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Our Concord Podiatrist Answers Common Foot Surgery FAQs, Part 2

March 10, 2020

If you are planning to have foot surgery in Concord NC, 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, we continue and conclude Part 1 of our “Foot Surgery FAQs” series by addressing some of these questions.


Can I drive after foot/ankle surgery?

No. You will need someone to bring you to your surgery and take you home afterwards. During the first week of recovery, you should avoid driving, no matter which procedure was performed. After that, you may be able to drive, if you have an automatic transmission and the right foot was not operated on. If your right foot had surgery, you should not drive during the entire non-weight-bearing period, which may be six to eight weeks.


Can I shower or bathe after foot surgery?

In most cases, you will not be able to get the surgical site wet until your stitches are removed. This is usually done 10 to 14 days after surgery. Until that time, you will be given a special bag to keep your surgical area protected while showering or bathing. In some cases, it will be possible to prescribe a waterproof cast, but this is not always possible.


How painful is the recovery process after foot/ankle surgery?

Generally, foot and ankle surgery are not tremendously painful provided the patient correctly follows post-operative instructions. Directly after surgery, a numbing medicine will be placed around the surgery site, and you may not experience any pain at all for four to 24 hours following surgery. Your podiatrist will also prescribe prescription painkillers to alleviate your discomfort. Most people do not need to use these medications for longer than a week.


How much time should I take off work for foot surgery?

If your job can accommodate non-weight-bearing use of your leg, then you can usually return to work three to five days after surgery, depending on your pain level. If your job will not accommodate non-weight-bearing use of your leg, you will have to be off work during this recovery period, and have modified duties when you return until you are out of your protective boot.


Will my insurance pay for foot surgery?

Although most foot and ankle surgery is considered elective, most insurance plans have good coverage for it, provided it is being done to relieve dysfunction and pain. Although it is ultimately up to you to determine whether your insurance will pay for surgery, our billing department will be happy to assist you in determining costs and creating a repayment plan.


Need a Foot Surgeon in Concord NC?


Ryan Foot & Ankle Clinic is proud to be the go-to podiatrist for Concord, Ballantyne, South Park, Charlotte University, Harrisburg, and nearby areas. If you think you might require foot or ankle surgery in Concord, click here to set up an appointment with our local podiatrist.

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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