If you have a significant ankle injury, an orthopedic surgeon would likely suggest non-invasive treatment options like physical therapy or bracing before recommending ankle surgery. Nevertheless, an exam and diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, may reveal that surgery is the ideal option for complete healing and structural repair of your ankle. At Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates in Mission Viejo, California, board-certified podiatrists Han Nguyen, DPM, and Visoth Chan, DPM specialize in surgical care of the foot and ankle. Arrange an appointment with a Mission Viejo foot and ankle surgery specialist today to determine how you could benefit from their care.
When Should You Have Foot & Ankle Surgery?
Your ankles, like your feet, are weight-bearing joints that provide the foundation for walking. Thanks to your ankles and feet, you can walk and perform various other tasks and movements. As a result, it could significantly limit your movement, function, and even stability when they are injured.
Pain caused by foot and ankle injuries or issues could be acute or chronic. Acute injuries are the kind that occurs unexpectedly, including strains and sprains. You might experience chronic pain or discomfort in your foot and ankle due to a number of reasons, including plantar fasciitis, bunions, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis, and more.
Nonsurgical treatment is usually the best option for most people. However, if these non-invasive therapy options fail, surgery is almost certainly required to heal your ankle.
How to Prepare for Foot and Ankle Surgery
Before your foot & ankle surgery, you should plan on being out of work or away from particular activities for some time. Based on the extent of your condition, you might have to keep your weight off your foot and ankle for 3-6 months.
Before and after surgery, your doctor will review the recovery process with you to ensure that you are as comfortable as feasible. The more actively you participate in your care, the better the result.
Stock up on all of your beloved items, arrange your home for easy access, and ensure that you have friends and family on hand to assist you if necessary. Before your surgery, ensure you inquire about medications and have everything you need so that your recuperation is as comfortable as possible.
What to Expect After Foot & Ankle Surgery?
Following surgery, you will experience inflammation and pain due to work done, particularly the cut. Ensure the foot and ankle are elevated above your heart and that you are using ice to minimize inflammation.
Your doctor may provide you with anti-inflammatory drugs to help with alleviating pain and swelling. It is critical to maintain proper hygiene and keep the surgical area clean.
After foot or ankle surgery, showering might be difficult. Showering in a way that maximizes safety is critical. Falls are prevalent, and they could aggravate a foot or ankle that is already recuperating, or worse, cause harm to another region of the body. Thus, you should use a shower stool when bathing.
Most essentially, during the first few weeks, you must strictly adhere to the doctor’s guidelines and restrict any activities that require you to place stress on your foot and ankle for a lengthy period. What’s more, your specialist might opt to perform arthroscopic ankle surgery, which uses considerably smaller equipment; hence, a smaller incision. This translates to minimal pain, a faster recovery period, and improved mobility and strength.
Have you tried conservative measures for your foot and ankle problem but are yet to realize any improvements? Well, foot and ankle surgery might be for you. Contact Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates through mobile or request an appointment online to find out more.