic called a prosthesis.
Activity and restrictions
Weight bearing on the operative leg is restricted to partial weight bearing for the first two weeks following surgery to minimize short- and long-term pain associated with the procedure. Crutches, cane, or walker may be used during that time for support.
Driving
You may resume driving when you have stopped taking narcotic pain medication.
We advise you to drive in an empty parking lot to practice slamming on the brakes to ensure you are comfortable with driving prior to driving with traffic. You should be cleared to drive by Dr. Thompson. This is usually 2 weeks for a left knee, and 6 weeks for a right knee.
Wound care
You will be placed in a long ace wrap following surgery:
- Keep the dressing in place for 5-7 days. During this time, please cover dressing with plastic bag or wrap.
- After 5-7 days, the dressing may be removed to shower. Allow soapy warm water to run over incision, but do not scrub the incisions. Pat incision dry. You may reapply Band-Aids as needed.
- You will have several staples in place that will be removed at your two weeks follow up appointment.
- Keep the dressing dry. Small amounts of drainage on the dressing are normal and may be reinforced with a 4 X 4 gauze and ace wrap.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, ice and elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your leg by placing a pillow under the ankle; NOT KNEE. This will help prevent the knee getting stuck in a bent position.
- Apply an ice pack to help reduce pain and swelling for 24-48 hours.
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off.
- You may also use a Cold Therapy Unit to help with swelling and reduce the use of narcotics. Do not let the cooling pad touch the skin. You may use a dressing or cloth between your skin and the ice/ Cold Therapy Unit. This can be used full time for two days following surgery.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Celebrex 200 mg twice a day as needed for pain and inflammation (anti-inflammatory medication).
- Aspirin 81 mg twice a day for 6 weeks—blood thinner to prevent blood clots. (Other blood thinners may be used in place of this in higher risk patients.)
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
- Antibiotic: You will be given an antibiotic, usually Augmentin in 1-2 doses, to be taken prophylactically to prevent infection following surgery.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical Therapy
We expect outpatient physical therapy to begin as soon as possible. You should work on Range of Motion of the operative knee immediately following surgery until physical therapy. At that time, they will provide you with exercises to complete at home.A list of facilities has been provided. This crucial to your recovery!
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room
Post-operative instructions for rotator cuff repair
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and restrictions
A sling will be provided following surgery. You should expect to remain in the sling for 4-6 weeks. Please avoid range of motion exercises during this time.
Wound care
- Keep the dressing in place for 48 hours. During this time, please cover dressing with plastic bag or wrap.
- After 48 hours, the dressing may be removed to shower. Allow soapy warm water to run over incision, but do not scrub the incisions. Pat incision dry. You may reapply Band-Aids or 4×4 gauze, as needed.
- You will have 3-4 stitches in place that will be removed at your two weeks follow up appointment.
- Keep the dressing dry. Small amounts of drainage on the dressing are normal and may be reinforced with a 4 X 4 gauze or Band-Aids.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, ice and elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off. Do not sleep with ice on your shoulder.
- Lying flat in bed will be uncomfortable for several days. Sleeping with your back elevated on several pillows or in a recliner can be helpful.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication).
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical Therapy
Please contact a physical therapy office and schedule an appointment 4-6 weeks following surgery.Dr. Thompson will provide you with a more precise time following surgery. The decision is based on the size and extent of the tear. A list of facilities has been provided. This crucial to your recovery!
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.
Post-operative instructions for shoulder arthroscopy
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and restrictions
- A sling may be provided for comfort following surgery, but you should begin to wean from it as pain tolerates.
- You should remove the sling to work on gentle range of motion exercises for the elbow wrist, and hand motion 3 times a day.
- Bend over at the waist letting the affected arm hang down at your side.
- Sway your body back and forth using the weight of the arm and gravity to generate small circles at the surgical shoulder.
- Use this technique to move your arm in clockwise and counter-clockwise circles.
Dressing/shower
- Keep the dressing in place for 48 hours. During this time, please cover dressing with plastic bag or wrap.
- After 48 hours, the dressing may be removed to shower. Allow soapy warm water to run over incision, but do not scrub. Pat incision dry. You may reapply Band-Aids as needed.
- You will have 3 stitches in place that will be removed at your two weeks follow up appointment.
- Keep the dressing dry. Small amounts of drainage on the dressing are normal and may be reinforced with a 4 X 4 gauze and ace wrap, or Band-Aid. If you have excessive drainage, please contact your surgeon.
- You may use rubbing alcohol to remove the prep solution used to clean your skin prior to surgery.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, ice and elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Lying flat in bed will be uncomfortable for several days. Sleeping with your back elevated on several pillows or in a recliner can be helpful.
- Apply ice to the shoulder intermittently for the first 24-48 hours.
- Unless otherwise indicated, schedule Physical Therapy to start 3-5 days after surgery.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication)
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical therapy
You will begin physical therapy, if needed, 3-5 days following surgery
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room
Post-operative instructions for shoulder manipulation
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
Activity and restrictions
You are encouraged to move your arm as much as possible.
Rest, ice and elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your arm by resting it on a pillow placed on your chest.
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off. You are encouraged to move your arm as much as possible immediately following surgery
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Motrin 800 mg every 8 hours as needed for pain (anti-inflammatory medication).
- Percocet oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical therapy
You will begin physical therapy, 1 session five days a week for two weeks to maintain full range of motion of the shoulder. This should be completed before surgery to ensure appropriate scheduling.
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.
Post-operative instructions for total knee replacement
You will receive your customized post-op instructions after your surgery.
About your surgery
A total knee replacement is a safe and effective way to reduce pain due to arthritis when medications, exercises, and modification of activities are no longer helpful. The surgical procedure takes approximately 90 minutes and is done with spinal or general anesthesia. Frequently a nerve block is also used to decrease pain and need for narcotics both during and after surgery. Numbness in the leg from this can often last greater than 24 hours. At the beginning of the procedure, a vertical incision is made in the front of the knee to access the joint. During the procedure, the arthritic parts of the femur, tibia, and kneecap are removed and replaced with artificial components called a prosthesis.
Activity and restrictions
Full weight bearing on the operative leg is allowed and encouraged immediately following surgery. This will minimize swelling, stiffness associated with the procedure. Crutches, cane, or walker may be used as needed for comfort until the pain subsides to begin full weight bearing.
Driving
You may resume driving when you have stopped taking narcotic pain medication
We advise you to drive in an empty parking lot to practice slamming on the brakes to ensure you are comfortable with driving prior to driving with traffic. You should be cleared to drive by Dr. Thompson. This is usually 2 weeks for a left knee, and 6 weeks for a right knee.
Wound Care
You will be placed in a long ace wrap following surgery:
- Keep the dressing in place for 5-7 days. During this time, please cover dressing with plastic bag or wrap.
- After 5-7 days, the dressing may be removed to shower. Allow soapy warm water to run over incision, but do not scrub the incisions. Pat incision dry. You may reapply Band-Aids as needed.
- You will have several staples in place that will be removed at your two weeks follow up appointment.
- Keep the dressing dry. Small amounts of drainage on the dressing are normal and may be reinforced with a 4 X 4 gauze and ace wrap.
- No bath, hot tubs, or swimming for 3-4 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to fully close and prevent infection.
Rest, ice and elevation
Use the following strategies to help with pain and swelling after surgery:
- Elevate your leg by placing a pillow under the ankle; NOT KNEE. This will help prevent the knee getting stuck in a bent position.
- Apply an ice pack to help reduce pain and swelling for 24-48 hours.
- Use ice throughout the day – thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off.
- You may also use a Cold Therapy Unit to help with swelling and reduce the use of narcotics. Do not let the cooling pad touch the skin. You may use a dressing or cloth between your skin and the ice/ Cold Therapy Unit. This can be used full time for two days following surgery.
Swelling is a major cause of post-operative pain. The more you elevate and ice, the happier you will be!
Medications
You will receive prescriptions for the following medications after surgery. Do not drink alcohol while using these medications and take them with food to prevent nausea or vomiting.
- Celebrex 200 mg twice a day as needed for pain and inflammation (anti-inflammatory medication)
- Aspirin 81 mg twice a day for 6 weeks—blood thinner to prevent blood clots. (Other blood thinners may be used in place of this in higher risk patients.)
- Percocet (oxycodone/apap, oxycodone/acetaminophen) or Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)—narcotic pain medication to be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain. Keeping track of how many tablets are needed per day is a good way to keep track of how much pain you are having.
- Antibiotic: You will be given an antibiotic, usually Augmentin in 1-2 doses, to be taken prophylactically to prevent infection following surgery.
Pain medications can cause constipation. To help avoid this, eat foods high in fiber and increase your fluid intake. To alleviate constipation, over the counter medications such as Colace, pericolace, or MiraLax can be used – follow the instructions on the package.
Pain medications can sometimes cause itching. This should be treated with over the counter Benadryl or Claritin.
Please continue taking all previously prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
Physical therapy
We expect outpatient physical therapy to begin as soon as possible. You should work on Range of Motion of the operative knee immediately following surgery until physical therapy. At that time, they will provide you with exercises to complete at home.A list of facilities has been provided. This crucial to your recovery!
Notify Dr. Thompson by calling 703-810-5210 (option 3) if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, loss of color or coolness in the leg
- Feeling that the bandage is too tight or painful
- Severe pain unresponsive to narcotic pain medication, rest, ice, and elevation
- Fever (101.5° or higher) or chills
- Severe calf pain
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing: call 911 and go directly to the nearest Emergency Room