Any kind of surgery can be scary. However, there are ways to help eliminate much of the fear regarding surgery. Communicating with your surgeon and ensuring all your questions are sufficiently answered is the best way to ease your mind about your procedure. Here are five questions to ask your foot surgeon in Joliet before undergoing surgery.
- Is surgery the only option? There may be other options besides surgery for treating your foot. In some cases, however, non-surgical options may not provide full relief for your problem. An open discussion with your doctor can help you evaluate the pros and cons of surgery as well as other treatment options that might exist so that you can choose the best for you.
- What type of anesthesia will be used? Your foot surgeon in Joliet may use general or local anesthesia depending on the procedure. Understanding the type of anesthesia, as well as how it is administered can be helpful in alleviating your pre-surgery fears.
- How long will I be in the hospital? Many surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day. Your doctor will let you know the length of your hospital stay, based on your particular procedure, as well as your overall health. If you will have an overnight hospital stay, it’s important to know this early on since you may have arrangements to make at home.
- How long will my recovery take? The recovery period for foot surgery can be difficult, because your mobility will probably be limited for a while. It’s important to know how long you will be partially immobile, and what tasks you will be unable to perform during your recovery. In particular, you may not be allowed to drive for a period of time, so you will need to make arrangements for transportation during recovery.
- Will I require physical therapy? Physical therapy is often recommended after foot surgery. Talk with your doctor about how long you’ll need therapy, and whether it can be performed in your home or if you will have to travel to receive it.
Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor these questions, along with any other that crosses your mind. Rest assured that your foot surgeon in Joliet wants you to be comfortable about the procedure you’re having. They will provide you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your treatment.
At Suburban Foot & Ankle Associates, our staff includes foot surgeons in Joliet as well as other orthopedic specialists.
