At North Jersey Podiatry, we always try to treat your foot condition with conservative measures whenever possible. However, certain conditions such as bunions, flat feet, and plantar fasciitis among others may eventually progress to the point where conservative treatments are no longer providing adequate pain relief and allowing your foot to function properly. When the time comes for surgery, our podiatrist, Dr. Paul G. Klein, will discuss your options with you. Below are some areas to consider if you are preparing for foot surgery:
What’s the procedure? First, you will want the foot doctor to explain the surgical procedure and the expected outcome. You’ll want to know if the procedure will be done on an outpatient basis or will require a hospital stay. What type of anesthesia will be used? Do you need to do any preoperative testing and how far ahead should you get that done?
What will your recovery be like? You will need to know how much time to take off from work. Will you be able to bear weight on your foot after the surgery or will accommodative devices such as crutches, a boot or a knee scooter be necessary? You’ll also want to ask about pain and discomfort following the surgery and the measures that will be available to control it.
Prepare your home. Before the surgery, you’ll want to make sure it’s easy to get around once you are home. If your bedroom is up a flight of stairs you may want to consider temporarily relocating to the ground floor. Arrange to have a table close to your bed with everything on it that you will need (books, phone, tv remote, etc.). Be sure there is a clear and easy path to the bathroom.
Line up help. You will most likely need someone to drive you home after your foot surgery. If you live alone, it may be helpful to arrange for someone to stay with you the first night after you are home. Accept all offers of help. Friends can prepare meals, do laundry or run errands during the early stages of your recovery.
Knowing what to expect before, during and after foot surgery will reduce any anxiety you may have about the procedure and help you have a smooth recovery. If you have questions about an upcoming procedure, don’t hesitate to contact Paul Klein, DPM FACFAS at our Wayne, NJ office by calling (973) 595-1555.
