Please print and fill out our Patient Registration Packet and bring it with you on your first appointment.

Note: Acrobat reader required. You probably have it installed on your computer already, but in case you don't, you can download it here.

Before your injection procedure

Please arrive 30 minutes before the procedure to allow time for registration.

• You will be asked to sign a consent form for the procedure.
• The procedure will be done in the Procedure Room in the Center.
• You might have an IV line placed in your arm; you will receive medications during the procedure to help you relax and help reduce your pain.
• YOU CANNOT DRIVE AFTER THE PROCEDURE. Please arrange for someone to drive you home.
• Please do NOT eat or drink 6 HOURS PRIOR to the procedure. If you have to take your medications, do so with as little water as possible. It is advisable not to take any pain medicine before the procedure as it helps in assessing your level of pain after the injection is completed.
• Please do NOT take ASPIRIN for two weeks before the procedure. Stop taking Motrin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Naproxen, Arthrotec, Mobic or any other NSAIDS one week before the procedure. If you are on Coumadin, please let your doctor know immediately.
• Please leave jewelry and other valuables at home.

After your procedure

• You will stay in the Recovery Room approximately 30 minutes for observation. The nurse will then make an assessment whether you have met discharge criteria.
• At home, apply ice packs over the areas of injection 20 minutes at a time, three times a day for one or two days following the procedure. This can help relieve the pain at the injection sites.
• Avoid strenuous exercise — even if you feel great — for at least one week.
• If you are currently in physical therapy, you may start a week after the procedure. Allow at least five days before physical therapy. Have the therapist call your doctor regarding any questions.
• You may be given a prescription for pain.
• You may resume your normal diet after the procedure.
• Follow-up appointment will usually be necessary in approximately two weeks. However, call your physician or the nurse for any problems related with the block at any time.
• Call your doctor for temperatures greater than 101°F, or if there is persistent redness/swelling at injection sites, persistent weakness/numbness, loss of control of bowel or ladder function, persistent dizziness/drowsiness or blurry vision, persistent headache. Call your doctor for any serious concern any time after procedure.

Coming soon

Post Operative Surgery Instructions

First 48 hours (2 full days)

• If allowed limited weight-bearing:  stay off your feet as much as possible.  Only get up to use the restroom or eat.
• If your surgery requires that you are entirely non-weight bearing:  You will be fitted with crutches and absolutely must not place any weight on your foot.  This means at all times.
• If you have a post operative walking cast, you may be instructed to walk with assistance of crutches or a walker until balance is controlled.
• Keep your bandages completely dry and clean.  Some bleeding through the bandages is normal and is no cause for alarm.
• A limited amount of discomfort, swelling, and bruising is normal.
• Elevate your foot continuously.  It needs to be at a level higher than your heart.  Usually 2-3 pillows will achieve this.  Remember, your heart is not up near your shoulder.
• Wear your post-op shoe all the time, including when you are home.  Wear it the first night or two as well to avoid hurting your foot when you are asleep.  Your foot may still be ‘asleep’ from the local anesthesia well into the night.  Never do ANY walking without your post-operative shoe.
• If instructed, apply and ice bag to the top and inside part of your ankle.  Leave it on for 20 minutes, then off for 40 minutes the first 2 days when awake.   This will reduce swelling.  Again, do not let the bandages get wet. Wet dressings can lead to infection.
• Take prescribed medications as directed.  You should start taking pain medication before the local anesthesia wears off so you will have the medication in your system and be more comfortable.  Take the pain medication with food to prevent any possible nausea.  Also it is good to take a multi-vitamin daily.
• Eat healthy foods: fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.  Drink plenty of  non-caffeinated  fluids.
• Smoking inhibits the body’s ability to heal and constricts blood vessels.  It is best to quit, but at least stop for 2 weeks.

Call your doctor's office IMMEDIATELY if:

• Your bandages become saturated (soaked) with blood
• If you pain medication does not stop the discomfort
• If you develop a fever with a temperature of 100 degrees or more
• If you bump or injure your surgery site
• If you are having an adverse reaction to medication such as a rash, itching, shortness of breath, or severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

A common occurrence after surgery is the sensation of the bandages being too tight.  All you need to do to relieve this is to split the very top dressing with scissors on the top of your foot, taking care to leave the dressing underneath intact.  Just nip it about 2 inches and you will get relief.

After the first 48 hours:

After 48 hours, gradually increase the time you spend on your feet.  Walk or stand according to your tolerance levels; when you are feeling discomfort, lie down and elevate your foot.  Do not sit with your foot down for any lenght of time and do not cross your legs.  Both activities decrease circulation and increase swelling for the first several days.

Continue to keep the bandages completely dry.  There are ’showering bags’ available commercially.  Other people have done creative things with plastic bags; some simple sponge bathe until they are able to bathe or shower normally.

Please remember:

• Much of the success of your surgery depends on you.
• Please follow these instructions carefully.
• If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact our office.
• There is a 24 hour answering service; if you are calling after office hours we can be reached.  The phone may ring several times before the service picks up the call.