What to Expect from Foot & Ankle Surgery

The human foot is a very complex structure with 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 ligaments and muscles working together to achieve a unique combination of stability and flexibility.

What you do on a daily basis and what you're wearing on your feet could be factors that could lead you to eventually have foot or ankle surgery.

One thing you can do to prevent your chances of needing surgery is to stretch your calf and hamstring muscles as soon as you wake up and periodically throughout the day.

What about the types of shoes that you wear? Might that make a difference?

Unfortunately, the saying "beauty is pain" is all too common. If you're someone who likes to wear high heels, you're putting yourself at extra risk. Constantly arching your foot can cause major problems.

What would be the reason you would need surgery?

This varies for everyone; however, if you are constantly in discomfort and pain, you should speak to a specialist immediately.

What else should you be expecting from foot or ankle surgery?

Section head of Foot and Ankle Surgery at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, Dr. Paul Fortin, shares what you should expect from foot and ankle surgery, as well as ways you can prevent the surgery (or at least delay it).