When it comes to receiving foot and ankle surgery, it’s typically a case by case situation. Some factors that play a role in whether or not you need surgery include the severity of your symptoms as well as your response to other conservative, noninvasive treatment methods.

There are a number of different foot and ankle conditions that may benefit from surgery as a treatment option. Bunions, hammertoes, metatarsal pain, ankle arthritis, Achilles tendon disorders, Morton’s neuroma, tibialis posterior disorder, plantar fasciitis as well as non healing foot ulcerations, infected bones, soft tissue and skin growths are all conditions that may require surgery as a treatment option, depending on their severity. Long-lasting pain relief is typically the biggest takeaway from having surgery performed to remedy your condition.

In order to best prepare for surgery, make sure you have a consultation with your podiatrist about your overall health, discuss any possible changes in medication, and ask any questions you may have about the procedure to go into the treatment with a clear head. Your expectations, your podiatrist’s expectations, post operative care and duration of time off work are important to discuss.

As for recovery, again, this will typically vary case by case and will be dependent on your condition and the type of surgery performed. Generally, it’s recommended that you get plenty of rest, ice the affected area, compress the wound to aid in further strain, and keep the area elevated to reduce any possible swelling. In some cases, your podiatrist may encourage you to use bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, orthotics, or a cane, depending on how much weight they believe your foot and ankle can bear.

If you’d like to determine whether surgery is the best option for you and your foot condition, consult with a podiatrist and call our office to schedule an appointment to give you a proper diagnosis and aid you with your decision.