When you’re suffering from a foot or ankle condition, the constant pain from simply walking can be unbearable. Many people choose to undergo various foot and ankle surgeries in an attempt to get their lives back, and many patients find these surgeries to be successful.
When a person is preparing for surgery on the foot or ankle, the podiatrist should not just tell him what to expect from the surgery, but also what to expect afterwards. Like most medical procedures, certain side effects or problems can arise as a person recovers. A doctor is not always able to avoid these issues, but he should let you know ahead of time what the risks may be.
Failure to advise you about common complications can be considered a form of medical malpractice in New York.
There are various problems that can occur after a foot or ankle surgery, so it is important to be aware ahead of time. These problems may be issues that your doctor already discussed with you, but they also could be the result of negligence on the part of your podiatrist. Common problems following foot and ankle surgery include:
- The bones heal too slowly, or not at all
- Infections
- Bones heal in the wrong position
- Pain or numbness caused by nerve damage
- Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis
- Muscles or joints become stiff
- Overwhelming pain
- Changes in gait that lead to other problems
Depending on the type of foot or ankle surgery you undergo, you will probably be off your feet and in a bit of pain for a while. Your doctor will hopefully tell you ahead of time what kind of pain you should expect, so if what you experience simply doesn’t feel “right,” don’t be afraid to say something. You know your body better than anyone else and if something is off, it’s much better to be safe than sorry.
Have you ever had foot or ankle surgery? Are there any other problems you think patients should be aware of?