What to Expect After Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

Bunions, hammertoe, plantar fasciitis, and other painful foot conditions can make it tough to get through your daily routine.

If these conditions don’t respond to conservative therapies, our team at Kyrou Podiatry Associates may recommend solving the problem with surgery.

Kyrou Podiatry Associates provides top-level foot and ankle care to people of all ages from five locations in New York. Our board-certified podiatrists specialize in the most advanced services, including minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Dr. Kyrou is one of only a few podiatrists in the United States who’s board-certified in minimally invasive foot surgery. Read why our Kyrou Podiatry team favors minimally invasive procedures and what to expect afterward.

Understanding minimally invasive foot surgery

Minimally invasive foot surgery, also known as “minimal incision surgery” or “keyhole foot surgery,” is characterized by minimal incisions, most less than half an inch long. On the other hand, traditional or open surgery requires long incisions to expose the entire area targeted for treatment.

Reduced incision size and less trauma to surrounding tissue structures during a minimally invasive procedure often lead to decreased postoperative pain, shorter recovery time, and reduced scarring.

What can you treat with minimally invasive foot surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is appropriate for a wide range of foot problems, including bunions, hammertoe, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and neuromas. Our team may also recommend minimally invasive surgery to clear an infection or other complications of diabetic foot ulcers and other chronic wounds.

What to expect after minimally invasive foot surgery

Recovery after minimally invasive foot surgery can vary depending on the type and extent of the procedure and individual factors such as age and overall health. For instance, it may take 4-6 weeks to heal following bunion surgery, but most people return to full activity within 2-3 weeks of hammertoe surgery.

Your Kyrou Podiatry Associates surgeon discusses the surgery in detail, including your expected recovery course, before scheduling the procedure.

Generally, however, minimally invasive foot surgery typically involves less pain, swelling, and scarring than traditional open surgery, often leading to faster recovery.

After surgery, you may wear a custom boot, brace, or cast to protect the foot and limit movement for a time. Your surgeon may also prescribe pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs to manage discomfort and swelling.

Postoperative home care includes rest, elevation, and ice therapy to help reduce swelling and promote healing. You should also avoid putting weight on the foot until cleared by your surgeon, gradually reintroducing physical activity as directed.

Our team may also recommend physical therapy to help with range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Although recovery times vary, most people return to normal activities within several weeks to a few months after minimally invasive foot surgery.

Schedule an evaluation at Kyrou Podiatry Associates today for relief from your foot and ankle pain. Call the office or request an appointment online.