Worry about pain is one of the most common reasons people put off foot and ankle surgery. Pain relief has changed a great deal, and for most operations a nerve block keeps the foot numb for around 24 to 36 hours — covering the period when pain would normally be at its worst. This guide explains your anaesthetic options, what a block feels like, what to expect when it wears off, and the simple step of taking regular painkillers before feeling returns, which in one study reduced the need for strong painkillers roughly fifteen-fold. Read the full guide: Pain Relief After Foot and Ankle Surgery: Is it going to really hurt?
