Foot And Ankle Surgery

What are Some Types of Foot Surgery?

There are several types of surgical procedures done to repair damage to the foot or correct foot problems. Some examples of foot procedures include bunion surgery, which is done to remove these growths from the big toe joint, and heel surgery to treat heel spurs or plantar fasciitis. Other types include fusion surgery, which involves joining or fusing two bones together after removing damaged cartilage and bone, and tendon surgery to repair torn or ruptured tendons, such as the Achilles tendon.

What are Some Types of Ankle Surgery?

Surgical procedures for ankle problems, such as ankle fractures or severe wear and tear from arthritis, include replacing the ankle joint with an artificial one, removing damaged soft tissue and bone, and repairing ruptured tendons. A total ankle joint replacement is an ankle procedure that’s done when the joint has extensive deterioration from arthritis. Other examples include lateral ankle ligament repair to make the ankle joint more stable after a fracture.

What Kinds of Risks are Associated With Foot and Ankle Surgery?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally considered safe when performed by skilled and Board-certified surgeons and when it’s done on patients who are deemed to be good candidates. However, there are certain risks involved as there are with any kind of surgical procedure. These include infections at the incision site, excess bleeding, damage to nerves in the affected area, blood clots, and lingering pain. It’s also possible for surgical procedures to end up being unsuccessful, which might require additional procedures. Foot and ankle surgeons take precautions to reduce the risks of surgical procedures, such as giving patients antibiotics to prevent infections and requiring patients to stop taking blood thinners prior to surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Foot and Ankle Surgery?

The amount of time it takes to recover from foot and ankle surgery depends on how complex the procedure is and how severe the injury or condition is. Complex surgery, such as total ankle replacements, typically require a longer amount of time to fully heal before patients can resume their normal activities. Minimally invasive procedures, such as those that use arthroscopy, usually have shorter recovery times and a lower risk of complications.