Foot surgery

For foot problems that have not successfully responded to other medical treatment, such as the use of medication, corrective shoe inserts, special shoes, physical therapy, or protective pads, surgery may be the only way to relieve your pain and increase your mobility. Surgery is often necessary for more serious bone or tendon problems. A complete physical is required prior to any surgery and you must be in good health before it can be performed. Foot surgeries for such procedures as ingrown nails, warts, hammertoes, and plantar (PLAN-tar) neuromas may be done on an outpatient basis in your foot care specialist's office. You will be given a local anesthetic, so that your surgery will be painless. Other procedures may be performed in a same day surgery facility or on an outpatient basis at a local hospital. For more complicated operations, you may be admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay. You will receive a local or general anesthetic, depending on the length and nature of the surgery. Your doctor will discuss these options with you. For more information on foot surgery, please contact a local podiatrist (po-DIE-ah-trist) or foot surgeon.