FAQs: Foot and Ankle Pain
Am I a candidate for bunion/foot surgery?
Surgery is only recommended after a thorough examination and x-rays. When the foot problem causes pain, discomfort or difficulty walking and fitting into normal shoes, it may be time to consider surgery. We can also try other conservative treatment options such as cortisone injections prior to surgery.
What are the complications with surgery?
As with any surgery, there are many potential complications including infection, recurrence, continued pain, incomplete correction, scarring, transfer lesions and pain, anesthetic risks, etc. Our hospital and office staff are experienced in orthopedic surgery and do everything to minimize complications. Dr. Cheung will discuss these complications with you prior to deciding on any surgery.
Is foot surgery painful?
Most foot surgery is performed under local anesthetic combined with intravenous sedation. It is not a general anesthetic so patients are able to breathe without a tube or machine and patients are usually sleeping lightly during the surgery. There is NO pain during the surgery. After the surgery, most patients are still numb from the local anesthetic for hours. Most people have very minimal pain after that. Some patients report no pain whatsoever. Pain medications will be given to you for home use. Elevation and icing of the extremity is critical immediately after surgery. If you have a low pain threshold, tell Dr. Cheung this prior to discussing surgery so we can better accommodate your needs.
How much is surgery?
Insurance companies oftentimes will cover the majority of the surgery costs. Call your insurance company to find out your individual plan benefits since each plan is different. The majority of foot and ankle surgery can be done as an outpatient.
Am I a candidate for custom orthotics and how much do they cost?
Custom orthotics are a form of conservative treatment to attempt to relieve foot and ankle disorders. Sometimes they are used to correct leg-length discrepancies, as can occur after a total knee or total hip replacement. An exam would need to be performed to see if you are a good candidate for orthotics. Orthotics can sometimes help ankle pain, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, metatarsalgia, and flat feet. Custom orthotics are made by an outside laboratory and are made specifically for each patient. Dr. Cheung makes plaster slipper casts/molds of both feet and sends these to the lab so they can computer scan them. The lab will “balance” the casts and send them back in two weeks. The cash price for custom orthotics cost $400-$500, depending on the complexity of the prescription. Check with your insurance company to see if you are covered for custom orthotics.
How can I schedule an evaluation?
Request an appointment online or by calling 415-353-6380. Joint Center physicians are available on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9 am to 12 noon and alternating Monday afternoons. The Center accepts Medicare assignment and bills Medicare and secondary insurance. The Center also participates in most managed care plans as well as other insurances. Appointments for Workers' Compensation patients are authorized and scheduled through adjusters for the compensation insurance companies.
