How to Recover From a Foot Injury

It sometimes takes up to 6 weeks for a foot to recover from an injury. Put your feet up as often as you can and give your body time to heal.

Things You'll Need

• Aspirins
• Cane
• Crutches
• Heating Pads
• Ibuprofen
• Ice Packs
• Ice packs
• Heating pads

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Instructions

• 1

  Rest your foot. As much as you can, sit down and keep your foot elevated to chest level. Place a pillow under your heel to prevent pressure sores from developing.

• 2

  Apply ice to the injured part of the foot - 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off - for the first 2 days.

• 3

  Take lukewarm showers or baths for the first 3 days. Avoid getting water on your foot if you can.

• 4

  Walk with assistance: an arm, a cane, a walker, or crutches.

• 5

  Avoid massaging or scratching your foot. Unless advised by your doctor, it's better to keep your hands off your injured foot.

• 6

  Apply warm compresses or a heating pad - 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off - after the first 2 to 3 days.

• 7

  Check your temperature. A fever greater than 99.6 degrees F and lasting longer than 24 hours should be reported to your doctor.

• 8

  Check the toenail bed of your injured foot for blanching. Your big toe is best, but do not use the big toe if it is injured. To blanch, press your thumb into the nailbed. It will look white when you first remove your finger, but should turn pink again in less than 6 seconds. If the nailbed is still white after 6 seconds, the circulation in your foot is compromised. Call your doctor.

• 9

  Take aspirin or Ibuprofen for pain relief.