Prepare for Successful Foot Surgery
At NY Foot Health, we know that no patient welcomes the news that they need foot or ankle surgery. However, in many cases, surgery is the best or only treatment that can restore proper foot function and allow you to get back to your normal daily life. Some common types of podiatric surgery include:
In addition, your podiatrist may perform minor surgeries on your toenails or skin to alleviate chronic problems such as an ingrown toenail or to rule out more serious conditions like skin cancer.
Patients who report the best surgical outcomes are the ones who are well informed by their podiatrist and have a firm handle on what the surgery and recovery will entail. If you need foot surgery and are looking for a podiatrist to perform it, use our online directory to find a qualified foot doctor in your area. Below are some tips for ensuring a successful surgery.
1. Ask Questions—there are many things that you’ll want to know about an upcoming surgery:
Will the procedure be done in an outpatient facility or require an overnight stay in the hospital?
When will I be able to bear weight on the foot that has been operated on?
How long will recovery take and how much time should I plan to take off from work?
What type of after care will I require, and will there be additional follow up treatments like physical therapy?
2. Give a Complete and Accurate History—the podiatrist will want to get a thorough medical history from you including previous injuries and diseases and chronic problems that you have whether you think they are related to your feet or not. Many diseases such as diabetes or hypertension can impact the procedures your podiatrist is planning to do. Be sure to complete all pre-operative testing as prescribed in a timely manner.
3. Follow the Podiatrist’s Instructions—a smooth and speedy recovery is dependent on you doing what the podiatrist advises after your operation. Skipping physical therapy because your foot feels better, trying to resume normal activities sooner than advised and ignoring or attempting to modify the doctor’s instructions in other ways can result in setbacks and slower recoveries.
To learn more about medical issues affecting your feet, contact us.