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Our Ballantyne Podiatrist Answers FAQs About Foot Surgery!

February 11, 2020

If you are having an upcoming foot surgery in Ballantyne, or suspect that you may require foot surgery sometime in the near-future, you may have a lot of questions about the treatment and recovery process. In today’s post, our Ballantyne podiatrist answers some of your most frequently asked questions about foot surgery.


What factors do I need to consider before pursuing foot surgery?

If other methods have failed to resolve your foot or ankle pain, surgery will almost always provide pain relief and return to normal function. However, it is important to consider that recovering from foot surgery typically requires six to eight weeks, during which time you will likely need to wear a walking cast and/or avoid putting weight on the extremity. Since this will significantly impact your ability to live a normal lifestyle, it is important to discuss with your podiatrist whether the long-term benefits of foot surgery outweigh the short-term inconvenience.


Why do the foot and ankle take so long to heal?

The foot is the first weight-bearing structure to hit the ground, and as such, it needs to absorb greater impact and disperse greater force than any other joint in the body. Add to that the notable complexity of the foot/ankle structure, and you can understand why it can take a long time for the foot and ankle to be able to handle normal weight loads without pain or risk of further damage.


What are most common minor risks of foot and ankle surgery?

Most foot surgery complications are minor and will not affect final outcome of the treatment. Potential risks include:

  • Swelling
  • Numbness
  • Excessive scar tissue
  • Superficial infections


In some cases, patients may experience continued pain, recurrence of the problem or deformity, or delayed or nonunion of bone correction. In these instances, the patient may need to undergo another treatment.


What are some of the more serious complications of foot and ankle surgery?

Serious complications of foot surgery are rare, but no surgery is entirely without risk. The three most potentially serious complications following surgery are:

  • Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
  • DVT (deep vein thrombosis or blood clot)
  • CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).


Ryan Foot & Ankle Clinic has standard procedures in place to quickly recognize and treat these complications when they arise, so that long-term complications can be minimized. Additionally, many complications can be prevented by allowing your podiatrist to thoroughly and comprehensively assess your health prior to surgery. It is important to disclose any and all symptoms you are experiencing, other conditions you might have, and medications/herbal supplements you are taking to your provider prior to surgery.


This concludes Part 1 of our Foot Surgery FAQs series. If you need a podiatrist in Ballantyne and would like to schedule an appointment, click here.

February 27, 2025
As the flowers bloom and the weather warms up, spring invites us to enjoy more outdoor activities. Whether you're gearing up for jogging, gardening, or playing sports, having your feet in top condition is essential. Here’s how to ensure your feet are ready to take on all your spring adventures! 1. Start with a Solid Foundation: Wear the Right Shoes Finding the right footwear is crucial. Look for shoes that support your foot type and the activity you're engaging in. Well-fitted, activity-appropriate shoes can prevent blisters, calluses, and other foot injuries. 2. Stretching: The Key to Flexibility Before you leap into action, remember to stretch. Gentle stretching not only improves your overall flexibility but also helps prevent foot injuries. Focus on stretches that target the Achilles tendon, calves, and toes. 3. Gradual Progression If you've been less active during the winter, ease into your spring activities. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to avoid overuse injuries, such as plantar fasciitis or stress fractures. 4. Hydrate and Nourish Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet are essential for foot health. Proper hydration prevents cramps, while a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supports bone health. 5. Regular Foot Checks Examine your feet regularly for any signs of injury, such as cuts, blisters, or unusual swelling. Early detection of foot problems can prevent further complications. 6. Professional Foot Care Visit a podiatrist annually for a professional check-up. This is especially important if you have ongoing foot issues, diabetes, or other health conditions that affect your feet. 7. Keep Them Clean and Dry Maintaining clean and dry feet reduces the risk of fungal infections. After washing, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. 8. Moisturize Spring can bring dry conditions that may lead to cracked heels or dry skin. Use a good foot moisturizer daily to keep your skin supple and prevent cracking. 9. Listen to Your Feet Pay attention to what your feet are telling you. Pain, discomfort, or tiredness should not be ignored. These could be signs that you need to adjust your footwear or take a break from certain activities. 10. Enjoy Responsibly Most importantly, enjoy your activities responsibly. Spring is a wonderful time to explore and have fun, but keeping your feet healthy ensures that you can continue to enjoy your favorite activities without pain or discomfort.
January 30, 2025
Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, it's the perfect opportunity to focus on your foot and ankle health. Whether you're a seasoned athlete, a casual walker, or someone looking to boost their physical activity this year, our team of expert podiatrists is ready to support you every step of the way. Our practice offers a wide array of services to help you keep your feet and ankles in excellent shape. Here's what you can expect when you visit us: Achilles Tendon Care: Expert treatment for tendon injuries to keep you moving smoothly. Arthritis Treatment: Innovative strategies to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility. Bunion Care: From pain relief solutions to corrective procedures, we've got you covered. Comprehensive Foot Examinations: Early detection and preventive care to keep you one step ahead. Custom Orthotics: Designed to fit your unique foot structure and meet your specific needs. Diabetic Foot Care: Specialized management to prevent and address complications associated with diabetes. Hammertoe Treatment: Options to correct hammertoe deformities and restore comfort. Heel Pain/Plantar Fasciitis Care: Targeted treatments to eliminate pain and enhance foot function. Ingrown Nail Care: Quick and effective relief to prevent pain and infection. Routine Podiatric Care: Maintain your foot health and comfort with regular check-ups. Sports-Related Injury Care: Comprehensive care to help athletes recover and return to their sports. Surgical Treatments: We offer both minimally invasive and advanced surgical options, depending on your needs. As a proud member of the US Foot and Ankle Specialists (USFAS) network, we serve patients at over 200 locations nationwide and accept most major insurances. This means you're never far away from receiving the best podiatric care available. Don’t let foot pain or discomfort slow you down this year. Make an appointment with us and take the first step towards a more active and healthy lifestyle. Visit our website or give us a call to schedule your visit. Here’s to stepping into a healthy and active new year with confidence!
October 31, 2024
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