Foot surgery may be necessary for conditions such as bunions, severe ankle sprains, and plantar fasciitis. In fact, when you have chronic pain or structural deformities in the feet, surgery may be the only option for long-term relief.
Dr. Marque A. Allen offers various types of foot surgery, including Lapiplasty®, at his practice, Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio. He discusses the pros and cons of winter foot surgery to help you make the best decision for your needs.
When considering foot surgery, you may not think winter is the right time – but it's actually an excellent season to have foot surgery. There are so many benefits to having surgery in the colder months over the warmer ones, and they include:
The end of the year means you probably have reached your insurance deductible – making winter a great time for cost savings. If you have foot surgery in the winter, it's more likely you'll have less to pay for the procedure.
Even in Texas, most people slow down and move indoors during the cooler months, making your wintertime recovery more unobtrusive. You may also find that a winter surgery is less disruptive to your work schedule because of the winter holidays.
Sun exposure isn't beneficial for wound healing, which is why winter is an ideal time for surgery. The shorter days mean your incisions can heal without exposure to harmful UV rays.
Foot surgery can lead to intense swelling that gets worse in the summer heat. Winter is an ideal time for foot surgery because the cooler weather helps decrease swelling, promoting optimal healing.
Cooler winter weather is ideal for healing after surgery because it's more comfortable to be indoors, where it’s cozy, while you recover.
Most people have some vacation time from school or work over the holidays, which means you'll have more help available after the procedure. The extra assist is often mandatory for at least a few days after foot surgery, especially when it comes to tasks that require prolonged standing, such as cleaning chores and preparing dinner.
The cooler the weather, the easier it is to cover up your surgical foot. Winter means cozy sweats and slippers that make it easy to stay comfortable as you recover.
Although winter has many benefits for foot surgery, it also comes with a few hazards. Although not predictable, snow and ice accumulation can occur in our area (San Antonio and Alamo Heights). Both are treacherous right after foot surgery.
We recommend preparing yourself and your home before surgery to avoid painful and costly injuries. For instance, minimize fall risks by decluttering your indoor space and removing throw rugs and other obstacles that could pose a hazard.
It's also crucial to keep your feet warm and dry – but not too warm. Wear comfortable socks that allow your foot to breathe, helping to reduce swelling and improve wound healing. It's also important to check your skin frequently to assess for breakdown or trouble with healing.
Going outside may be necessary even after surgery in the winter months. Ensure you wear proper footwear, use assistive devices, and apply de-icing treatments as needed to driveways and other walking surfaces to prevent slips and falls.
To learn more about our surgical foot treatments, schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Alamo Heights or San Antonio, Texas, today. Call the office or request a consultation online.
