How Long Does Foot Surgery Take?
In addition to the amount of time you need to spend recovering after your surgery, you’ll also need to do rehab after your procedure. You can expect to gradually return to your normal activities during this time, but it won’t be an easy road. In this article, we’ll provide you with more information about what to expect. Although foot and ankle surgery recovery is not a pleasant experience, it doesn’t have to be a long or painful one.
Anesthesia
During foot or ankle surgery, the patient is generally placed under local anesthetic to ensure that they won’t feel any pain. There are several types of anesthesia, including general, sedation, and local. General anesthetic involves the use of medicine administered through an IV or an injection point in the mouth called an endotracheal tube. It is important to note that this type of anesthesia isn’t long-lasting and can be reversed in case of pain.
During the procedure, patients will likely experience some numbness in the foot. This is normal. The numbness is caused by a regional nerve block around the ankle. Afterwards, patients will typically be able to walk with a boot or a pair of flat shoes. Some patients may also experience itching. Post-operative pain will likely be mild, and it will likely be relieved with rest, icing, and elevation. After surgery, patients may also be prescribed pain medications, but most will only need these for a short period of time.
Recovery time
After foot surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s postoperative instructions and avoid putting pressure on your foot until the wound heals. You can begin putting pressure on your foot the day after surgery if you are wearing a boot. After surgery, your foot will need approximately two to three weeks of rest and elevation. You will likely be prescribed an antibiotic and pain medication for a couple of days. You should continue to call the doctor’s office if you notice any problems or discomfort.
You should make your home safe for your foot surgery recovery by arranging your furnishings and moving objects out of the way. You should also move your bedroom to the ground floor if you live in a multi-level home. Also, install grab bars and handicap parking permits to ease your mobility. You should also set up a caretaker to run errands and do travel during this time. This will make the recovery process much faster.
Procedures
If you are wondering how long does foot surgery take, read this. Surgery is a common way to treat deformed feet, but the recovery time can vary. Your surgeon may suggest some conservative treatments first, such as exercise and footcare. Some foot surgeries may take more than one session, depending on the complexity of the condition. In other cases, your surgeon may recommend non-invasive treatments that can reduce your pain. If your condition is minor, you may be able to get by with just home care.
After foot and ankle surgery, you will be required to wear a bandage for a few weeks. You may also need to wear a cast for a few weeks. Your doctor will discuss your post-operative care with you. Some patients are able to move their feet almost immediately after the operation, but you will need to use crutches for the first six weeks. Your doctor may prescribe an aftercare program for your new ankle joint, which can help you maintain it.
Complications
There are a few potential complications following foot and ankle surgery. Although most are minor, some may require additional treatment. Mild complications can include excessive swelling, bleeding, and infection. These can often be treated on your own, but may require a visit to a hospital emergency room. More serious complications include a loss of function, severe infection, or a delayed healing of the surgical site. Listed below are some of the most common problems and how to deal with them.
Post-operative care involves alternate periods of rest and moving. Patients should elevate their foot when resting, and should avoid driving or getting it wet for the first 24 hours following the surgery. Pain after foot surgery will most likely be mild and will pass on its own in two to four days. Painkillers can be taken for the remainder of the recovery process. Amputation complications may result in chronic pain. Some people may experience nerve damage, and this can be devastating.
