The news is out, and I’m sorry to say that the diva is going down. Yes, Cher is postponing her tour to recover from foot surgery.
Surgery involving the foot, in most cases, heals very well with few complications. Procedures to remove a bunion, correct a hammertoe, and release a painful plantar fascia (for heel pain) are generally gratifying and can improve quality of life, relieve pain and restore function. However, this requires a team effort between the surgeon, patient and the patient’s family, friends and support network. My NYC patients generally do well, and that’s partially because they are “in the zone”, ready to invest the time and effort to fully heal. It seems that Cher has realized this and is ready to move forward to recovery.
It’s also important to realize that the most successful, textbook, and even simple procedure can present challenges during the recovery time. Most procedures allow early weight bearing and return to most activities, but every surgical procedure results in swelling of the site, which can take 3-6 months or longer to resolve. It seems that no matter how clearly I tell my NYC podiatry patients before foot surgery to expect 3-6 months of swelling, the question always arises 2-3 months postoperatively: “feels great, but why is it still swollen?” This is the chronic phase of healing, in which the body is putting the final touches on a traumatized area, and that takes time. As I tell my patients, the body wants to heal; we just have to enable it to do so. Follow postoperative instructions, start range of motion exercises as early as possible, and be patient!
Wig’s off to you Cher, for taking the time to recover fully. Make sure you are in the right hands if you are having foot surgery, and let your body do what it does best- repair and recover.
See you in the office.
Dr. Ernest L. Isaacson