How Does Foot Surgery Affect Overall Health?
Foot pain can have a very real effect on everyday life. Surgery can also affect your lifestyle. If you're experiencing foot problems and surgery is called for it's important to understand just how much this will change your daily routines.
If you're experiencing severe pain from a foot problem surgery may be necessary. Surgery always poses a risk, but living without treatment can also affect your overall health. You need to be prepared for the options both ways before you decide on a course of action.
Risk of Blood Clots
Surgery isn't something that should be jumped into. Any kind of surgery will have risks that can cause serious problems. Blood clots are a risk with any type of surgery. Blood clots can cause serious swelling; cramping and can even immobilize your lungs if they travel. Since foot surgery will often leave you immobile for long periods of time this is a risk that is much higher than with other surgeries.
Infection
Infection is another risk with all types of surgeries. With foot surgery it's hard to keep an eye on the incision area. To help minimize the risk the surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to take immediately following the surgery. You should also follow the surgeons orders for keeping the area clean. An infection that isn't treated can end up in the bone. This is a rare complication but one that can cause serious health issues down the road.
Risk Factors
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure you'll have a greater chance for surgical complications. Diabetics can experience changes in glucose levels. The incisions may also take a longer period of time to completely heal. Those with cardiovascular problems may experience other complications that can affect their overall health.
Other Treatment Options
If you're concerned about your overall health after a surgery you should ask your doctor about non-surgical treatments. Chronic pain may be treated with medication and special footwear. Physical therapy and cortisone injections can help increase the range of motion in patients who have issues with this. It's always worth it to look in to less invasive options before scheduling a surgery.