Reconstructive Foot Surgery: What to Expect

Your foot doctor in Sugar Land may recommend reconstructive foot surgery if your symptoms are not relieved by non-invasive methods. There are many different kinds of reconstructive foot surgery, and the nature of your procedure depends on the condition your foot doctor is trying to treat. However, there are certain aspects of surgery that are similar for all procedures that can help you understand what to expect. Here is a look at the reconstructive foot and ankle surgery process to help you prepare for your procedure.

Pre-Operative Planning

Before your surgery, your foot doctor will review your condition with you and describe your surgery to you in full. This is a good opportunity to ask any questions you have about the surgery and your recovery. At this time, your foot specialist will also review your medical history and may order lab tests to ensure that you are healthy enough for surgery and don’t have any conditions that could interfere with your recovery. Be sure to discuss all of your medications with your foot doctor, including over-the-counter drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen. You may need to stop or change the way you take some medicines before surgery.

Surgical Procedure

Your doctor will describe the procedure of your surgery to you in full. Depending on the kind of surgery you are having, you may receive general anesthesia or you may receive a local anesthesia or block. Some people go home the same day of their foot surgeries, while other stay in a hospital overnight. Your foot doctor will ensure that you know exactly what to expect on the day of your procedure.

Post-Operative Recovery

The recovery time after your surgery depends on the procedure you had. Most foot surgeries require a period of rest, in which you keep your foot elevated, followed by a transition back to putting pressure on the foot, using crutches, casts, canes, or surgical shoes. You will typically have a series of follow-up appointments with your foot doctor to make sure you are healing as expected, and he or she will tell you when you can return to normal activities.