Why do I need foot and ankle surgery?

Foot and ankle surgery may be a treatment option for conditions that cause chronic pain or disability due to injuries, or for damage from chronic disease, like diabetes. Your podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists may suggest foot and ankle surgery to address conditions like:

• Arthritis
• Bunions
• Fractures 
• Neuromas 
• Heel spurs
• Hammertoe
• Bone fractures 
• Ankle instability 
• Tendon or ligament rupture

After a thorough evaluation of your foot, ankle joint, and overall health, your podiatrist can determine if foot and ankle surgery is right for you.

What types of foot and ankle surgery are available?

At Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists, minimally invasive surgeries are available. A common procedure used for a range of conditions is known as an arthroscopy, which is suitable for many types of repairs. Below are descriptions of foot and ankle surgeries: 

Arthroscopy

During an arthroscopy procedure, your podiatrist only needs to make small incisions to access the damaged part of your foot or ankle. They use specialized surgical equipment, including an arthroscope that has an attached light and camera.

The camera sends real-time images of your inner structures to an external monitor, affording your podiatrist the opportunity to complete even complex surgeries with more precision.

Joint-replacement surgery

In situations where your joints are severely damaged due to arthritis or because of an injury, you may be a candidate for joint-replacement surgery. This procedure allows your surgeon to remove the damaged part of your foot or ankle and replace it with medical-grade artificial parts that function just like your natural joint.

The podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists also offer traditional open surgery for certain foot and ankle conditions, depending on your specific needs.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery?

If you need a procedure to repair tissue damage from injury or disease, minimally invasive techniques available at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists ensure that you heal quickly and can get back to your usual routine as soon as possible.

Minimally invasive surgery also offers benefits like:

• Less pain
• Less bleeding
• Minimal scarring
• Shorter hospital stay
• Less risk for infections

In many cases, you can even expect to go home following your surgery to begin your recovery. 

During your surgery consultation, your Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists team discusses what to expect based on your condition and the type of surgery you’re having.  

What can I expect during my foot and ankle surgery consultation?

To determine if you’re a good candidate for surgery, the Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists team reviews your personal medical and family history. They evaluate your overall health to ensure you’re healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery.

Your podiatrist also assesses the severity of your condition. In many cases, they suggest alternative treatments first before recommending surgery.

When moving forward with foot surgery, your podiatrist provides you with information during your consultation to prepare you for surgery. They may even prescribe postoperative pain medications and counsel you on any changes you need to make with dosages of the medications you’re currently taking. 

Learn more by scheduling a foot and ankle surgery consultation at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists today. You can book an appointment online or by calling the office nearest you.