Having surgery is never an easy decision, and getting the right care is important to ensure a successful recovery. Whether you have an injury or a condition causing pain and discomfort, foot surgery in Keller, TX, can help improve your quality of life. With the right foot surgeon and post-op care plan, you can be on your feet with the least amount of downtime.
When You Need Foot Surgery
When your foot or ankle problem doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, and standing or walking is painful, surgery can be a suitable choice. Although there may be a lengthy recovery, foot surgery in Keller, TX, can be a solution to help restore your foot function and prevent additional foot damage.
Common Injuries Treated by Foot Surgeries
- Broken bones
- Achilles tendon disorders
- Sprains and strains
- Bunions
- Morton’s neuroma
- Flat feet
- Hammertoe
- Plantar fasciitis
- Metatarsalgia
- Tibialis posterior disorder
Foot surgeons are also skilled at treating foot arthritis and foot and ankle deformities. When foot surgery is needed to treat a foot injury, foot surgeons are highly qualified to provide the best possible outcome. They evaluate your foot carefully, look for signs of injury or damage, and create a personalized treatment plan that considers your individual needs. Foot surgery in Keller, TX, can relieve pain and restore mobility, allowing you to enjoy life without foot pain.
How to Find the Best Foot Surgeon in Keller
Your first step when considering foot surgery is finding the best surgeon. Finding a qualified foot surgeon doesn’t have to be a challenge if you follow some important steps. Doing a bit of research and asking the right questions can help you find the right foot surgeon for you.
Steps for Finding a Skilled Foot Surgeon
- Consider the surgeon’s experience, education, and training. You want someone with extensive foot surgery knowledge and who can provide quality care. Ask how many foot surgeries the foot surgeon has performed in the past year and if they specialize in certain procedures. Also, ask about any medical affiliations or certifications they have.
- Consider the foot surgeon’s bedside manner. You want someone you can trust and feel comfortable talking to about your foot surgery needs. Asking questions can help you determine the surgeon’s communication style and approachability.
- Research foot surgeons and clinics in your area. Check online reviews and patient testimonials (like the ones below), ask family and friends for referrals, and even call the foot surgeon's office directly to understand their services better. Additionally, you can contact your local medical board or health department to ensure the foot surgeon is certified and licensed. Doing research can ensure that you pick the foot surgeon best suited to your foot surgery needs.
How to Reduce Swelling After Foot Surgery in Keller
Swelling after foot surgery is common, and there are several things you can do to reduce it. One way your doctor may have you reduce swelling is by elevating your foot above your heart when lying down. This encourages fluids to move away from the foot. You can also take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
You should also limit your activity after foot surgery to give your foot time to heal and reduce further swelling. Avoid any strenuous work or play that may cause your foot to swell.
Finally, you can apply a cold compress or an ice pack to help reduce the swelling. Doing this for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day, can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from foot swelling.
How Long Should I Elevate My Foot For After Surgery?
After surgery, your foot surgeon will give you guidelines on how and why you need to elevate your foot. A surgeon will explain how long you need to do this and how long to wait before walking again. It's important to give your foot time to heal and recover from the procedure, so keep it raised for as long as your doctor says.
Elevating your foot reduces swelling and helps prevent complications associated with foot surgery such as infection or excessive bleeding. You should plan to keep your foot elevated for as long as necessary, depending on the type of surgery performed. Additionally, follow all post-op instructions from your doctor, and use any specialty pillows or footrests to make elevating your foot easier. By taking these steps, you can help ensure a successful recovery from foot surgery.
When Can You Walk Again After Foot Surgery
It's a common question after foot surgery: how long does it take to walk again? The answer depends on the type of foot surgery you've had and the severity of your foot injury or condition. Some foot surgeries require weeks to months of recovery before you can get back on your feet.
Immediately after foot surgery, it’s important to rest and follow your doctor’s orders for post-operative care. You may need to limit or completely avoid bearing weight on the foot until healing is complete. Your foot might be placed in a cast or splint to protect the foot and encourage proper healing. You may need:
- Crutches
- Knee scooter or seated scooter
- Wheelchair
With proper care and healing, a full return to walking can usually take four to six weeks after foot surgery. However, some surgeries may require more time before you can walk comfortably again. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, and listen to your body to get back on your feet as soon as possible.
How to Speed up Foot Surgery Recovery
If you have foot surgery, the last thing you want is a long and painful recovery. However, the process of regaining strength and mobility in your foot can take time. The following are tips to help get you back on your feet faster:
- Start by taking it easy. As tempting as it may be to push yourself, remember that foot surgery recovery requires time and patience. Don't try to do too much, too soon.
- Focus on foot exercises and stretches. Improve circulation in your foot by doing gentle foot exercises and stretching daily. This will help to reduce swelling and improve your foot's range of motion.
- Wear supportive footwear. It is also important to wear supportive footwear during foot surgery recovery. Invest in good shoes that provide the necessary cushioning and support for your foot. This will help reduce pain, inflammation, and promote healing. Wearing compression socks can also help with swelling.
- Stay off your foot as much as possible. While it is essential to do foot exercises, try to keep your foot elevated and rested for the majority of the day. This will help reduce swelling and pain and promote healing.
- Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol. Since tobacco and alcohol can affect circulation and slow healing, avoiding them after foot surgery is essential.
- Eat healthily. Eating nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals increases your energy and strength while healing.
Most importantly, follow your doctor’s instructions. If you experience any unusual symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.
Contact Our Keller Foot Surgeon
If you need foot surgery and have questions, contact Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for a consultation today. We can evaluate your foot wound and create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs. To request an appointment, please get in touch with our Keller office by filling out our convenient online contact form or calling our office at 817-741-4000.