Back on Your Feet: What to Know About Outpatient Foot and Ankle Surgery in Nashua, NH

After a summer of sandals, hiking trails, and barefoot days at the beach, many people in Southern New Hampshire find themselves nursing sore feet and aching ankles well into late August. For some, that discomfort is temporary. For others, it is a sign of a more persistent issue, like a bunion, hammertoe, or Achilles tendon problem, that will not resolve on its own. At Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Center (NASC), our board-certified podiatric and orthopedic surgeons help patients throughout Nashua, Bedford, and the surrounding areas understand their options, including when outpatient foot and ankle surgery may be the right next step.

Common Foot and Ankle Conditions We Treat

Foot and ankle pain can come from a wide range of causes, from years of wear and tear to a single bad step on uneven ground. As a multi-specialty outpatient surgical facility, NASC offers advanced treatment for a variety of conditions, including:

• Bunions and hammertoes that cause pain, swelling, or difficulty fitting into shoes
• Achilles tendon injuries, including tears and chronic tendinitis
• Fractures of the foot or ankle that have not healed properly
• Chronic ankle instability from repeated sprains
• Plantar issues and soft tissue damage related to overuse

Many of these conditions start small, a bit of stiffness after a long walk, or a bump on the side of the big toe, and gradually worsen over time. Waiting too long to address foot or ankle pain can lead to changes in the way you walk, which in turn places added stress on the knees, hips, and lower back.

Why Choose Outpatient Surgery at an Ambulatory Surgical Center

Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Center has been providing high-quality, outpatient surgical care to the Southern New Hampshire community since 2012. As a facility licensed by the State of New Hampshire and accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), NASC offers many of the same advanced procedures performed at larger hospitals, but with a more focused, patient-centered approach.

Choosing an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) for foot and ankle surgery offers several advantages, including:

• A same-day procedure, so you can recover in the comfort of your own home
• A smaller, more personalized environment with a dedicated care team
• Lower facility costs compared to hospital-based surgery
• Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons using the latest surgical technology

To learn more about the full range of procedures available, visit our Surgical & Orthopedic Services page, which outlines the foot, ankle, and orthopedic care offered at our Nashua facility.

What to Expect Before and After Foot or Ankle Surgery

Once your surgeon determines that surgery is the right option for your condition, our team at NASC will guide you through every step of the process. Before your procedure, you will complete a pre-operative registration and receive instructions on how to prepare, including guidance on medications, eating and drinking restrictions, and what to bring on the day of your surgery.

On the day of your procedure, you will check in at our Nashua location, meet with your care team, and be walked through the surgical process. Most foot and ankle procedures at NASC are same-day surgeries, meaning you will be able to return home to recover the same day, provided you have arranged for a ride if you have received sedation.

Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure, but your surgeon will provide a personalized recovery plan that may include rest, elevation, physical therapy, and a gradual return to normal activity. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely is one of the most important factors in a smooth recovery.

Signs It May Be Time to See a Specialist

Not every ache in your foot requires surgery, but it is important to know when to seek expert evaluation. Consider scheduling a consultation with one of our specialists if you are experiencing:

• Pain that persists for more than a few weeks despite rest
• Swelling, redness, or warmth in the foot or ankle
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight
• Visible deformity, such as a bunion or hammertoe that continues to worsen
• A previous injury that never fully healed

Our team of orthopedic and podiatric surgeons can be found on our Find a Physician page, where you can learn more about their training and areas of expertise before scheduling a visit.

Trusted, Experienced Care in Nashua, NH

As one of the leading surgical centers in Southern New Hampshire, Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Center combines advanced technology with a compassionate, patient-first approach. Whether you are dealing with a lingering summer injury or a long-standing foot condition, our team is here to help you understand your options and get back to the activities you enjoy.

If you have questions about registration, insurance, or what to expect on the day of your procedure, our Frequently Asked Questions page is a great place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I need foot or ankle surgery?

Your surgeon will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and imaging results to determine whether surgery is necessary. In many cases, conservative treatments like bracing, physical therapy, or medication are tried first before surgery is recommended.

2. Is outpatient foot and ankle surgery safe?

Yes. NASC is licensed by the State of New Hampshire and holds Medicare deemed status through AAAHC accreditation, meaning our facility meets rigorous standards for patient safety and quality of care.

3. How long does recovery from foot or ankle surgery take?

Recovery time depends on the specific procedure performed. Minor procedures may allow for a return to light activity within a few weeks, while more involved surgeries, such as fracture repair, may require several weeks to months of recovery and physical therapy.

4. Will I need someone to drive me home after surgery?

If you receive oral or IV sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and, ideally, stay with you for the remainder of the day. Only patients who do not receive sedation are permitted to drive themselves home.

5. Does NASC accept my insurance?

NASC works with a variety of insurance providers. Our team can help verify your coverage before your procedure. For specific questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact our office directly.

Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Center is located at 15 Riverside Street, Nashua, NH 03062, and is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM. To learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation, call (603) 882-0950 or visit nascnh.com.