How to use the Shower Boot/Sock

So you’ve had your surgery and it’s time for your first shower!  What now?  That’s what this video is for.  Please make sure to read the instructions written below as well as watch the video to have a firm understanding of the concepts that are important to help you keep your foot dry, and prevent infection during your post operative experience.

Human skin takes an average of 2 weeks to heal.  This number varies in different parts of the body and regions as well.  The foot is at a disadvantage because it is in a gravity dependent position and also has less blood flow due to it’s distance from the central vascular system.  This results in a 2, sometimes 3 week window of time for this region to heal.  That is why we have to keep the skin of the foot dry while it heals.  To help you with this task and increase your chances of success in keeping your foot completely dry during the post op period, you have been given a Dry Sock Shower Boot.

The Dry Sock is a plastic sock fitted with a one way valve.  This valve allows for the user to pump the air out of the sock so they can create a sealed, airtight water proof sock around the surgical site and keep it dry.  Although this is an advanced device, it is important that yo understand that like any device, it can fail.  So despite the appearance of a sealed fit, I still recommend to patients that they keep the foot away from direct water so that there is literally no chance of getting your foot wet.

As always, if you run into any trouble at all, call me directly immediately to tell you what to do next.  If your call is during business hours, call the office.  If your call is after hours, call me on my mobile number which is on the Emergency Post Op Card you were given during your Pre Op visit.

Pay particular attention to the key points since they will also help you have a dry, successful post surgical experience without infection!

Key Points:

1. Make sure the seal point of the sock is in direct contact with skin and no hair is present (yes that means men need to shave that part).
2. Make sure when you are putting the sock on that there is no disruption of your dressings.
3. Always use a sock to cover the dressings first to catch any condensation.
4. Make sure there is a tight seal and that all the air is out of the sock before going to the shower.
5. Use a stool, and a removable shower head to make the experience easier.
6. Even though the sock is tight, do not let water directly hit the foot or the sock.
7. When you take the sock off, examine the region for any water and if it appears that water got onto your dressings, call the office immediately.

If you have any questions about the instructions, please email me directly at: ali@beverlyhillsfootsurgery.com