Summer feels like the perfect time for foot or ankle surgery. After all, kids are out of school, vacation calendars open up, and the warm weather makes it easier to get around. But many patients at Elevate Foot and Ankle tell us the same thing: “I wasn’t fully prepared for what recovery would be like in the summer.”
During the summer months, recovery after foot surgery often comes with some surprises, frustrations, and “wish-I’d-known” moments. If you’re planning on foot surgery in the Carolinas this summer, we’ve gathered some experiences straight from our team and from post-op patients.
Here’s the advice Google won’t give you, but our doctor and patients will:
I Thought I’d Be Walking Sooner: Resetting Summer Expectations
Most patients walk into surgery imagining a 2-3-week recovery period, especially for “simple” procedures like bunion correction. But the truth is, summer swelling can delay milestones, even if everything is healing just fine.
What We Tell Patients
Expect swelling to persist longer than usual, especially when you’re more active outdoors or spend time in the heat. Many patients say the first six weeks feel slower than expected, so building in extra time for healing (and a backup plan for family trips or events) can make a world of difference.
The Trouble with Travel: Swelling on the Go
Flying or road-tripping within the first 8–10 weeks post-op? You’ll want to rethink it, or at the very least, plan carefully. One of the most common avoidable setbacks we see comes from patients traveling too soon.
If you must travel:
- Wear your post-op boot or brace during the trip, no exceptions.
- Request wheelchair or mobility assistance at airports (especially Charlotte-Douglas International since it’s often a hike to the gates).
- Plan for elevation time (ideally above heart level) every 2–3 hours.
We also recommend packing extra compression wraps, anti-chafing powder, and waterproof covers if you’ll be near pools or sand.
Heat, Sweat & Summer Skin Struggles
Let’s talk about something rarely mentioned in blogs: how hot and sweaty your recovery boot can get in July. Especially in North and South Carolina, we routinely see patients with heat rashes or skin breakdown under their surgical dressings or mobility aids.
Tips that come directly from our patients:
- Lightly dust the inside your boot with talc-free, hypoallergenic powder.
- Stick with breathable socks.
- If your dressing feels soggy or starts to itch, contact Elevate Foot and Ankle as soon as possible. It’s better to do a quick check through a virtual visit than risk a preventable infection.
Watch Your Step: Carolina Terrain Hazards
Crutches and knee scooters can be challenging enough indoors. Now, try navigating cracked sidewalks in South End with a foot injury in Charlotte or loose gravel driveways out in Charleston. What might be easy normally can become a gauntlet when you’re healing after foot surgery.
Some practical advice:
- Use a backpack, not a tote bag, especially if on crutches. Carefully balance the weight of your backpack to allow for easy movement. Too much weight on your back can shift and cause instability.
- Practice moving around on flat areas before attempting uneven terrain.
- Avoid grassy lawns after rain. These can become slick, causing extra difficulty and the potential for accidents and injuries.
When in doubt, ask our team if your planned activities are safe. We’ve probably seen someone do it before, and Dr. Lanier can tell you what went right (or wrong).
Hosting, Holidays & Recovery Etiquette
We often hear from patients who feel guilty for “missing out” or not being able to host summer barbecues or beach trips. The reality? Recovery is a full-time job, and learning to say “no” is part of the process.
One piece of advice we give every summer: choose one big event to attend, and plan recovery around it. Whether it’s a wedding, family reunion, or beach day, having a singular goal gives you something to look forward to and a reason to be extra disciplined in the early stages of your recovery.
Recovery Isn’t Generic, and Neither Is Our Care
Every foot and every surgery is different. What works for one patient may not be safe for another. That’s why Elevate Foot and Ankle offers:
- Pre- and Post-Surgery Consultations to prepare you for your surgery and personalize your recovery.
- Virtual telehealth check-ins during holidays or vacation weeks, including afterhours.
- Orthotics for patients transitioning out of boots or into regular shoes.
Our goal is to get you healed, but more than that, we want to get you back to life without regrets.
Ready to Heal Smarter This Summer After Foot Surgery?
If you’re heading into foot or ankle surgery or are already recovering, don’t go it alone. Elevate Foot and Ankle is headed by Dr. Thurmond Lanier, a licensed, board-certified podiatrist who has experience in foot and ankle surgery.
We know what works (and what doesn't), and Dr. Lanier can offer treatments, solutions, and guidance pertaining to your unique needs. Book your virtual visit with Elevate Foot and Ankle right now to get personalized foot care in North and South Carolina!
Dr. Thurmond Lanier
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