How Patients Can Recover Faster and Live Better After Foot Surgery

Mon Jan 01 0001

Submitted by Brian Nagy, DPM The mention of foot surgery can cause a frightening reaction for many people. Even just hearing the word “surgery” can cause them to run in the other direction. The need to use their feet every day increases their anxiety because they feel like they can’t afford to be off their feet.

This no longer has to be the case. With the advancements in surgical techniques and podiatry, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) makes it possible for patients to leave the hospital the same day as the surgery – without crutches or significant time off their feet.

Minimally invasive surgery is a procedure done by making a very small incision directly through the skin to the bone to help correct foot problems without damaging the soft tissue. It’s also extremely effective when other conservative treatments are not.

How the surgery is performed

MIS is performed using specially designed instruments, similar to the tiny instruments used by jewelers, which are inserted into the body through small incisions made through the skin directly to bone to help correct deformities without damaging the soft tissue.

The podiatrist uses a technique called fluoroscopy to see inside the body without having to open it up. Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that is performed using a live x-ray machine with very low radiation. The images are sent to a video monitor set up in the operating room.

This allows the podiatrist to complete complicated and delicate procedures without exposing the patient to unnecessary risks, such as infection, scarring and an extended recovery time.

Discover the benefits of MIS

Minimal bleeding and scarring. With traditional surgery, you might endure deep or intrusive cuts that can bleed and cause permanent scars. With minimally invasive surgery, a small incision is made using special instruments similar to what a jeweler would use. There’s little bleeding and scarring if any.
Less pain and swelling. Because minimally invasive surgery is a minor procedure, you won’t suffer the pain typically associated with traditional surgery.
Fewer complications. Fewer, smaller cuts, less bleeding, and not being put under all mean there is less of a chance you’ll endure pain, swelling, infection, and other complications that can arise during and after traditional surgery.
Less downtime. Minimally invasive surgery such as HyProCure® usually takes only 15-20 minutes and requires far less recovery time than traditional surgery. You should be able to walk out of your podiatrist’s office after the procedure and return to your normal activities in about a week, depending on how fast your own body typically heals.

Foot Problems That May Require MIS

Many foot problems cause pain in the toes, feet, ankles, and elsewhere in the body. If left untreated, a patient’s quality of life will continue to suffer and/or deteriorate. MIS foot surgery can be the permanent solution to common foot problems. A few of these conditions include:

Ankle Injuries
Bunions
Dropped Metatarsal
Hammertoes
Heel spurs
Pronation of the foot
Pinched nerves
Toenail fungus

It’s important to note that many foot and ankle problems can be treated without surgery, but if they are left untreated for too long the problem may get bad enough that it will require surgery.

Recovery

MIS allows for almost immediate use of the foot. Recovery is usually quicker – up to twice as fast – and less painful than a traditional open surgery. Depending on the condition, many patients are back on their feet within a few days following a minimally invasive procedure. Due to the small size of the incision, patients will have stitches for about a week, experience less pain during recovery, and are left with no visible scarring.

Instead of using crutches, surgical walking boots can be used to support the foot. This allows the patient greater mobility without fear of re-injuring the area while it is healing. The actual length of recovery time will depend on the foot problem being treated and a patient’s individual circumstances. The reality is, most of us can’t afford to be off our feet for very long. All the reasons that are causing someone to be scared, can be forgotten when a minimally invasive technique is used.