Pain Relief After Foot Surgery

Introduction

This leaflet tells you how to take any medication you have been given after your operation or treatment.

Your healthcare professional will explain your medications to you before you are discharged.

Depending on your needs you may not be given all of the following medications.

Before taking any medication

You must tell your healthcare professional if you are allergic to, or are already taking, any other painkillers or medication.

More detailed information is given in the information leaflet supplied with your tablets.

Paracetamol 500mg tablets

What are they for?

Paracetamol 500mg tablets are used to control mild – moderate pain.

How do I take them?

Take 2 tablets 4 times a day.

Take no more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Paracetamol works best taken at regular intervals, for as long as you feel you need it, rather than waiting until you are in pain. It will also reduce the need to take stronger painkillers you may have been given.

Do not take paracetamol with any other medicines that contain paracetamol. Always check the list of ingredients of other medication.

Ibuprofen 400mg tablets

What are they for?

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug which can help to reduce pain and swelling after your operation. If you have asthma or stomach problems, for example, indigestion, ulcers, bleeding, or have suffered from them in the past, please tell your healthcare professional before or taking ibuprofen.

How do I take them?

Take 1 tablet 3 times a day.

Take no more than 3 tablets in 24 hours.

Swallow the tablets whole (not crushed) with a drink of water.

Ibuprofen is most effective when taken at regular intervals, for as long as you feel you need it, rather than waiting until you are in pain. It will also reduce the need to take stronger painkillers you may have been given.

Ibuprofen can be taken at the same time, or in between, doses of paracetamol.

Possible side effects are:

• asthma attack
• stomach problems including nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), diarrhoea or indigestion
• skin rash or itching

If you suffer from these or any other side effects, you must stop taking your tablets and tell your healthcare professional or GP immediately.

Codeine Phosphate 30mg tablets

What are they for?

Codeine Phosphate 30mg tablets are used to control moderate to severe pain.

How do I take them?

Take 1 to 2 tablets 4 times a day.

Take no more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Codeine Phosphate 30mg tablets can be taken at the same time as, or in between, doses of paracetamol and/or ibuprofen.

You should not drink alcohol when taking Codeine Phosphate.

Possible side effects are:

• drowsiness (sleepy)
• nausea. If you feel sick, taking your tablets with food may help. If you still feel sick you should see your healthcare professional
• constipation. If you need to take these painkillers for several days you may become constipated. Senna tablets can be used for the relief of constipation. You should also drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol) and eat food high in fibre, for example, fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread, to help reduce the chance of you becoming constipated.

Contact numbers

If you have any worries or concerns, you should contact the Podiatric Surgery Team.

Podiatric Surgery Team

One Life Hartlepool

TS24 7PW

Central Booking Office: 01429 522471

Opening hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm (Monday to Friday)

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]