Most frequent questions and answers
Dr. Bitterman always seeks to first use non-invasive therapies to treat foot pain and disorders. He focuses on patient-centered care that makes use of a range of treatment modalities to produce excellent results. However, there are some types of injuries or degenerative conditions that make surgery necessary in order to achieve a full recovery. Some sports injuries, bone fractures or joint degeneration can only be addressed comprehensively through surgery. In other cases, foot deformities can be treated non-surgically. After a certain point, however, surgery may be recommended to correct the condition. When you visit our Long Island office, Dr. Bitterman will work with you to develop a unique, individualized plan that meets your needs and helps you to return to good orthopaedic health.
Many people in New York suffer from pain or injuries to the feet. However, it is not necessary, and there are some actions that you can take to help reduce the risk of injury and pain. Wearing supportive, comfortable shoes can be important. Keep in mind that the foot changes over time, and wearing shoes with cushioning and support can help to protect all aspects of the foot. It is particularly important to carefully select your shoes for athletic activities and ensure that they have a proper fit and good arch support.
When you are on the job, take breaks to change your position, shift your weight and stretch your legs. Even take time to wiggle your toes and rotate your ankles to keep your feet moving. If you need to stand at work, you may benefit from a cushioned mat under your workstation.
If you’re an athlete, you can also help to keep your feet in good working order. By warming up and cooling down, you can get your feet and ankles ready for the activity to come. By stretching and using strength training, you can help to boost the endurance and flexibility of your muscles. In addition, it can be good to engage in several different types of training or sports to avoid excessive impact on only one part of the body.
Cartilage is part of a healthy ankle joint that provides cushioning and protection for the bones that fit together there. It helps to absorb the shocks that come with daily walking, running and other use. However, over time, cartilage can break down, or it can be damaged by injury or disease. As a result, joint bones can grind together, producing chronic pain and discomfort that can prevent you from engaging in some of your favorite activities. While cartilage loss cannot be naturally reversed, a Long Island orthopaedic surgeon can help you find solutions to serious ankle pain. Dr. Bitterman recommends a range of solutions to help alleviate your ankle pain, including total ankle replacement surgery in the most serious cases where the joint’s function cannot be restored without surgical involvement.
Every patient is different, and your Long Island orthopaedic surgeon will go over your unique recovery plan that is adapted to your health needs. We recommend that a friend or family member stay with you the first night after surgery, especially as local anesthesia wears away during that time. You will receive instructions for bathing without injuring the area of your surgery. After the post-operative dressings are removed, you can return to taking a shower. However, it is usually best to avoid excessive wetness or soaking until all sutures have been removed and throughout the first weeks of the healing process. Your doctor will discuss your return to sports activity and work after your procedure as well as any conditioning or therapies to improve your foot and ankle health during that time.