Explore the Benefits of Ankle Replacement in Texas

Ankle Replacement

Suppose you suffer a catastrophic injury or acquire a degenerative illness such as arthritis. In that case, ankle replacement could help you reduce discomfort, enhance your quality of life, and help you regain your flexibility. Nicolas Manriquez, DPM, FACFAS, of Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC, has years of experience performing ankle replacement in Katy, TX. To set up an initial consultation, call the office or use the online booking service.

What Exactly Is Ankle Replacement?

Ankle replacement is a surgical treatment used to repair or replace a diseased or broken ankle joint. By substituting your cartilage and bone using a prosthetic, it is feasible to alleviate inflammation, pain, and restore movement.

Who Is the Right Candidate for an Ankle Replacement?

The practitioners at Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC, suggest ankle replacement for persons with severe arthritis- a collection of disorders defined by joint swelling and discomfort.

Conservative procedures such as bespoke orthotics, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections often treat mild to moderate arthritis. If your problems persist or impair your capacity to do daily duties, surgery could be ideal.

How Should You Get Ready for Ankle Replacement Surgery?

Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC, checks your foot and ankle inquiries concerning your symptoms before considering ankle replacement surgery. Following that, they will request a set of X-rays or an MRI scan to assess the degree of the injury and design a care plan.

During the session, inform your clinician of any supplements or prescription medications you utilize regularly. Also, notify them of any hidden medical issues you have, such as a congenital heart defect or kidney disease.

These and other disorders could heighten the danger of surgical complications. Therefore, your doctor should manage them appropriately.

What Exactly Is Ankle Replacement?

Ankle replacement surgery is conducted with general anesthesia in a local hospital. Once you have fallen asleep, your surgeon will make a tiny cut above the ankle joint. They gently remove the injured cartilage and bone by inserting specific tools into the cut.

They will then substitute your joint with a plastic or metal prosthesis. The prosthetic joint is kept in position by screws and plates, and your surgeon patches the wound.

What Is the Recovery Process Like After an Ankle Replacement?

You will be in the hospital for a few days after having your ankle replaced. Your ankle is immobilized and raised to speed up the healing process.

It is typical to have edema and pain in the days following the procedure. Use your medication as directed and adhere to your surgeon’s recovery recommendations.

Physical rehabilitation starts immediately after you depart the hospital. Be patient and go to every therapy session. The more devoted you are to therapy, the less likely you will experience mobility problems or complications.

Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC, only suggest ankle replacement as a last resort. Usually, more conservative procedures are sufficient.

To establish whether you are the right candidate for ankle replacement, schedule a consultation with Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC. Call the office to talk to a team member or book online to get started.

How to Get Rid of Skin Imperfections with Microneedling

Microneedling

The appearance of your skin affects how you feel about yourself and determines people’s perception of you most of the time. Smooth, flawless, and younger-looking skin is a significant boost to your self-esteem and image, while imperfections such as fine lines, large pores, stretch marks, and skin laxity may reduce your self-confidence. Most of these skin issues develop as you advance in age, a natural process that you cannot evade. Fortunately, with the help of your specialist at Midtown West aesthetic medical spa, you can regain your youthful features such as flawless skin using cosmetic procedures like microneedling.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling or collagen induction therapy is a cosmetic procedure involving using a hand-held object with tiny needles to prick the skin, causing minor injuries and stimulating the production of more collagen and elastin. It is a cheaper alternative to other processes like laser treatment and is a process that you can do yourself at home. Although you can perform the process at home, dermatologists advise against this because of the increased chances of infection and undesirable results.  It is best to work with certified personnel who is experienced to obtain the desired results after microneedling,

How do I prepare for microneedling?

To prepare for microneedling, you need to consult with your doctor to ensure that you are a good candidate for the process. While microneedling is usually a safe process, initial preparation is necessary to ensure the procedure is safe, comfortable, and obtains your desired outcome. For example, people with severe skin sagging may not benefit from the process, as it best works for those with mild to moderate skin laxity. After ensuring you are suitable for microneedling, your doctor may send you home with post-procedure instructions that include:

  • Discontinue the use of blood-thinning medications like ibuprofen, aspirin to prevent excessive bleeding during treatment.
  • Avoid using retinol, vitamin A creams, and topical medications at least a week before microneedling.
  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure and do not take alcohol as it has blood-thinning effects.

Risks associated with microneedling

With microneedling, the chances of complications are rare. However, patients experience temporary side effects that include:

  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Scarring
  • Infection
  • Herpes simplex outbreak
  • Hypopigmentation
  • Skin and tissue necrosis

What to expect during treatment?

Getting rid of make-up or face lotion is the first process before microneedling. Before the procedure, your dermatologist will apply numbing cream to your face to minimize any pain during the process. Using a hand-held rolling tool with a tiny sharp needle, your specialist moves the device around your face. When combined with platelet-rich plasma therapy, the doctor will obtain your blood sample and use it during the process. Plasma therapy promotes faster recovery and desirable results. Most patients report a stinging sensation during the procedure, especially in areas of bony prominence like around the eyes. The tiny cuts result in slight bleeding, sensitivity, and swelling, which diminish after 24 hours. Your skin may also feel tight and dry after microneedling.

To obtain glossy, younger-looking skin, book an appointment with your specialist at The Wellpath by Dr. Jame` Heskett.