In London, people ask me when they can drive or go back to the office. In Cayman, the first question is almost always the same: when can I get back in the sea?
It’s a fair question when the beach is ten minutes away. Here’s how I approach it.
Wait until the skin has fully healed
The main risk isn’t the swimming itself. It’s getting sea water, sand or pool water into a wound that hasn’t closed yet, which can lead to infection. So the rule is simple: no swimming until the small incisions have completely healed and I’ve checked them.
With keyhole surgery the cuts are very small, which helps. But everyone heals at their own pace, and things like diabetes or smoking can slow it down.
Then think about the bone, not just the skin
Once the skin is healed, a gentle swim is usually fine. Walking barefoot on sand, jumping off a boat or kicking hard with fins is different. The bone takes longer to heal than the skin, so I’ll guide you on when those are safe for your foot.
Plan around it
If you’ve got a holiday, a dive trip or a big event coming up, tell me at your consultation. We can pick a surgery date that means you’re not stuck on the beach watching everyone else swim.
Every foot is different, so I’ll give you a recovery plan that’s specific to your operation. Book a consultation to talk it through.
