Foot and Ankle Surgery
The doctor has been intensively trained to understand and diagnose the complex interaction, disorders, and deformities of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. He will use only the most appropriate surgical and non-surgical treatments to alleviate your pain and discomfort.
What does a foot and ankle surgeon do?
Foot and ankle (podiatric) surgeons help chronic wounds heal to prevent amputation; treat heel pain; reconstruct joints; repair and treat deformities; treat diabetic foot disorders; perform limb salvage; perform total ankle replacement; repair trauma injuries (fractures, sprains, and torn tissue); treat pediatric foot and ankle conditions; alleviate the effects of arthritis; treat nerve disorders; perform amputation when necessary, and treat many other conditions. They are the best qualified medical professionals to determine when surgical intervention for your foot and ankle condition may be appropriate.
When is Foot Surgery Necessary?
In some cases, foot problems do not respond to conservative, non-invasive treatments, and when pain or deformity persists, surgery may be necessary to alleviate your discomfort or to restore the function of your foot. Some surgeries are minimally invasive, performed in an outpatient hospital setting, and others require a hospital stay.
Preoperative Testing and Care
As with anyone facing any surgical procedure, those undergoing foot and ankle surgery require specific diagnostic tests or examinations before surgery to ensure a successful outcome. Prior to surgery, we will review your medical history and medical conditions. Specific diseases, illnesses, allergies, and current medications need to be evaluated. Other tests that help evaluate your health status may be ordered, such as blood studies, urinalysis, EKG, MRI, X-rays, a blood flow study (to better evaluate the circulatory status of the foot/legs), or a biomechanical examination. A consultation with another medical specialist may be advised, depending on your test results or a specific medical condition.
Postoperative Care
The specifics of your postoperative care depend on the type of foot surgery you undergo. We make every effort to ensure that your recovery from surgery is safe and uneventful. It’s our aim to get you back on your feet and back to your regular routine as quickly as possible.
The basics of all postoperative care involve to some degree rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, or canes may be necessary to improve and ensure a safe recovery after foot surgery.