Recovering from Foot Reconstruction Surgery: What to Expect

Podiatrists treat every type of foot problem, from flat feet to ingrown toenails, and they also provide critical ongoing foot care to people living with diabetes. Some individuals need highly complex foot reconstructive surgery, however, and that’s something only a podiatry team with special expertise can tackle. 

The extraordinary provider team at Premier Foot & Ankle, with five convenient Texas locations, is just such a group. Our six seasoned podiatrists not only bring knowledge and many years of combined experience to the table, but they also treat you with respect and warmth. 

When you’re looking at possible foot surgery, you want to know that your doctor will be there to support you before, during, and after surgery. You can count on us no matter what type of care you need. 

The miracle of foot reconstruction

Foot reconstruction surgery is undoubtedly complex, but we provide this high-tech solution to a host of serious foot and ankle problems and injuries. The surgery can remedy many issues, including:

• Foot deformities like hammertoes, bunions, and flat feet
• Ruptured ligaments and tendons
• Damage related to arthritis
• Birth defects
• Foot ulcers that typically plague those living with diabetes
• Tumors of the foot 
• Diverse sports injuries

This is a partial list of conditions and injuries that reconstruction can mitigate, which proves how versatile the surgery is, as well as customizable to you and your unique situation. 

During your foot reconstruction, your surgeon may remove tissue that’s damaged, correct joint alignment, and put metal devices into your bone — like rods or pins. 

The diverse goals that this surgery can meet range from cosmetic to partial or complete joint replacement, and everything in between. 

Whenever possible, the Premier Foot & Ankle team performs arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows them to do what's needed without making a large incision. Instead, a tool called an arthroscope allows them to see your joint and use specially designed surgical instruments to complete surgery through a small incision. 

This type of minimally invasive procedure allows your surgeon to work with more precision, and it’s also associated with faster healing and less pain, bleeding, and scarring for you.

What will my recovery from foot reconstruction surgery be like?

Your doctor prepares you well in terms of what to expect after your reconstruction surgery, but since the reasons people need reconstruction are so different, your specific procedure will have a great impact on your recovery path. No matter what your circumstances, some recovery tips are universal:

• You’ll be sent home with a special boot for your foot to immobilize it while healing
• You’re advised not to put weight on your foot for 1-2 weeks post-surgery
• Physical therapy strengthens your foot or ankle and helps you regain normal function

All in all, it takes about 6-8 weeks to recover from your foot reconstruction surgery, and if you’re active in athletics, we counsel and assist you specially with getting back to where you can perform optimally again. 

If a foot condition, injury, or combination of issues makes you think you may be a candidate for foot reconstruction surgery, call the Premier Foot & Ankle office most convenient to you and schedule a consultation today, or book one online. We’re dedicated to restoring your comfort and overall foot health.