Preparing For Foot and Ankle Surgery

Hearing that you need foot or ankle surgery can be very nerve-wracking. You might feel a lot of apprehension or anxiety, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Surgeries are serious and underlying conditions can complicate the operation. This is why it’s important to talk with a trusted podiatrist before surgery and follow their preoperative preparation instructions well. What do you need to know before your next surgery? Here are some of the basics.

 

Do You Need Surgery?

Do you suspect you need surgery? Before your first appointment with your podiatrist, you may be looking up your signs and symptoms and wonder if your condition may require you to go into surgery. Below are some of the most common conditions that may require surgery, depending on the severity:

●     Bunions commonly require surgery to be remedied. Bunions can become so severe that they cause a person to lose mobility. In this case, a podiatrist may suggest surgery to lessen the impact of the bunion.

●     Hammertoes are toes that become bent or clawed and will not return to normal on their own. This deformity can make it hard for a person to wear footwear properly. Because of this, it is often recommended that a patient undergo surgery to prevent further complications with their shoes, gait, and overall health.

●     Morton’s Neuroma is a nerve condition that causes pain and inflammation. The pain can be so great that it becomes too hard to function or move. If this is the case, a podiatrist may suggest surgery to remove the nerve altogether.

 

How Can You Prepare?

Preparation can help your chances of a quick, easy, and successful recovery and may also lessen your anxiety before your procedure. Here are some things you should consider doing before your surgery:

●     Read all the documentation your podiatrist gives you before your surgery.

●     Select a trusted person to go with you to the surgery. In most cases, you won’t be able to drive yourself home after the operation.

●     Compile a list of questions to follow up with and ask your podiatrist. They can address all concerns before the surgery to help you reach a more prepared, relaxed state of mind.

Here at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we specialize in custom orthotics and various foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.