Foot Surgery

When It’s Time for Foot Surgery

Do Your Feet Hurt?
If you’re walking with pain, you’re not alone.  Four out of five adults eventually suffer from a foot problem that requires foot surgery by a podiatrist.  Often an elective surgery, your podiatrist can help you make the decision whether or not to opt for surgery, and when it should happen.

Why have surgery?

• To Relieve Pain: Painful, aching feet may signal an underlying pathology that needs correcting. Foot pain can make you feel tired and irritable, and as a result cause you to become less active. Fortunately, foot surgery can often correct underlying problems and relieve foot pain.
• To Restore Functionality: It’s tough (or impossible) to go through daily tasks when your feet don’t show up ready for work. When ordinary walking becomes an issue, your lifestyle is negatively impacted. You don’t have to live with foot pain. The good news is foot surgery can be performed at almost any age. In most cases, surgery can restore the use of your feet.
• To Improve Appearance: Unusually shaped feet can be an embarrassment if they belong to you. Buying new shoes, going to the beach or going barefoot in public can become a dreaded experience. While foot surgery is usually not performed for cosmetic reasons alone, it can, in many cases greatly improve the appearance of your feet. After surgery, you may also have a wider selection of shoes from which to choose.

The Evaluation Process

Before any type of surgery or treatment is recommended, the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis of your foot problem.  Our podiatrists are Board-certified foot surgeons, are well-trained and experienced in all areas of foot care.  We will carefully evaluate your foot problem to ensure you receive optimal care to get you back on your feet without pain or problems.

Before foot surgery, we perform a thorough medical evaluation involving three main steps to determine if surgery is the right solution for your foot problem.

• Health History: Your podiatrist will go over your medical history with you, along with a thorough history of the present problem. Where does it hurt? When does it hurt? Has there been prior treatment for the problem? What kind of shoes do you wear? You will be asked about any health problems you may have such as diabetes, allergies, or heart disease. We will need to have a complete list of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.
• Examination: Your podiatrist will perform a foot examination, also checking your ankles, knees, and hips. The affected area will be tested for tenderness and pain. Your shoes may be examined to determine wear patterns.
• X-Ray and Lab Tests: X-rays can show how severe your foot problem is, as well as help to diagnose bone or joint abnormalities. Lab tests, such as bacterial and fungal cultures and blood and urine tests may also be called for in some cases.

If surgery is recommended your podiatrist will explain how surgery can help correct your foot problem. They will explain the procedure and any possible risks and complications. You will also be instructed how to prepare for surgery and the facility where the operation will be performed.

Regardless of the type of treatment necessary to help your foot problems, whether it be surgery or otherwise, at Triad Foot & Ankle Center the well-being and comfort of our patients are our primary concerns. We take every precaution to ensure our patients are treated with the utmost respect, care, and concern no matter what the issue.