(775) 783-8037

Important Notice from Sierra Foot & Ankle

Due to unexpected staffing shortages and insurance payment issues we have been forced to limit our schedule. Dr. Melhuish is actively working to address these challenges and stabilize our practice. Updates will be posted as they become available. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this unprecedented situation. Thank you for your ongoing support.

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Surgery

Foot and Ankle Surgery—When Is It Needed?

What is the best solution for a foot or ankle problem? That’s easy: the one that works.

At Sierra Foot & Ankle, we will use conservative methods whenever they have the best chance of providing the results our patients need. However, there are some occasions when these methods don’t work, or it’s clear from the start that they won’t.

Then—and only then—do we consider surgery. In these cases, we will approach surgery to cause as little disruption to your body while achieving your goals from treatment, allowing you to recover and get back to life as soon as possible.

Types of Foot Surgery

Some surgeries are simple. Others are complex. All have the goal of restoring comfort and mobility when necessary.

Dr. Melhuish is board-certified by the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons and is well versed in many forms of surgery, including:

Neuroma Surgery

Everything You Need Before, During, and After Surgery

Surgery is an important decision, and nothing you should ever be pushed into doing. That’s why we explain all of the potential benefits, risks, complications, and costs before an ultimate decision is made—and you’re the one who makes the decision.

Everything You Need Before, During, and After Surgery

Surgery is an important decision, and nothing you should ever be pushed into doing. That’s why we explain all of the potential benefits, risks, complications, and costs before an ultimate decision is made—and you’re the one who makes the decision.

Pre-Surgical Care

Before we start performing your surgical procedure, there are several actions you will need to take, including:

  • Consultation. Together, we will discuss your surgery and make sure you understand what is going to happen and what you need to do beforehand.
  • Making plans. You will need to arrange transportation, time off of work, and possibly child care, depending on your specific circumstances. Transportation is especially important, so make sure you have a friend or loved one who is able to take you to and from your procedure.
  • Wear loose clothing. This is an often-overlooked matter, but tight clothing can be difficult to put back on over surgical dressings. Instead, opt for comfortable, loose clothes that will not cause pain when you get dressed before leaving.

Postsurgical Care

Caring for yourself and your body after surgery is essential for a safe, optimal recovery and return to full health. We will provide specific postoperative instructions, and your ability to heal correctly will depend on you following them. General considerations include:

Hygienic practices. The potential for infection is one of the risks of surgery. This risk doesn’t end once the procedure is completed. It is essential that you keep any insertion points clean to reduce your infection risk.

Restricted movement. In time, the amount of weight-bearing and range of movement will increase, but we may recommend you limit how much you move the affected area for at least a certain period of time.

Assistive devices. We may issue or prescribe braces, casts, or other devices to help you keep weight off of the repaired foot, but still allow you to be mobile.

Physical therapy. As you recover, it will be necessary for you to gradually ease into physical movement. Stretching and strengthening exercises are essential for making sure you fully rehab your feet and legs.

You will be asked to stop smoking during your post-operative healing period. Continuing to smoke during your healing period significantly increase your chance for poor healing and complications.

Follow-up appointments. Don’t worry—you’re not on your own after the surgery! We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure everything is mending like it should.

We pride ourselves on being a valued wellness partner for our patients. We educate you on all your options and help you decide on the best course of action. You oversee your health care, and we advocate for you.

While procedures Dr. Melhuish performs may differ based on the location and complexity of the condition, most can be conducted on an outpatient basis. Call our Carson City office today at (775) 783-8037 to schedule an appointment and take your first steps toward comfort.

Get In Touch

Address

2350 South Carson St
Suite 3
Carson City, NV 89701

Contact

Call: (775) 783-8037

Text: (775) 783-8037
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