Recovering From Foot Surgery

Foot surgery, also known as arthroscopic surgery, is a common medical procedure used to correct problems in the joint. Problems such as bunions, corns, hammer toe, high arched feet, and flat foot can be corrected with foot surgery. Foot surgery, which is less invasive than many surgical procedures, is appropriate for many patients. Your doctor will determine the best course of action for your particular condition. Typically, surgery is considered an elective surgery, with short recoveries and very low out-patient costs.

For some patients, foot surgery can be the best option if the pain in the joint or the bones are causing difficulty walking, standing, and wearing footwear. Problems with the bones or joint can be treated non-surgically by using inserts that fit into the shoe, called orthotic insoles. Patients with mallet toe, high arched feet, corns and calluses on the feet, and hammer toes may opt for foot surgery. In some cases, surgery is also the only way to get long-lasting relief from persistent, disabling foot pain.

Before surgery, it is important to meet with your foot surgeon and decide on the anesthesia you would like to have for your foot surgery. Depending on the problem, a local anesthetic may be preferred; however, there are risks of general anesthesia, which can include drowsiness, nausea, and excessive sweating. If the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, the risks are increased. When the surgery is performed under local anesthesia, the risks are decreased.

One type of foot surgery includes fusion surgery to repair a bone or joint between two bones. Many times fusion surgery is necessary to treat conditions involving bone deformities. The fused bone will fix deformities that occur as a result of a spinal injury, a traumatic accident, or other factors. The doctor performing the fusion surgery may use a titanium plate to reinforce the bone or use surgical steel inserts to build on the bone. The implant is then surgically integrated into the natural tissue.

If fusion surgery corrects a serious structural abnormality, patients may suffer a variety of symptoms, including severe pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty walking. Common problems requiring fusion surgery include hip fractures, corns and calluses that cause foot pain, chronic pain, plantar fasciitis, and other bone and joint conditions. Many times, the pain can be relieved with medication and physical therapy.

Surgery for ankle dislocations occurs more often than many realize. The swelling, deformity, and pain can occur in the foot after a severe trauma to the ankle. Patients can be treated with anesthesia and immobilization using orthotics. Sometimes, steroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and provide additional pain relief. After foot surgery, patients may experience a recurrence of pain, or a new problem might develop.

After foot surgery, there is normally a period of time in which patients can resume their normal activities. This is usually dependent upon the extent of the procedure and the type of surgery performed. For example, dental procedures often require that patients take an extended break from their daily activities while the recovery takes place. This is often done using crutches, ankle braces, or a cane. Achilles tendonitis, corns and calluses, and other types of foot surgery require daily or multiple visits to the podiatric physician for treatment and follow-up care.

Recovery from a foot surgery usually includes resting the foot, using a splint or custom orthotic for the first few days, wearing custom-designed footwear, and taking anti-inflammatory medication as directed by the podiatric physician. After this period, the physician will place a cast on the foot, and the patient can begin to gradually regain activity. Swelling and bruising are common following foot surgery, and patients should see their podiatrist for additional information regarding treatment for these symptoms. If there is a complication from the procedure, you should contact your general practitioner immediately.

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