Foot and Ankle Surgery in Wesley Chapel, FL
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.
Foot and ankle surgery may be performed depending on the severity of the injury. In any case, if you happen to develop a foot condition, it’s always advised you seek the counsel of a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan. If you notice an abnormal growth, a change in the appearance of your foot or ankle, discomfort while standing or walking, or general foot pain, it would be in your best interest to seek professional help, especially if surgery is the recommended treatment for your case.
Indications for Foot and Ankle Surgery
Podiatrists perform foot and ankle surgery to treat a number of different conditions. These may include bunions, heel pain, flat feet, arthritis of the foot or ankle, sports injuries, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, complications due to diabetes, and fractures, to name a few. Again, the need for surgery is dependent upon the type of injury you are experiencing, as well as its severity. This also means that the recovery process for surgery will vary as well. With that being said, most podiatrists will recommend you get plenty of rest, stay off your feet, ice the affected area to reduce swelling, and elevate the affected area.
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. In some cases, you may have to refrain from eating and drinking a few hours before the procedure, so make sure you understand what must be done on your end beforehand.
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.
Foot Surgery Specialist
If you believe you have a foot or ankle injury that may require surgery, it’s highly recommended that you speak with a podiatrist as soon as possible to go over the best treatment option for your condition.