To heal quickly after surgery, you need good circulation in your feet. People with diabetes often develop circulation problems sooner than the general population. This is one reason I recommend surgery to my patients who have diabetes as soon as they can have it done. Before scheduling your surgery, to assure that the circulation in your foot is adequate, your foot doctor may perform a test on your feet and legs to check the blood flow. This test, called a Doppler study, is painless.
Many podiatrists perform it in their offices.
Other factors that your foot doctor may consider before scheduling surgery are your general health. This is a good reason whether you have diabetes or not. Painful feet can affect your attitude. They may affect your ability to work, to play sports, and to enjoy life in general. In the elderly, painful feet are much more of a problem.