Insurance will probably cover part or all of the surgery, because the majority of bunion surgeries are not cosmetic. A bunion that is causing pain or changing the way you walk, is considered medically necessary. If it is small and causes no pain, insurance may not cover the procedure.

Different Types of Foot Surgery

• Achilles Tendon Repair.
• Fusion Surgery.
• Foot Fracture Surgery.
• Metatarsal Surgery.
• Morton’s Neuroma Surgery.
• Toe Deformity Correction Surgery.
• Reconstructive Surgery.
• Foot Surgeons in Central Maryland.

Foot surgery itself is not painful. For any kind of procedure that involves opening the body, your foot will be treated with some kind of anesthetic. Often the anesthetic is localized—it only affects the specific area of your foot that is being treated.

On MDsave, the cost of a Foot Fracture Treatment ranges from $353 to $448.00. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.

In the case of flatfoot surgery recovery, you will likely face approximately 12 weeks to achieve permission for full weight-bearing activities. Looking at the events that unfold after the procedures is over, the first thing to note is that patients typically go home the day of the surgery.

For most foot and ankle operations, tenderness and swelling can take 3-4 months to resolve, while for more complicated procedures, the recovery may take a full year (or more). On your first return visit, your cast or bandage will be removed for the first time.

Depending on the procedure performed, I emphasize nonweightbearing for two weeks postoperatively until the incision has completely healed. I then allow partial weight bearing in a removable short leg boot if tolerated. Increases in weightbearing are progressed on a weekly basis and are guided by swelling and pain.

Cottom. Dr. Cottom explains that patients can receive a local, long-lasting anesthetic immediately before surgery, which significantly decreases pain and can keep the leg numb for 48-72 hours after the surgery. Most discomfort after any type of orthopedic procedure occurs within the first 24-36 hours after surgery.

Elevation is crucial to a fast recovery as it helps with pain and swelling. Elevate above the hip level. This is the most beneficial position as it helps bring blood away to reduce pressure and lessen pain. Also, use ice or ice packs soon after surgery by applying for 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off.

Showering after foot surgery can be a challenge….Suggested supplies are:

• Telephone.
• Computer.
• Clock.
• TV with remote control.
• Hospital-type table that slides over the bed or couch may be helpful.
• A foot elevation system of some kind (ex pillows)
• Easy access to ice or a cooling system.
• Bed backrest.

Physical therapy is a vital part of recovery after surgery. Not only can it help you heal faster, improve your flexibility and range of motion and minimize scar tissue development, it can help you manage pain levels without excessive use of prescription narcotics.

Since you will need to rest a lot the first few days after your foot surgery, elevating your foot will significantly reduce swelling. If you don’t elevate, fluid may collect in the foot and cause additional pain.

Exercising after Foot Surgery

1. Stretches. Stretching is a great activity to do when you’re recovering from foot surgery.
2. Yoga/Pilates. Yoga is another exercise that you can jump right into after surgery.
3. Swimming. It’s important to avoid the water if you’re wearing a cast or your incisions have not fully healed.
4. Exercise Bike.

You can take a shower 3 days after your surgery. But you must cover your operated foot or dressing with a plastic waterproof cover or a plastic bag. Make sure you do NOT get your dressing wet. NO baths or swimming until your surgeon says it is safe to do so.

The Safe Way to Shower After Foot Surgery

1. Shower stool. Rather than balancing on one foot to shower, a shower stool lets you stay seated and comfortable.
2. Cover your boot. Whether with a plastic bag or a waterproof cast cover, you’ll need to find a way to keep your boot dry as you shower.
3. Ask for help.

Walking after hammertoe surgery You’ll have to wear a special shoe to protect your foot and keep it in the correct position for about 3-6 weeks after surgery. You won’t be able to resume walking as you did before surgery right away. Start with walking a little each day and slowly building up the time.

How do I manage my pain after surgery? When the nerve block wears off, there will be a significant amount of pain that will not be able to be completely relieved with the pain medication. This will last for 2-3 days, and then the pain level will begin to decrease appreciably for most patients.

The results demonstrated that the recovery of sensory function in patients with various cutaneous nerve injuries after foot and ankle surgery required at least 6 months.

FOR PATIENTS Recovery at a glance: Compression stocking to be worn to control swelling along with ice/elevation once the incision has healed. Physical therapy to start at 2-3 weeks post op. You may begin driving at 6-8 weeks if surgery on the right ankle.

On the day of surgery, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing. You often will have a bulky dressing and/or plaster splint on your operated leg, ankle, and/or foot after surgery, and your clothes must fit around your dressing and/or splint.

When Non-Operative Methods Have Failed Regardless of the specific foot injury, deformity, or disease you’re dealing with, if you’re not finding pain relief in the methods that you’re using, you should consider surgery.

While lying down place 2 pillows under the foot; this is usually enough to get the foot above the heart. It is important to keep your foot or ankle elevated whenever you are not on it. If you can keep it elevated for more than 48-72 hours you should do so.

About three weeks before surgery

1. Stock up on toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, medications, and other personal items.
2. Put a medical shower chair in your shower.
3. Get a hand-held shower head.
4. Get a raised toilet seat.
5. Get a shower sponge with a long handle.
6. Put handrails in the shower and next to the toilet.

Typically, you will be instructed to not eat or drink after 11:59 pm on the night before your surgery. This means no coffee, chewing gum, or water in the morning. If your surgery is later in the day, you may be allowed to drink clear liquids until about 6-8 hours before your surgery. Why is this important?

Keeping your foot raised helps decrease pain and swelling. When you elevate your ankle, try to keep it at the level of your heart. Lying on a couch with pillows under your foot is better than sitting in a chair with your foot on a footstool. Try to keep your foot elevated for 2 to 3 hours a day.

For other injuries you may only need a couple of weeks before you can slowly transition to partial weight bearing and then to full, slowly being able to resume your normal activities again. Injuries such as a Lisfranc fracture can require 10 weeks or more of non-weight bearing.

Elevating your legs while you sleep can help your circulation and prevent swelling. It’s best to elevate your legs above the level of your heart.

Try out 2-3 times per day for 20-30 minutes, and if the swelling is still there, repeat a few more times. Adjust the frequency over time: When the swelling and pain starts to get better, you can elevate them less frequently, even down to once a day if desired.