What should I expect when undergoing foot surgery?

Surgery can be scary, but when it comes to your feet it may be necessary to prevent the loss of your mobility. Problems with your feet should always be taken seriously. You should remember that pain is never normal and may be a sign of a more serious issue. For these reasons daily foot care is important to prevent serious damage.

If you are experiencing severe foot problems and contemplating surgical treatment, there are a few things you should consider first:

• Hospital Time Commitment: Most foot and ankle surgeries take about an hour. However, in reconstructive surgeries to correct severe deformities it may take three to four hours. Some surgeries also require a hospital stay for up to four days. There are surgeries that allow discharge on the same day, but it depends on your specific circumstances. Hospital stays need to be discussed prior to scheduling your surgery.

• Recovery: Your recovery time can vary depending on your surgical procedure and severity of your injury. Most cases require patients to take off one to two weeks from work. However, if you are undergoing surgery on your right foot you will not be able to drive right away. Once you can wear regular shoes, and do not find discomfort when pressing on the pedals, is when you can drive.

• Pain: During surgery you will be sedated with anesthesia to eliminate pain. But you still need to expect some amount of pain following your procedure. Discomfort levels may vary, but you can reduce pain by icing and elevating the area. You may also be prescribed pain medication.

Surgery is considered in severe cases of chronic pain and limited mobility. If you are interested in foot surgery, you need to consult with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman.  He will determine if a surgical operation is right for you or if another treatment is suitable to your circumstances. You can call our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowman. Also check out his blogs on what to do before surgery and after surgery.

References:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-should-i-expect-from-foot-surgery.htm
http://www.faant.com/library/9-common-questions-about-foot-surgery.cfm
http://www.anklefootmd.com/surgery-faqs.php

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