Do I Really Need Foot Surgery?

One of the most common questions I hear from patients is, “Do I need surgery?”

It's a daunting ordeal, and I completely understand why. Going under the knife is never a fun prospect. As much as I enjoy the process of surgery and helping people, it's not something anybody wants to do.

The idea of surgery can feel intimidating or even a little overwhelming. If you’re dealing with foot or ankle pain, it’s natural to wonder if it’s something that will require a serious intervention. The good news is that most conditions don’t start with surgery, and in many cases, they don’t end with it either.

I take time with each patient to fully understand their symptoms, their lifestyle, and their concerns. We work together to figure out the best course of action for your specific situation. Whether your issue is new or one you’ve been struggling with for years, you have options, and my goal is to help you explore them all.

In most cases, we begin with conservative treatment. Many foot and ankle conditions respond well to simple, non-surgical solutions. This could include using custom orthotics, adjusting your shoes, undergoing physical therapy, or performing specific stretching and strengthening exercises. My approach is to use the least invasive option first, and only consider surgery if those efforts don’t provide relief.

Prevention also plays a big role. Taking care of your feet can help you avoid surgery altogether.

That starts with wearing shoes that support your arch and allow your toes to move freely. It means keeping your feet clean and dry, trimming your nails carefully, and paying attention to small signs of trouble before they become bigger problems.

If your feet start to ache, feel tight, or swell regularly, that’s a signal your body is giving you. Don’t ignore it. The earlier we catch an issue, the easier it is to treat without surgery.

Now, there are certainly situations in which surgery is the right choice. If your pain is limiting your mobility, if your condition is worsening over time, or if you’ve already tried several treatments without relief, surgery may be your best path forward. In those cases, I’ll walk you through exactly what the procedure entails, what the recovery will look like, and what outcomes you can expect.

The decision is always yours.

My job is to give you clear, honest information so you can feel confident moving forward.

Some patients feel nervous about surgery, and that’s completely normal. But it’s important to remember that surgery isn’t something to fear when it’s done for the right reasons and by the right hands. Many foot and ankle procedures today are minimally invasive, which is doctor talk for "quick and easy".

That means smaller incisions, less post-surgery pain, and a quicker return to daily life.

Whether you need help with a bunion, a torn tendon, a foot deformity, or a traumatic injury, I tailor every treatment plan to the person sitting in front of me. You’re never just a case or a diagnosis.

If you’ve been wondering whether surgery is necessary for your foot or ankle issue, or if you’re simply tired of living with discomfort and want real answers, I encourage you to come in and talk with me.

We’ll review what’s going on, discuss your goals, and come up with a plan that fits your life.

We all deserve to be healthy and free to move about without pain.