Foot & Ankle Surgery
Foot & Ankle Surgery
If conservative or non-invasive treatments do not work, your podiatrist will discuss surgery with you for many foot and ankle problems.
Signs & Symptoms Indicating Surgery Might Be Needed
- Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments
- Significant deformities like bunions or hammertoes
- Severe arthritis affecting mobility and quality of life
- Recurrent ankle sprains leading to instability
- Tumors, cysts, or other growths causing discomfort or functional issues
- Fractures that are not healing correctly or are misaligned
Types of Foot & Ankle Surgery
- Bunion Surgery: Corrects joint positioning and relieves pain from bunions.
- Fusions: Joins bones at a joint to treat arthritis and other painful conditions.
- Hammertoe Surgery: Removes bone to realign toes and may involve joint fusion.
- Heel Spur Surgery: Removes heel spurs to alleviate pain and includes plantar fascia release.
- Metatarsal Surgery: Adjusts the long bones of the foot to redistribute weight.
- Toenail Surgery: Addresses damaged or infected nails through partial or complete removal.
- Neuroma Surgery: Removes nerve enlargements to relieve burning, numbness, and tingling.
- Reconstructive Surgery: Treats serious pain, deformities, and defects with techniques like bone fusion, joint implantation, and tendon repair.
- Skin Surgery: Handles skin conditions like cancer, warts, and moles, including biopsies.
- Tendon Surgery: Repairs ruptures and addresses chronic or acute tendon issues.
Post Operative Care
Each foot surgery will require unique after-care for an uneventful recovery. Basically, at-home treatment after surgery includes RICE, or rest, icing, compression and elevation. Splints, casts, surgical shoes and bandages may be necessary.
Your podiatrist will assess the degree of weight-bearing, if any, that is appropriate based on you and your surgery. Crutches or canes may be necessary.
For the best post-surgical outcome, follow all post-operative instructions as recommended by your doctor carefully.
Foot and ankle surgery can be a significant decision, but for many individuals, it offers the chance to regain mobility and live a pain-free life. Whether you’re dealing with a longstanding deformity, injury, or a chronic condition like arthritis, surgical intervention might provide the most effective resolution. At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, we understand the importance of exploring all options and making an informed decision about foot and ankle surgery. Our team is here to guide you through the process, from initial consultation to post-operative care, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome. If you’re experiencing persistent foot or ankle issues, don’t wait any longer. Schedule an appointment with us to discuss how we can help you take the next step towards a healthier, more comfortable future.