Foot Pain After Surgery (What’s Normal vs Concerning)
Post-surgical foot pain follows expected patterns. Days 1-3: moderate pain, controlled by pain medication. Days 4-7: dramatic improvement. Weeks 1-3: minimal pain. Concerning: increasing pain after day 5, fever, drainage, color change, severe swelling. Always call your surgeon for concerns.
Normal Post-Surgical Pain
Day 1-3: 4-6/10 pain. Day 4-7: 2-3/10. Week 2: 1-2/10. Most patients off prescription pain medication by day 5-7.
When to Call
Increasing pain (not decreasing), fever >100.4F, drainage from incision, severe swelling, color change, numbness spreading, sudden severe pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does post-surgical foot pain last?
Most acute pain resolves 1-3 weeks. Some swelling 3-12 months.
When should I call my surgeon?
Increasing pain after day 5, drainage, fever — anytime concerned.
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