Foot and Ankle Surgery


How do I know if my problem requires surgery?

The answers are different for everybody. It ultimately comes down to two factors:

  • Does your foot pain impact your day-to-day life and well-being?
  • Have you tried and failed non-surgical treatments?

If the answer to both of those questions is yes, then a consultation to discuss your surgical options is a very good idea.

Knowledge is Power

If you haven't tried non-surgical treatments, a consultation is still a good idea.  Sometimes during these consultations patients discover  a non-surgical treatment that works to alleviate the problem.  Sometimes they discover that surgery is necessary.  In either case, a consultation increases your knowledge, and as they say, "Knowledge is Power."

Dr. Clement will take the time to appropriately diagnose your pain and work with you to formulate a plan that suits your lifestyle needs.  Should you elect for a surgical treatment, we will be there with you every step of the way.

Take control of your foot problem with a surgical consultation today.

Foot Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I've heard foot surgery is really painful. Is that true?

A: The foot is designed with lots of nerve endings. Therefore when you cut into the foot, it is more painful than other parts of the body. When we operate we always inject a long-lasting anesthetic that results in a painfree surgical site for many hours and sometimes an entire day after surgery. This way the worst post-surgical pain is over before the foot wakes up.

Q: Should I have foot surgery to fix unsightly hammertoes or bunions?

A: There are many different opinions regarding cosmetic foot surgery. In our opinion, foot surgery for deformity correction should be done to treat a painful foot or to treat and prevent complications of diabetes. We do not recommend or perform cosmetic foot surgery.

Q: I saw a foot surgeon for my foot problem and he recommended a surgery that I don't feel comfortable with. Should I get a second opinion?

A: Yes. Second opinions are a valuable tool for validating what you've heard and for gaining new information and treatment options. Every surgeon approaches a foot problem differently and having more than one opinion will help you make the best decision for your health.

Q: Do you do second opinions?

A: Yes. We offer second opinions on any type of foot or ankle surgery case. We then refer you back to your original surgeon.

Q: I hate how I feel after general anesthesia. Do I have to be "knocked out" for foot surgery?

A: These days there are many options to make you sleep through surgery and feel good after its over. We most often use a nerve block of the foot or leg combined with IV sedatives given by an anesthesiologist. The result is a safe, painless, and comfortable experience.

Q: How much time off work do I have to take?

A: It depends on your job. Sedentary jobs usually need a week off to wean off of daytime use of post-operative pain medications. All day on-your-feet jobs require more time off, from as little as a 2 weeks to as long as 3 months.