Immediately after foot and ankle surgery, such as hammertoe surgery, patients begin their recovery. Long-term follow up care is part of comprehensive postoperative management, with the goal of tracking the patient’s health and well-being following the completion of treatment.
In this article, we are going to talk about long-term follow-up care and its importance, and where you can go in Rhode Island or Massachusetts for comprehensive foot and ankle treatments.
What is Long-Term Follow-Up Care?
Long-term follow-up refers to the ongoing monitoring and care provided to patients after podiatric surgery, over an extended period of time. This process involves regular check-ins with the patient’s podiatry care team to ensure that the patient’s recovery is progressing normally, and potential complications are identified and addressed.
Long-term follow up care could extend for months or even years, to ensure the sustained success of the medical treatment and that treatment goals are achieved.
What is Included in Follow-Up Care?
After surgery, patients are provided detailed instructions for home care, including important information on managing medication and caring for the wound, all of which can influence the success of recovery.
In long-term follow-up care, several key components are typically included:
1. Regular Check-in Appointments
Patients are scheduled for periodic appointments with their healthcare providers, during which one or more of the following could take place:
- Monitoring their overall health and recovery progress
- Reinforcing their understanding and adherence to their comprehensive treatment plan, such as proper wound care and activity restrictions
- Confirming medication regimens and addressing any concerns such as side effects
- Scheduling follow-up appointments with other providers, such as physical therapists, for continuing care and to regain strength and flexibility in the affected toe
- Sharing of lab results. For patients who had podiatric surgery, follow-up appointments may include X-rays or other imaging studies to evaluate the healing of the bones and the placement of any hardware (such as pins or screws) used during the surgery.
2. Ongoing Monitoring of Symptoms and Assessment of Potential Complications
Long-term follow-up care involves evaluating the patient for any potential complications or adverse effects related to the initial medical intervention. This assessment aims to detect and address any emerging issues that could affect the patient’s long-term well-being.
Symptoms of complications, such as:
- Excessive swelling
- Abnormal pain
- Redness
- Drainage from the surgical site
- Poor wound healing
- Tingling or numbness
- Loss of sensation
- Ongoing pain in the affected area
- Recurring pre-surgery symptoms
All of the above should be addressed promptly by the patient’s podiatry care team.
3. Evaluation of Overall Well-Being and Functional Outcomes
Healthcare providers assess the patient’s overall well-being, which not only includes their physical state but also their mental and emotional state. Recovery from any type of foot and ankle surgery can present challenges, and the patient’s healthcare team can evaluate a patient’s mental health and identify areas where additional support may be needed as they navigate the road to recovery.
4. Adjustment of Treatment Plans
Based on long-term recovery trends and any identified complications, the healthcare provider may adjust the patient’s treatment plan as necessary. This could involve modifying medications and recommending additional therapies to address specific aspects of the patient’s recovery. The healthcare provider can also encourage a healthy lifestyle for the patient and encourage a balanced diet and hydration to support the body’s healing process.
5. Establish Proper Channels and Timing for Follow-Up Care
The patient’s care team can identify the proper schedule for follow-up care, such as the timing and frequency, which can all be based on factors specific to the patient. Communication channels are also chosen, and the care team informs the patient of when and how often to check for when they will be contacted by their healthcare providers.
Podiatric Surgery and Follow-Up Care in Warwick and Middletown, RI, Dartmouth, MA
The foot and ankle surgeons at the Foot & Ankle Institute of New England are some of the best in their field. Our physicians are experienced in podiatric surgery and use the most advanced techniques available. After surgery, patients can begin recovery. We ensure each patient receives comprehensive postoperative care, which includes quality follow-ups with other specialists. We are committed to your recovery and a successful outcome from your foot and ankle treatment.
To consult one of our experts for podiatry care, call our podiatry office located near you or use our online form to schedule your appointment. A friendly and helpful staff awaits your visit to one of our podiatry clinics.
