Podiatrists that are qualified to perform foot and ankle surgery typically do so in their own doctor’s office or clinic unless the procedure is a complicated one. In that case, they perform the operation in a hospital. The operations are usually performed on an outpatient basis, although some foot and ankle surgeries are complex and serious enough to warrant an overnight stay or an even longer one. Patients who have a health condition that puts them at significant risk of complications also may need to stay overnight.
As with any operation, patients must adhere to instructions from Podiatrists beforehand and afterward. Just because surgery is performed in a clinic or doctor’s office doesn’t make it a more casual procedure. General anesthesia is usually not provided for these operations; the podiatrist will use local anesthetics to numb the area. The patient may be given an intravenous (IV) sedative for relaxation. Some patients become drowsy enough to fall asleep, but this is different from the type of deep unconsciousness created with general anesthesia.
Even without general anesthesia, patients usually are instructed not to eat or drink for several hours before the operation if they will receive IV sedation. Abstaining from eating and drinking for at least six hours is a typical restriction. The podiatrist naturally wants to prevent the patient from becoming nauseous. After an operation at a clinic such as Foot & Ankle Specialists of NJ, the patient typically must wear a foot protective device such as a boot. Crutches or a walker may be necessary to keep weight off the foot.
What types of surgery are performed by a podiatrist outside of a hospital setting? Some of a minor operations include resolving ingrown toenails and removing plantar warts. A person who experiences recurring, severe nail fungus may decide to have the nail removed altogether to eliminate the problem. Correcting a bunion and returning the foot to its proper shape also is a common operation done by foot doctors. In addition, these doctors operate on tendons and remove heel spurs. Depending on the severity of the problem, those two operations may require a brief hospital stay afterward. You can also connect them on Facebook for more updates.
