Common Misconceptions About Foot Surgery

Simply because a podiatrist can perform surgery to treat his patients, it does not mean that this is the first treatment option that will be suggested to treat a foot issue. When patients come in seeking help for a problem, other, more conservative measures are tried first, and surgery is left as a last resort. There are a number of common misconceptions about foot surgery that may keep people from getting the help they need.

Misconceptions About Foot Surgery

• All foot surgery requires general anesthesia.

For a number of people, the idea of being “put under” to have surgery performed is uncomfortable, to say the least. A number of surgeries can be performed under a local anesthesia in a podiatrist’s office. Since each case (and patient) are different, your podiatrist can advise whether you need surgery and if local anesthesia is the right choice for you.

• Minimally invasive surgery means a pain-free procedure.

Minimally invasive surgery on the foot means that there is likely to be less pain and swelling than if a large incision has to be made during a procedure, not that the procedure will be entirely pain-free. Each person experiences pain differently and in most cases an over the counter pain reliever like Aspirin, Tylenol or Ibuprofen will be able to relieve the post-surgical discomfort.

• Bunion surgery will relieve pain and improve the condition of the toe in all cases.

No surgical outcome is guaranteed to work 100 percent of the time. The vast majority of patients who undergo surgery find that the procedure straightens their toe and cures their pain. The success of the surgery depends on the severity of the bunion, how well the surgery goes, and how well each patient follows the recovery guidelines.

• You can resume all normal activities immediately following foot surgery.

While you may be able to walk out of your podiatrist’s office following a minimally invasive foot surgery (wearing a special sandal), there will be a recovery period following the procedure. Your podiatrist will give you specific instructions about when you will be able to resume your normal activities, and if you work in a job where you spend most of your time on your feet make sure you let your podiatrist know so that it is taken into consideration.

Sheldon Nadal D.P.M. has over three decades of experience performing minimally invasive surgery for a number of foot conditions. Contact him for a consultation today.