No one really wants to undergo surgery, and the mere idea of scalpels and anesthesia is enough to scare you. Sometimes, however, surgery becomes necessary when non-surgical treatments cannot effectively address an issue, and it is the only way to relieve pain, correct damage, and restore mobility. At Premier Podiatry, the trained and experienced podiatrists understand that getting answers to questions about foot surgery is the best way to decrease anxiety and prepare for it. Dr. Velimir Petkov and his team help you plan accordingly and set realistic expectations for recovery. They also welcome your questions and provide all the answers and information you need to go into the surgery with peace of mind.
Our feet are made up of 26 bones and more than 33 joints arranged in columns and arches that vary in stiffness and flexibility. However, many common problems can occur in this complex structure, leading to pain and inability to walk right or participate in routine activities.
Most people with problems in their feet or ankles do not require surgery. However, at times, depending on how bad your symptoms are, how pain is affecting your life, and your response to other treatments, including drugs, special footwear, and orthoses, you may require a surgical procedure to make you feel better.
Having questions or concerns about your procedure can help you grasp the realities associated with undergoing foot surgery if your foot condition is not getting better with other treatment options. Read on to find out what you can expect when going through foot surgery and how you can get on the road to a smooth recovery, free from unexpected turns and pain.
Foot surgery often becomes a necessity for realignment of the bones, arthritis, torn or ruptured tendons, and any other medical condition in severe cases when non-operative methods do not work. Your foot doctor or podiatrist will determine if surgery is the only way for you to find relief from conditions that are causing pain or affecting your quality of life.
You must be very clear about the following before you undergo a surgical procedure:
Every surgery is different. Thus, you must ask specific questions about your procedure and write down any questions you have. You can ask your surgeon or his team to answer these questions to clear doubts and understand what you will be going through. Most foot surgeries have a high satisfaction rate, and you can look forward to a pain-free life post-surgery and a chance to participate in all the activities you loved before giving them up due to your foot problem.
Here are 4 important things you must know before having foot surgery.
Doctors always explore non-surgical or minimally invasive treatment options to treat foot and ankle problems before recommending surgery. If they are advocating surgery, it indicates that they consider it to be really necessary to fully resolve your foot problem and prevent it from recurring. Surgical options are often used as the last line of treatment if the condition becomes too painful or impacts daily life activities or quality of life.
You can rest assured that the doctor knows best when he suggests surgery and will perform your procedure with the utmost skill and care to ensure the desired results.
Doctors perform a vast majority of foot surgeries on an outpatient basis. It means there is no hospital admission, and you can go home the same day as your procedure.
In addition, most foot surgery involves only a local anesthetic, and you will be awake during the procedure. You will know the surgery is taking place, but you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. You will also be given medication to keep the pain down after the surgery as well.
The recovery period for foot surgery varies greatly, depending on the nature of the surgery and how invasive it as well as your general health. You will have to spend some time recovering no matter how simple or small foot or ankle surgery you undergo. You may also have to wear the brace, boot, or another assistance and will have to rest and stay off your foot for some time.
Your surgeon will provide information on the expected recovery time following the procedure. However, you must remember and follow the post-operative exercises and rehabilitation protocols as explained by the doctor to avoid a long or painful recovery period.
All surgeries involve a risk of complications, but foot surgery is generally safe. It is rare for patients to experience any adverse effects. Generally, one to two percent of patients undergoing foot or ankle surgery may report complications, but even they are temporary and minor.
Complications can include infections and nerve injuries. Surgeons these days use non-invasive methods and advanced technology to perform surgeries that help to achieve optimal results. Ankle and foot problems can be painful and frustrating. It is necessary to resolve any issue as quickly and efficiently as possible to prevent further pain and deformities that make healing difficult.
The decision to have cosmetic foot surgery is usually based on lifestyle choices and the information given by the surgeon rather than being a matter of life and death. However, if your skin is affected or your feet are becoming deformed, getting an assessment for surgery to avoid infection or deformity becomes important.
Call Premier Podiatry to find out as much as you can about foot surgery to understand the process and it will help you feel calmer and more in control. Dr. Petkov is a trained and experienced podiatrist and understands how you may feel about undergoing surgery. He explores all possible alternatives to treat your condition with a non-surgical solution before recommending surgery to address your problem. He performs surgical procedures with utmost care and precision, using the most advanced technology and techniques that ensure long-lasting pain relief and improve function and mobility.
CALL
PREMIER PODIATRY
973-315-5555
Dr. Petkov, Aleksa and the rest of the
Staff
are highly professionals. They provide the best in Class experience and the office
is
very welcoming. You can tell everyone there genuinely care for the patients
George Kesse
Patient
Accepted Insurances