As someone who sees many post-surgery patients, I’m interested to hear the story of how they ended up needing surgery.
Some are from car accidents, where the ankle or shin bone (tibia) had to be surgically repaired. Others choose surgery after enduring years of arthritic pain or because they wanted a cosmetic fix.
Whatever the reason, my advice is always the same: surgery needs careful consideration.
Why People Consider Foot Surgery
Foot surgery can help fix injuries, relieve arthritic pain, or correct deformities.
For some, it’s the solution to pain they’ve lived with for years. But surgery isn’t a quick or easy fix - it comes with some risks, and can require a long recovery in some complex cases (sometimes up to 12-18 months).
That’s why I always recommend trying non-surgical treatments first. In fact, I’ve seen many people avoid surgery altogether by exploring other options.
What to Try Before Surgery
If you’re dealing with foot pain, here’s what I’d suggest:
Podiatry: A podiatrist can assess your condition, recommend orthotics, and suggest changes to your footwear. We can assess your gait and figure out more positive ways of walking to help reduce your pain and strengthen your feet and ankles.
Physiotherapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises can work wonders for mobility and pain relief.
Footwear Adjustments: Sometimes, something as simple as better shoes can ease pain.
Orthotics: Custom insoles can reduce pressure and improve alignment.
Home Exercises: Regular stretches and strengthening exercises can prevent issues from worsening.
The Reality of Surgery
For some patients, surgery is absolutely the right choice.
It can be life-changing, offering pain relief and better function when nothing else works.
However, it’s important to know that recovery can take much longer than expected, especially for complex procedures.
Don’t Wait Too Long
One mistake I see often is people waiting too long to seek help. If you’ve had foot pain for 2–3 months and it’s not getting better with rest or over-the-counter treatments, get it checked out. The sooner you see a podiatrist or physiotherapist, the better your chances of managing the issue without surgery.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t wait several months or years to see a dentist for a toothache, so why ignore your feet? Early assessment and treatment can save you a lot of pain - and possibly prevent the need for surgery altogether.
My Advice
Surgery can be the solution for some people, but it should never be the first step.
If you’re struggling with foot pain, take action now.
Get a proper assessment, try non-surgical options, and don’t let the problem linger until surgery is your only choice.
Your feet carry you through life—take care of them!
Want more advice and an assessment of what can be done to reduce your foot pain? Take action today - book an appointment with me here
