Podiatric Surgeon in Lyndhurst, OH

If you’re experiencing persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest, ice, compression, or elevation, it could be a sign of a more serious issue that our foot care experts can help diagnose. Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or performing other normal tasks due to a restricted range of motion could mean there’s a serious problem. Surgery might be required to restore that function, and at Finesse Footcare, we offer the best surgical solutions tailored to your specific needs.

● Structural Changes, Joint Damage, and Deformities: Visible deformities such as a bunion, a hammer toe, or a bone spur could indicate the need for foot or ankle surgery. Our team at Finesse Footcare is experienced in diagnosing and treating these conditions. Progressive joint degeneration or arthritis causing stiffness, swelling, and pain might also necessitate surgery, which we can provide with the utmost finesse.

● Nerve Compression and Soft Tissue Injuries: Experiencing tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in your foot or ankle could be a sign of nerve entrapment. We also specialize in treating chronic tendinitis or ligament tears that haven’t responded to conservative treatments, potentially suggesting the need for surgical intervention.

● Swelling and Bone Infections or Tumors: Persistent or recurrent swelling can be a sign that surgery might be needed. Infections or bone growths that damage the foot or ankle can also necessitate surgical intervention.

● Failure of Conservative Treatments: If non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, orthotics, medication, or lifestyle changes have been ineffective in alleviating pain or improving mobility, surgery might be necessary. At Finesse Footcare, we can provide surgical options to alleviate your pain and restore function.

After surgery, your foot or ankle will often be immobilized with a cast or boot. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on managing pain and swelling, using mobility aids, and adhering to weight-bearing restrictions. This initial recovery phase is critical and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

We believe in the power of rehabilitation, and as such, we often recommend physical therapy as the next step in your recovery journey. Our experienced physical therapists will guide you through range of motion exercises and strength training to restore full function to your foot or ankle. The aim is to prepare you for a gradual return to your normal activities.

Factors Influencing Your Recovery
● At Finesse Footcare, we ensure our patients understand the variables that can impact their recovery time. These include the type of surgery performed, the extent of the injury, the patient’s overall health, commitment to rehabilitation, and the presence of any complications.

● We cannot stress enough the importance of adhering to the medical instructions provided by our healthcare team. Keeping the surgical site clean, taking prescribed medications, attending all physical therapy appointments, and avoiding excessive weight-bearing activities are all crucial for a successful recovery.

● Post-surgery, if you experience severe pain or swelling that does not improve, drainage or redness around the incision, inability to move your foot or ankle, or symptoms like fever or chills, contact Finesse Footcare immediately. Our team is always ready to offer necessary medical attention.

Recovering from foot surgery often necessitates the need for physical therapy, an integral part of the recovery process. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in restoring strength, mobility, and overall function to your foot that has undergone surgery. It assists in regaining strength and endurance swiftly, reducing the risk of complications such as blood clots and pneumonia.

The decision to engage in physical therapy after foot surgery depends on various factors, including the type of surgery, the extent of tissue damage, and your overall health status. Our podiatrist can provide specific information based on your individual circumstances and will coordinate with a physical therapist for your treatment plan.

Physical therapy after foot surgery is designed to facilitate the healing process. It focuses on:

● Improved Range of Motion: Physical therapy exercises help restore flexibility and joint range, often reduced due to foot surgery.

● Pain Management: Techniques like massage and heat therapy alleviate pain and promote relaxation.

● Strengthening: Foot surgery weakens muscles and tendons. Rebuilding strength and improving muscle function are achieved through physical therapy exercises.

● Balance and Coordination: These, often affected by foot surgery and anesthesia, are improved through physical therapy.

● Scar Management: Physical therapy promotes proper wound healing and prevents scarring that can limit foot movement.

● Postural Correction: Foot surgery can alter posture. Physical therapy aids in restoring correct posture, reducing pain and discomfort.

● Functional Improvement: Patients regain their pre-surgery level of function, enabling them to perform daily activities with increased ease.

The benefits of physical therapy after foot surgery:
● Reduced pain and discomfort
● Improved mobility and range of motion
● Enhanced strength and stability
● A quicker recovery time
● Prevention of long-term complications

Before embarking on physical therapy, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted by a physical therapist to assess your condition. Based on this, a tailored treatment plan is developed to meet your needs. This plan will likely involve a combination of exercises done during physical therapy sessions and those that you can do at home.

At Finesse Footcare, we believe that thorough preoperative preparation is crucial for a successful foot or ankle surgery and swift recovery.

Medical History, Physical Examination, and Preoperative Blood Tests:
● Our qualified medical team will carry out a comprehensive evaluation, including a complete physical and bloodwork. This assessment will focus on your overall health, and specifically on the range of motion, stability, and nerve function of your affected foot or ankle.

● We urge you to disclose your complete medical history, including any allergies, chronic illnesses, and medications.

Anesthesia:
● You will have a pre-anesthesia consultation with an anesthesiologist to discuss your anesthesia options. These typically include general anesthesia, regional anesthesia or a combination of both.

● After understanding the options, you will be asked to consent to the appropriate anesthesia technique.

Preoperative Instructions and Medication Intake:
● Our surgeons will provide you with specific instructions regarding medications. It is crucial to discuss any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you’re currently taking. Some might need to be discontinued temporarily before the surgery to avoid potential complications.

● We also advise you to quit smoking and avoid alcohol for a recommended period before surgery, as these habits can interfere with your healing and anesthesia.

Nutrition and Dietary Considerations:
● We encourage eating a balanced diet rich in proteins and vitamins before surgery to help your body recover faster post-surgery. If you’re undergoing general anesthesia, we will provide instructions regarding fasting for a certain duration before surgery.

Physical Conditioning and Skin Care:
● Depending on your overall fitness, we may recommend exercises or physiotherapy sessions. These can help strengthen your muscles and enhance your fitness, thereby aiding in a quicker recovery post-surgery.

● We also recommend maintaining proper hygiene by washing the affected foot or ankle with soap and water and avoiding shaving.

Emotional Preparation and Other Preparations:
● Our surgical team is here to address any concerns or anxiety related to your surgery. We will discuss postoperative expectations and potential risks with you in detail.

● We encourage you to arrange for post-surgery help, including transportation and assistance with meals, personal care, and other tasks at home.

● Emotional support from family and friends is crucial throughout the preoperative and recovery process.

At Finesse Footcare, Dr. Danielle L. Shaper, DPM, provides expert podiatric care tailored to your unique needs, helping you achieve better mobility and comfort. Whether you’re dealing with chronic foot pain or need advanced surgical solutions, our compassionate team is here to support your journey to wellness. Contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are easily located at 5035 Mayfield Rd. Lyndhurst, OH 44124. We serve patients from Lyndhurst OH, Chagrin Fall OH, Beachwood OH, Pepper Pike OH, Woodmere OH, Vuntign Valley OH, Solon OH, Mayfield OH, Moreland Hills OH, Orange OH, and surrounding areas.