Diabetic Foot Surgery

Realizing the potential danger of foot deformities in the diabetic patient, corrective foot surgery is an option when you are in generally good health and have good circulation. Most deformities progressively worsen over time, as do the effects of neuropathy and vascular disease. Therefore, if such foot deformities cannot be effectively managed with conservative care (orthoses, footwear, and podiatric care) corrective surgery may be indicated.

Podiatric surgery can often be performed as an outpatient under local anesthesia, to minimize potential complications. Your foot surgeon will properly evaluate your situation and coordinate your care with your medical doctor, to ensure that conditions are optimum before undertaking such surgery. In certain circumstances, such as in the presence of an active ulceration, hospitalization may be necessary to properly monitor your postoperative progress. In fact, surgery may be required to heal an ulceration or to eradicate some infections- especially those involving the bone.

Patient compliance is essential for satisfactory outcomes. You must take part in both the decision making and your care, to effectively achieve the goal of a healed, ulcer free foot. Once healed, you must vigilantly guard against injury and provide the daily care necessary to maintain your feet in a healthy status.

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