If you’re suffering from foot pain or any other symptoms in your feet, Dr. Joseph DiFranco at DiFranco Family Foot Care in Erie, PA, is the foot surgeon to have on your team. 

Guide to Your First Visit with a Foot Surgeon

It can be a little intimidating to visit a foot surgeon, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, these visits are much like other types of medical visits. The difference is that foot surgeons focus on the feet and lower legs. Below,  Dr. DiFranco at DiFranco Family Foot Care in Erie, PA, gives a brief overview of what to expect. 

Meeting and Gathering Information 

You’ll meet the surgeon and their staff with the goal of setting you at ease and answering any questions you might have. The doctor will discuss various things with you, such as your medical history, your symptoms, your treatment goals, lifestyle factors that might contribute to your symptoms, and other relevant information. 

Exam and Testing 

The doctor will assess your feet and lower legs to determine the source of your symptoms. They’ll assess alignment, foot structure, foot mechanics, and more to be thorough. Testing is often completed, including X-rays, MRIs, nerve studies, ultrasounds, and blood tests. These tests are critical in determining treatment and whether surgery is required. 

Discussion of Treatment Options 

 While surgery is sometimes required to address the situation, some issues can be treated through more conservative methods. If this is the case with your condition, the doctor will discuss a treatment plan that includes such measures as: 

• Custom orthotics 
• Physical therapy 
• Medication 
• Lifestyle changes

The goal is always to treat issues with the most conservative methods first, as long as they are effective. If such methods do not provide the desired results, surgery is recommended. 

Surgery is also sometimes recommended in the beginning if the assessment and testing show that the condition has progressed too far. If surgical methods are the recommendation, your doctor will discuss the procedure and any preparatory steps you need to take. Surgery can typically be scheduled before you leave the office.  

Find the most effective treatment options for your needs by visiting our foot surgeon, Dr. DiFranco, at DiFranco Family Foot Care in Erie, PA. Call (814) 217-0618 to schedule an appointment today.