Many foot and ankle problems respond to conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or orthotics, which are often tried first in the event of an injury or ailment. That said, there are instances where surgery is the most effective solution (or only) solution.
When surgery is required, patients should always know the details, from the procedure itself to the recovery process and beyond. In this blog post, Wayne Foot & Ankle Center will explore common injuries that may require surgical intervention and then explain the ins and outs of how the procedures work.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
If you experience:
- Persistent pain
- Limited mobility
- Deformities
- Joint stiffness
- Non-healing injuries
- Recurring problems
or neurological symptoms in your feet or ankles, it’s best to consult a podiatrist and consider surgical intervention.
Precise Procedures, Lasting Results
Below, we’ve listed a few of the more common foot and ankle surgeries alongside the issues they’re intended to correct.
- Bunions: Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. While some can be managed or mitigated effectively with conservative measures, the only real fix for severe bunions is surgery.
- Podiatrists often recommend osteotomy to cut away the bunion and realign the bones with screws or pins.
- Newer versions of osteotomy are minimally invasive, featuring smaller incisions and swifter recovery.
- Achilles Tendon Disorders: Severe injuries to the Achilles tendon, such as tears and full-on ruptures, are both excruciatingly painful and a major impediment to mobility. Fortunately, surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon features a high success rate, with over 80% of people able to return to activity as normal.
- Several surgical methods are effective, including open repair and tendon transfer. Percutaneous repair is a minimally invasive option that reduces infection risk.
- Fractures: Broken bones in the foot or ankle often require surgical repair.
- For fractures in the midfoot or metatarsal area, surgical screws or plates are used.
- Other procedures like ankle arthroscopy are minimally invasive, using tiny incisions and cameras to address damage within the ankle joint.
Considering surgery? Dr. Lindsey Calligaro at Wayne Foot & Ankle Center is happy to help! The team at Wayne Foot and Ankle has the tools, techniques, and proven expertise to treat your feet. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
