Recovering From Foot Surgery: Tips and Tricks

Surgery isn’t always the first option to fix foot problems, but when all else fails, it may become necessary. 

When that happens, you want the best podiatric surgeon around to ensure a smooth procedure that allows you to walk away pain-free. In Fort Worth, Texas, that means you want Dr. Matthew Cerniglia, board-certified in both foot surgery and reconstructive rear-foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and one of the leading surgeons in Texas. 

At Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas, we provide high-quality care and personalized treatments that make our patients feel like family, so if you need foot surgery, come see Dr. Cerniglia. Meanwhile, here’s a look at the most common foot conditions that may need surgery and some tips and tricks to aid in your recovery process.

Common conditions that call for surgical intervention

Dr. Cerniglia discusses the best conservative treatment options for your foot problem before recommending surgery. The following issues may benefit from surgery to ensure proper healing and function.

Ruptured tendons

Tendons can rupture due to vigorous physical activities or medical conditions like arthritis. For ruptured tendons, Dr. Cerniglia surgically sews the torn ends of the tendon back together. During recovery, it’s crucial to keep the tendons immobile with a brace or cast.

Foot deformities 

Deformities in the foot, like bunions, hammertoes, and bone spurs, cause discomfort and change the look of your foot. For severe deformities, surgery is often the best solution. After the operation, you need to keep your foot elevated and bear no weight on it. 

Foot fractures

Fractures can happen when you least expect them, and surgery is the best approach in some cases. With fractures, the surgery realigns the broken bone so it heals properly. After surgery, rest is essential, and again, you must keep your foot elevated and use crutches or a wheelchair for support.

Nerve damage

For nerve damage caused by conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, surgery can help. The surgery aims to reduce pressure on the nerve and prevent further damage. You should rest and avoid any strenuous activity for the initial recovery period.

Severe arthritis

For severe arthritis, surgery provides pain relief and, in some cases, restores mobility. After surgery, it’s important to keep your foot immobile, take pain medication if necessary, and this bears repeating — elevate it.

Tips for faster recovery

Once the surgery is behind you, it’s on to the recovery process, and how you approach it makes all the difference in the length of healing time, your pain level, and your post-recovery mobility. Here are some pro tips:

• Follow Dr. Cerniglia’s instructions to the letter
• Take your pain medication as prescribed
• Keep the operated foot elevated to reduce swelling
• Use compression socks to alleviate swelling
• Rest your foot for the specified duration
• Prioritize icing your foot regularly to prevent swelling
• Follow a balanced diet to aid in healing
• Do not attempt any rigorous activities without clearance from your physician

At Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas, we provide specialized care tailored to your needs. If you need foot surgery, Dr. Cerniglia helps you determine the best course of action. Afterward, follow our instructions and these tips and tricks to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

Learn more about foot surgery and recovery by calling our friendly staff or requesting an appointment online.