Innovations Calm Foot Surgery Fears

A machine now exists that allows doctors to examine the foot’s deep tissue structure to develop a broader picture of how well the blood is circulating. This allows physicians to determine exactly what’s going on, leading to early diagnoses and predict surgery outcomes. Additionally, there’s a locking plate available to dynamically compress bones following foot-bone-fusion procedures to help alleviate painful arthritis symptoms.

A collagen wrap has been created for protecting nerves in the foot and ankle from scar tissue either following surgery or after the foot has been crushed or partially severed. Surgery is an effective option whenever foot or ankle pain does not improve through alternative treatments, and when it interferes with your normal daily routines. This can also include the inability to wear shoes comfortably.

Routine foot surgery typically lasts an hour to an hour and a half, although reconstructive surgery and repairing severe injuries can be much more time intensive. The best chances for favorable foot surgery outcomes are with a board-certified podiatrist. During the procedure, the physician completely sedates the patient, so there’s no concern for pain. Following the procedure, there is often soreness and pain, which is typical of ever surgical procedure. The post-operative pain is usually managed through pain medication, both prescription and over the counter.

Although necessary foot surgery has become more effective than ever, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society is strongly warning patients to reconsider undergoing “foot facelifts.” Cosmetic foot surgery can include narrowing the feet to better accommodate high heels, shortening the second toe so it is not longer than the big toe, and making the little toe shorter and thinner to better fit high heels.

According to Loyola University Health System foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Michael Pinzur, these surgeries come with risks – including infections, pain, scarring and nerve damage – that far outweigh the benefits. He hopes that patients follow the advice of the Foot and Ankle Society and never undergo surgery specifically to improve the appearance of the foot.