Debunking 7 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Foot Surgery

5 Min Read

If your foot health has become a major issue in your life, there may come a day in the not-so-distant future when your podiatrist will recommend foot surgery. After all, many podiatrists opt for various surgical techniques to provide patients with long-term relief from conditions ranging from bunions and chronic plantar fasciitis to neuromas, fractures, and other debilitating conditions or injuries. Perhaps you knew this day would come. Maybe you kept telling yourself that what you’re experiencing shouldn’t require foot surgery. Either way, here you are, and it’s crucial that you make an informed decision about your foot health.

Our team of podiatry experts at StrideCare understands how overwhelming the thought of foot surgery may be for you, especially if you’ve been negatively influenced by the many myths and misconceptions running rampant online. We want you to know the difference between fact and misinformation so you can proceed forward with confidence.

Imagine Life Without These Common Foot Problems

• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot fracture
• Nerve pain
• Neuropathy
• Warts
• Chronic wounds
• Neuromas
• Gout
• Ingrown toenail

Are you considering foot surgery? Request an appointment with a StrideCare podiatry specialist today. Our collaborative approach ensures you receive the care you need.

What Is Foot Surgery?

While non-surgical treatment options are available for a variety of common foot problems, there are times when foot surgery may be the better option to correct or address certain issues. In fact, instances of foot and ankle surgery have been steadily rising in recent years, with positive results. Perhaps the biggest benefit is long-lasting pain relief. For many people, physical therapy, medications, rest, custom foot orthotics, and other conservative treatment options can only do so much to provide relief and improve their quality of life. The pain they experience may not be near as debilitating as it used to be, but they are still hurting.

Mobility and function may also be hindered by deformities that have only worsened over time, and their self-confidence isn’t where it should be. Foot surgery requires a surgical incision at or near the affected area. Depending on your exact condition, your podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon may only need to make a tiny incision. For others, foot surgery may require full reconstructive measures.

Additional benefits of foot surgery include but aren’t limited to the following:

• Long-lasting pain relief
• Improved function and mobility
• Improved foot appearance
• The correction of birth defects and other disorders
• Greater footwear selection
• Prevention

Fact or Fiction: Debunking 7 Foot Surgery Myths

Myth #1: Foot surgery is only for severe conditions and injuries

When most people think of foot surgery, they think of foot and ankle problems such as fractures or congenital disabilities that require more invasive options. They don’t think of bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. The reality is that while many of these foot conditions can be treated through conservative means (roughly 95% of people with plantar fasciitis don’t require surgery), not everyone responds the same way. There are cases where a patient doesn’t experience any relief for 6 to 12 months and would benefit from surgical intervention.

Myth #2: Foot surgery recovery takes forever

Granted, each foot health case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Also, each patient responds differently to foot surgery. That said, most foot surgery procedures are performed in an outpatient setting versus a hospital stay. Also, medical advancements and surgical techniques have advanced so much over the past 10 years that many surgical procedures that used to involve larger areas of the foot only require tiny incisions to make a big impact. Combined with improved post-operative care, and lengthy recovery periods have been reduced dramatically.

Myth #3: I’ll have a bunch of surgical scars

To piggyback off the previous foot surgery myth, smaller incisions and improved surgical techniques result in less pain, faster recovery times, AND minimal scarring. Your podiatrist will also give you a detailed list of instructions post-op to ensure you know how to properly care for your incision and reduce scarring.

No need to fear foot surgery. It may be the best option for your unique needs. Call today and request an appointment with one of StrideCare’s expert podiatric physicians to learn more.

Myth #4: Foot surgery is expensive and not covered by insurance

While surgical costs can vary widely depending on the specific procedure and individual circumstances, health insurance plans cover many foot surgeries. StrideCare providers accept most insurance and Medicare plans, including Aetna, BlueCross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, AARP, and more. HMO patients will need a referral from their primary care doctor. If you do not see a specific plan on our website or have questions about your coverage, please call your provider. If you do not have a provider, search our network for one.

Myth #5: Foot surgery results are temporary

According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), 90% of patients in a recent study reported a significant improvement in their foot condition post-surgery, with a recurrence rate as low as 10%. Furthermore, instances of chronic pain post-op have also dramatically reduced due to advancements in technology and techniques.

Myth #6: You’ll be left with decreased mobility after foot surgery

Another common myth or misconception about foot surgery that we often hear is that the surgery itself will create separate mobility and range of motion issues. As we stated earlier, smaller incisions mean less foot trauma, inflammation, and scarring. The goal of foot surgery and subsequent care and physical therapy is to reduce pain and improve mobility and function, not create more issues.

Myth #7: Podiatrists cannot perform foot surgery

Podiatrists have the training and expertise to perform foot and ankle surgery, emergency trauma procedures, and more to ensure proper foot health. Yes, they are known for exploring every conservative treatment possible as their first option. But they aren’t relegated to those options.

StrideCare Supports Your Foot Surgery and Podiatry Needs

Are you worried that your foot pain could lead you to foot surgery? StrideCare can help. As the largest multi-specialty network in Texas, StrideCare helps patients achieve improved quality of life from both common and complex conditions including diabetes vascular issues, peripheral arterial disease, venous insufficiency, foot neuropathy, varicose veins, diabetic foot ulcers, and wounds. We’re a Texas-based practice with each clinic locally managed.

A consultation with one of our podiatrists can determine the type, severity, and location of your issues. Furthermore, our expert doctors and caring staff at our Texas-based podiatry clinics utilize the latest technologies and minimally invasive procedures to help our patients reclaim their lives. The specialists at StrideCare will recommend an individualized plan to help you get the best results.

Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. At StrideCare, we are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.

StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, and more.

*Patient stories are true. Names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.