Questions to Ask Your Foot Surgeon

You tried at-home remedies to address your foot or ankle problem, but those didn’t resolve the issue.

You went to a podiatrist who diagnosed your condition and recommended conservative and non-invasive treatments, but those failed to bring relief as well.

After these efforts, your podiatrist tells you that surgery is the only remaining option to treat your condition, relieve pain and discomfort, and restore your mobility.

If you are facing the prospect of functional or cosmetic surgery of the foot, you will have plenty of questions, both about the procedure itself as well as about the foot surgeon who will be performing it.

You’ll want to know that you are in the best possible hands, and you’ll want to know what to expect before, during, and after your surgery.

That means asking your foot surgeon questions. Your surgeon should welcome your questions, provide you clear answers, and understand your concerns or worries.  

Consider asking some or all of the following questions as you consider an upcoming foot surgery

Questions To Ask About Your Foot Surgery

  • Are there any more non-surgical or minimally invasive options that could resolve my issue?
  • What could happen if I don’t have surgery or wait six months or a year before doing so?
  • Is this an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
  • What kind of anesthesia will be involved?
  • Will I need to arrange for a ride home?
  • What do I need to do (and not do) in the days or weeks before my surgery?
  • How long does the procedure typically last?
  • What complications can arise with this kind of surgery?
  • What are the potential risks of the surgery?
  • Do any pre-existing medical conditions I have present a problem?
  • What kind of scarring will result?
  • Will you be inserting and implanting any metal devices or parts as part of the procedure?
  • How long is the recovery time?
  • Will I be prescribed painkillers or other post-operative medication?
  • How soon can I stand or walk after surgery?
  • When can I go back to work?
  • When can I start exercising again?
  • Will I need a brace, crutches, or a walker?
  • Will I require physical therapy?

Questions About Your Foot Surgeon

According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are almost 700 podiatrists and foot surgeons in Florida, more than in any state other than New York.

With so many surgeons to choose from, how are you supposed to know which one is the right one for you? By asking some of these questions:

  • How many years of foot surgery experience do you have?
  • How many surgeries like mine have you performed?
  • Where did you get your surgical training?
  • Are you board certified? If so, with what board?
  • Do you publish or give presentations about foot surgery?
  • Do you regularly participate in ongoing professional education and training?
  • Do you perform minimally invasive foot surgery as an option?
  • Are there former patients I can speak with to hear about their experience?

South Florida’s Choice For Exceptional Foot and Ankle Care

At JAWS podiatry, we know how painful and frustrating foot or ankle problems can be.

We also understand that you want to resolve any such issues as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

That’s why our foot and ankle specialists will explore all possible alternatives to treat your condition and see if a non-surgical solution can address your problem.

If we do recommend surgery, our experienced foot surgeon will perform your procedure with the utmost care and precision, using the most advanced technology and techniques.

Please contact us today or call (954) 922-7333 to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation today!