No one wants to hear the word surgery, especially when it pertains to the foot or ankle. But if the surgery is a must, the more information the patient knows and understands, the better the surgery and outcome will be. The procedure for surgery can be broken down into three categories; preoperative testing and care, the surgery itself, and postoperative care.
Preoperative testing and care is when all tests are performed in order to determine if surgery is necessary or if a different form of treatment is best. X-rays, MRI’s, blood tests, EKG’s, the patient’s medical history and medical conditions are all evaluated. This is the time to tell the Podiatrist about known allergies, specific illnesses one has had throughout their life, any diagnosed diseases, and current medications. Depending upon one’s medical condition, the Podiatrist may consult with the patient’s family physician.
If it is determined that surgery is necessary, the patient must consider if they will be able to drive themselves home. If not, make sure someone comes to the office with the patient. The Podiatrist will give further instruction prior to surgery about what the patient must do the day of surgery. Be sure to follow the instructions accordingly.
Postoperative care refers to after surgery care. Depending upon what type of surgery the patient had performed dictates the recovery time. The length of time and kind of aftercare can differ. The Podiatrist will tell the patient at what point they can put weight on the foot. Do not try to do this prematurely as it can be painful and damage the recovery process. After surgery, it is imperative that the patient follows RICE; rest, ice, compression, and evalation. For mobility, the patient may have one or more of the following; bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, or a cane.
For some, surgery can be stressful. To minimize anxiety, ask your Podiatrist questions and be familiar with preoperative care, the surgery procedure, and postoperative care.
Image by Mary Hodder. (2011). My new bandages.. post first *foot* showering.. love having clean feet!!!!! Flickr. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryhodder/6402595829/
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