Foot and ankle surgery is necessary for a lot of injuries and conditions that simply won’t heal well with conservative treatments. Determining whether foot and ankle surgery is right for you is a decision that should be made in consultation with a qualified foot and ankle surgeon or podiatrist. Your doctor may recommend surgery to perform one of several things: repair damaged bones and soft tissue, realign bones, and remove diseased tissue.
It is now possible to do surgery on the foot without making a large incision and while minimizing disturbance to nearby healthy tissue, all so you can make a fast recovery and experience less pain and scarring. This is called arthroscopic surgery.
Here are some factors to consider when evaluating your need for foot & ankle surgery.
The Prognosis
It is essential to have a proper diagnosis and a clear understanding of your condition and the factors that contribute to its development. Your podiatrist will make a recommendation based on the prognosis of your condition. For instance, some traumatic injuries, deformities, and overuse injuries that have progressed significantly may get a recommendation for surgery to correct.
The Severity of the Problem
If your foot condition is severe and prevents you from participating in daily activities, surgery may be an option. Daily functionality is always a serious consideration when it comes to weighing your treatment options. Typically, an early treatment plan consists of conservative methods such as the RICE method, corticosteroid medication, bracing, changing footwear, and physical therapy. However, if you’ve been on the same plan and the methods do not restore you to function, the doctor may need to do surgical repair to address the underlying issue and for you to finally make a complete recovery and return to normal function.
The Risks and Benefits of Surgery
Foot and ankle surgery, like any other type of surgery, comes with risks. Doctors weigh the benefits and risks of surgery before recommending it, ensuring that the benefits always outweigh the risks. A physician that is highly experienced in the procedure can help minimize risks with the use of less invasive procedures, pre-surgical planning, post-operative programs, and other careful measures. As a patient, you should discuss with your surgeon the potential benefits of surgery against the risks and make an informed decision about your health care.
Your Expectations and Goals
You and your doctor should be on the same page regarding what the surgery can help achieve. Foot and ankle surgery is followed by a period of recovery, and every patient should understand the importance of actively participating in their rehabilitation program. As a patient, you should fully grasp the expectations and goals of the surgery, as well as what to expect during recovery and rehabilitation before proceeding with the procedure. This way, you can prepare ahead of time and avoid surprises later on down the road.
Foot and Ankle Surgeon in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, and Live Oak, TX
If you think foot and ankle surgery may be on the horizon for you, it’s time to find an experienced and reputable foot and ankle surgeon to consult. The Podiatry Group of South Texas has highly skilled foot and ankle surgeons that can determine if you are a good candidate for surgery. We also offer a range of non-surgical treatment options to help you find relief from symptoms. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists, call our office today or use our convenient online request form.
