Foot Surgery
Foot surgery has traditionally had a poor reputation. However,
with a greater understanding of foot function, advanced surgical
techniques and modern pain medication, the results are now much
more successful.
Many foot operations can be performed under local anaesthetic
avoiding the nausea and drowsiness associated with general
anaesthetic. Many patients ask whether this will be a painful
process believing that, because it is a local anaesthetic some pain
sensation will still be present. Modern local anaesthetic
techniques prevent pain sensation completely and it would not be
possible to perform the surgery if this was not the case. Although
the operation will not be painful patients will still feel pressure
and movement but this will not hurt.
Where necessary, general anaesthetic or sedation is available
and the risks associated with these techniques are now extremely
small.
Podiatric Surgeons should not be confused with Orthopaedic
Surgeons as their training is different. Orthopaedic Surgeons train
as doctors initially and then specialise in Orthopaedic Surgery.
However, this training is for the whole body rather than one
specific area. On completion of training, many Orthopaedic Surgeons
sub specialise into specific interest areas, including the foot.
However, most continue practicing general Orthopaedic Surgery.
By contrast, Podiatric Surgeons are not doctors but are trained
specifically to manage the foot and this is their only area of
practice.
The training and registration of Podiatric Surgeons, the
assessment process, anaesthesia and benefits and risks are outlined
in the related link.