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Our feet do more than get us from point A to point B. They are pivotal for providing stability, balance, and support. Foot health impacts a person’s overall health and wellness, which is why errors made during podiatric surgery can have devastating consequences. These mistakes can cause chronic pain, numbness, and loss of function that affect a person’s health and mobility, potentially even for life. Certain errors are more likely to lead to these unintended outcomes.
Common Foot Problems that May Require Surgery
Many issues can be treated with rest, physical therapy, or orthotics. Some conditions may require surgery to relieve pain and restore proper function. Foot surgery may be the best option when non-surgical treatments do not offer measurable results. Some of the most common foot issues that may require surgical intervention by a podiatrist include:
- Hallux Valgus (bunions)
- Hammertoes
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bone or heel spurs
- Ruptured or torn tendons
- Fractures
- Fallen arches or flatfoot
- Foot deformities
Medical errors during surgery, addressing these types of foot issues, can delay healing and leave patients with chronic pain and mobility issues.
Surgical Errors That Cause Chronic Pain, Numbness, or Loss of Function
Surgery always carries risks, but those risks are compounded when medical professionals make mistakes. Chronic pain, numbness, and loss of sensation, function, and mobility are some of the most significant complications that can occur when a medical professional fails to deliver the medically accepted standard of care. These outcomes often result from surgical errors such as:
- Nerve Damage During Surgery – Errors involving accidental cutting, stretching, or compressing of nerves during surgery can cause permanent pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in the foot.
- Operating on the Wrong Body Part – Mistakes made by medical facilities and staff can result in wrong-site surgery, where a practitioner operates on the incorrect foot. This error can leave the intended problem untreated and cause new, painful complications.
- Unnecessary Surgery – Surgery is typically a last resort after other therapeutic options fail to deliver results.
- Improper Use of Surgical Tools – Careless or incorrect use of tools can injure nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues. Unnecessary foot surgery can lead to additional pain and mobility issues.
- Failure to Remove Surgical Tools – Surgeons and staff are responsible for accounting for all tools and equipment used during surgery. Leaving tools, sponges, and other items in a patient can cause long-term pain, discomfort, and infection.
- Incomplete or Improper Repairs – Mistakes or failures in correctly aligning bones, tendons, or ligaments during foot surgery can cause instability, pain, and loss of function.
- Anesthesia Errors – Improperly administered anesthesia or improper dosing during surgery can result in pain, long-term numbness, or motor problems.
- Excessive Bleeding or Swelling Compressing Nerves – Errors can also occur post-op when practitioners fail to monitor a patient for common post-surgery complications like excessive bleeding or swelling. When left untreated, these issues can put intense pressure on nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
- Infections After Surgery – Failure to adequately monitor a patient can also lead to severe infections.
Let Lance Ehrenberg, Esq. or The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, PC. Review Your Claim
A podiatrist who does not deliver a medically accepted standard of care can leave you struggling to cope with intense pain, sensation, and mobility issues. Victims of medical malpractice have the right to pursue fair compensation for their injuries. At The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C., our podiatric malpractice team can work with you to hold a careless podiatrist accountable for the harm they’ve caused you. Contact our office today for a confidential consultation.