Should I Have Foot Surgery
Foot health. Wednesday 5th June 2024
Foot surgery has the potential to greatly improve your life and, potentially, significantly change it for the worse. FOREVER!!
When we talk to our clients at our Adelaide Hills Podiatry clinic in Aldgate, our number one tip for clients considering foot surgery is ... try all conservative options first. Even with the best surgeon in the best hospital with the best nurses, there is always a chance things might go wrong.
Before committing to surgery, try these simple things first:
- Make an appointment to see a Podiatrist first. Podiatrists are experts in the conservative care and management of foot problems.
- Change your shoes to something more appropriate
- Use appropriately designed orthoses to reduce stress in painful joints, bones or ligaments
- Build strength in the muscles in the feet and legs
- Mobilise the joints to get everything working as well as it can.
Once you have tried all conservative options, the choice to have surgery may be much clearer for you.
Which conditions often require foot surgery?
While many foot problems can be managed with non-surgical treatments, certain conditions are more likely to require surgical intervention.
Here are some common conditions where surgery is often considered:
- Bunions: Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of your big toe, causing pain and deformity. When bunions become severe and interfere with your ability to wear shoes or walk comfortably, surgery may be necessary to realign the joint and relieve pain.
- Hammertoes: This condition occurs when there is an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe, often causing pain and difficulty with footwear. If hammertoes become rigid or painful despite conservative treatments, surgery can help straighten the toe and alleviate discomfort.
- Plantar Fasciitis: This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. While many cases improve with non-surgical treatments, chronic and severe cases may require surgical intervention to release tension and reduce pain.
- Fractures and Trauma: Severe fractures or injuries that do not heal properly with conservative treatments often necessitate surgical repair to ensure proper alignment and function of the affected bones.
- Arthritis: In cases where arthritis in the foot joints leads to significant pain and disability, surgical options such as joint fusion or replacement may be recommended to improve function and reduce pain.
A fractured toe can sometimes need surgery.
When should I have surgery?
Everyone will have a different trigger that will cement their decision to have foot surgery. Choosing to have foot surgery is all about weighing up the potential benefits versus the potential risks for you at the present moment.
Ask yourself the following questions when you are considering foot surgery:
- Can I walk normally and exercise with minimal discomfort?
- Can I find shoes to fit my feet properly and keep them comfortable?
- Can I perform my normal activities without pain?
- Are my Podiatrist’s conservative foot care options still helping to keep my feet comfortable
If you answer no to one or a number of the above questions, maybe it is time to consider foot surgery.
What things can I expect if I have surgery?
If you have foot surgery, you can expect a process that begins with a thorough evaluation and consultation by your foot surgeon.
This will help your surgeon understand your specific condition and develop a tailored treatment plan.
The surgery itself will be conducted by skilled professionals who will ensure you are comfortable and informed every step of the way.
Post-surgery, you will likely experience some swelling and discomfort, which is normal.
Your podiatrist can provide detailed follow-up care and advice on how to manage pain and care for your surgical site, including guidelines on rest, elevation, and any necessary medications.
Physical therapy might be recommended to aid in your recovery and to strengthen your foot and leg muscles. Follow-up appointments will be crucial to monitor your progress and address any concerns you might have.
It's important to follow your surgeon and podiatrist's advice closely to ensure the best possible outcome.
Most clients can gradually return to their regular activities within a few weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the surgery.
By investing in your recovery and adhering to the professional guidance provided, you can look forward to resuming the activities you love without the burden of foot pain.
Get a 2nd or 3rd opinion
When we are referred for foot surgery, our GPs usually give us one referral to see one surgeon who expects to perform the surgery.
We always advise our clients to consult with a couple of surgeons before committing to foot surgery. Firstly, to see if they are all giving you the same advice and secondly, to see who you feel you can talk to and feel most comfortable with.
Always ask lots of questions when you see your surgeon. Here are some of the things we advise our clients to ask when they see their surgeon.
- How long do you need to be off your feet after the surgery?
- What are you allowed to do in the first few days after the operation?
- What are the surgeon's infection rates?
- How much pain can you expect?
- When can you return to work?
- When can you drive again or return to sport?
- What sort of postoperative rehabilitation does your surgeon recommend?
- What are the options if things go wrong?
We can help you make an informed decision about foot surgery
Foot surgery can be a daunting prospect, but for many individuals, it offers a path to pain relief and improved function.
At Complete Podiatry, we are dedicated to helping you make informed decisions about your foot health.
If you are experiencing persistent foot pain or mobility issues that are not responding to conservative treatments, it may be time to consider foot surgery.
Our goal is to help you live an amazing life from the feet up.
By understanding when to consider foot surgery and what to expect, you can take proactive steps towards a healthier, more active lifestyle.
We are here to help
If you are considering foot surgery, the first thing to do is book an appointment with one of the Podiatrists at Complete Podiatry for a comprehensive assessment to help you decide if foot surgery is right for you.
Once this is done, we will develop a structured management plan that outlines our best advice for how to help you return to doing the things you love to do before you decide on foot surgery.
Just call us on 8330 0004 or book online.
I'll love to talk to you about how we can help you build an amazing life from the feet up!
Anthony Robinson
Director of Complete Podiatry