What You NEED To Know Regarding Minimally Invasive Surgery
posted: Sep. 15, 2014.
Minimally invasive surgery is a philosophy and set of techniques that can be used by podiatrists to treat several common foot conditions. While there are several advantages to treating surgical patients in this manner, Sheldon H. Nadal, D.P.M. evaluates each patient’s condition thoroughly before recommending a course of treatment. As a patient, you also need to educate yourself about this form of treatment.
What is Minimally Invasive Surgery for Foot and Ankle Procedures?
Minimally invasive surgery is performed with very small incisions. The procedure is performed with specialized instruments which do not require a large incision to be made in the skin.
Smaller incisions cause less trauma to the soft tissue in your foot. In most cases, patients treated using this method will experience less pain, have less interference with their normal range of movement, and will be able to resume normal activities more quickly.
Types of Foot Problems that Can be Treated
Minimally invasive foot surgery can be used to treat a number of foot conditions. Sheldon H. Nadal, D.P.M. is highly experienced with this technique and has been using it personally for more than three decades. He uses it in his Toronto office to treat the following conditions:
• Bone Spurs
• Bunions
• Calluses
• Hammertoes
• Hard corns (corns on the outside of toes)
• Ingrown toenails
• Metatarsal pain (pain on the ball of your foot)
• Soft corns (corns between toes)
How Patients Benefit from this Type of Procedure
There are several advantages to for patients to having a minimally-invasive surgical procedure performed on the feet or ankles:
• Smaller incisions and soft tissue work result in less pain and swelling
• Most people do not require narcotic pain medications after surgery; over the counter pain relievers like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin can provide relief from discomfort
• The procedure can be performed in the podiatrist’s office instead of going to a hospital
• Local anesthesia can be used, which is carries less risk of complications than general anesthesia
• Procedure is less costly since a hospital bed is not required
• Patients can resume normal activities more quickly than if they have a large incision requiring a cast and/or crutches during recovery
Sheldon H. Nadal D.P.M. has over 30 years of experience performing minimally invasive surgical procedures. He recommends a treatment plan to his patients after conducting a thorough exam. For all of your foot health concerns, fill out an appointment request form online.