Your surgeon and their team will give you the necessary information which will help you decide if surgery is right for you. Generally, surgery is only carried out if you continue to experience symptoms despite trying all other interventions such as insoles, exercises, footwear changes, weight loss (if needed) and injections.

Surgery is not recommended just to improve the appearance of your feet as the risks of an operation may outweigh the potential benefits.

Consider your surgeon’s advice carefully.

Surgery is carried out to:

• Reduce pain
• Improve your mobility
• Improve your quality of life

Remember, recovery from foot and ankle surgery varies depending on your procedure. Roughly, you will feel:

• Fair - after 3 months
• Good - after 6 months
• Regain a feeling of normality - after 12 months

Preparing for surgery

If you decide to proceed with surgery, you should consider:

• Arranging a family member or friend to help with housework, food shopping and preparing of meals.
• How you will get up and down stairs (if you have them in your home).
• Having your bed downstairs if you have a downstairs toilet until you can use the stairs safely.
• How you will manage using crutches or a frame (if you need them).
• Clearing all clutter and obstacles to prevent falls.
• Having a comfy seat where you can raise your feet sufficiently, regular rest with your foot elevated after surgery is essential. 

Things to check with the surgical team

Inform your surgical team of your medication. It may be necessary to stop some of your medication before your operation – your surgical team will discuss this with you.

Smoking

Stopping smoking will help your wounds and bones heal. If you cannot stop completely, you must stop smoking for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery and until the bones have healed. If you need help with this, discuss with your GP before surgery.

After surgery

Pain relief

You will need pain relief after your operation. You can reduce the amount required as the pain dies down.

Preventing Blood Clots

You may be sent home with a supply of injections to help reduce the risk of developing blood clots. If required, you will be shown how to inject yourself.

You may be given a compression stocking to wear on your unoperated leg until you are fully mobile again.

Showering 

You will need to keep the cast or dressing clean and dry. If the cast gets wet, it will no longer hold your foot still and the wounds may become infected. Your clinician will let you know when you can shower.

Walking

This will depend on the operation you have had and your surgical team will advise what you can do. Devices such as a knee scooter or knee crutch/’iwalk’ are available to purchase independently if preferred. Your surgical team will advise you if any devices will be required.

After surgery, the surgery team will advise you on bearing:

• Non-weight bearing: You must not put any weight on your operated foot as this may interfere with the operation. Your physiotherapist will show you how to use your crutches.
• Heel weight bearing: You can walk in a special shoe only putting weight through your heel.
• Partial weight bearing: You may take up to 50% of your body weight through your operated foot while using crutches/walking aid.
• Full weight bearing: You may walk normally, taking all your weight through your operated foot.

More information

Once you have the information from the surgical team, it is then important for you to take the time to consider your options with your family so you can decide if surgery is the best option for you. 

If you need any further information, please contact the Foot and Ankle team on 0121 685 4367.