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Home Healthcare Services Orthopaedic Podiatry Medical Services and Treatments Frequently Asked Questions

Medical Services & Treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to complete the study?

It may take one to two weeks to be scheduled for x-rays, up to three weeks for a CT or MRI.

How long does surgery take?

Most procedures take one to two hours, with some advanced procedures taking three to four hours.

How much pain will I have?

Most diagnostic procedures and the clinical exam are pain free. After surgery, patients will have variable amounts of pain. This is controlled with local anesthesia, intravenous and/or oral pain medication.

Will I be able to go home right after surgery?

The majority of lower-extremity surgeries are done in an outpatient setting. You will arrive at the hospital for the procedure and go home 45-90 minutes after surgery. Generally, a one-week follow-up visit in the clinic will be scheduled.

Can I walk after surgery?

For bunion and forefoot surgery, you may walk as much as you are comfortable doing with a hard-soled shoe or boot. For more extensive procedures, you will not be permitted to bear weight on the affected extremity for a certain period of time. A protective boot, splint or cast is usually applied. A walker or crutches are needed.

How long does it take to heal?

The skin incision takes about two weeks to heal. If bone or joint surgery is performed, it may take eight to 12 weeks for complete healing. This can vary depending on the patient and procedure.

When can I go back to work?

Generally, you can return to work after your incision is healed and you are able to walk without pain. This is usually seven to ten days for desk jobs.

When can I apply weight?

For more extensive procedures of the foot and ankle (fusions, some fracture repairs, etc.), you may need to keep weight off and be in a protective cast for eight to ten weeks. Following some forms of bunion surgery and many forefoot procedures, you may be allowed to walk after surgery in a protective shoe.

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