Foot Surgery: Advanced Procedures

What You Need To Know

Understanding when foot surgery is recommended and what the process involves.

Reconstructive Foot Surgery

Reconstructive surgery is done for the foot and ankle to regain function or stability, reduce pain, and prevent further deformity. Foot diseases and severe foot conditions can make it difficult to live a full life and can be difficult and frustrating. They often require long-term care and rehabilitation. Foot reconstruction surgery like tissue reconstruction, function restoration, and cosmetic rehabilitation can help improve quality of life.

Our feet carry the entire weight of our body, day in and day out. In time, this is bound to cause foot problems. These problems usually go away with medication and physiotherapy. But sometimes, foot conditions may not respond to conservative treatment. In such cases, reconstructive surgery may be needed to alleviate pain and restore the function of your foot.

Surgery can help treat problems related to foot and ankle pain, deformities, fractures, and loss of function in feet and ankles. Our physicians treat conditions including Achilles tendonitis, bunions, foot and ankle traumatic injuries, ganglion cysts, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis, among others.

It is important to note that common foot and ankle issues may not require a surgical intervention, but if problems persist your physician may recommend surgery as the most effective option for you. The podiatrist will assess the amount of damage and the severity of the foot condition before deciding on whether foot reconstruction surgery can help. If conservative care has not brought relief, schedule an evaluation with our team to discuss whether surgery is right for you.

Common Reconstructive Procedures

Bunion surgery is done when there is severe foot pain while walking or if you have chronic big toe inflammation that isn’t relieved with rest or medicines. Hammer toe surgery may be needed if the deformity is very severe and the toe is fixed and immobile, causing pain. It may involve removing a portion of one of the bones in the toe to align it, or fusing the joints in the toe.

Nail surgery addresses deformed, damaged, or infected toenails through partial or total removal. Partial removal is called an avulsion, and total removal is called a matricectomy. Heel spur surgery can offer pain relief and restore mobility, and may include plantar fascia release, with or without heel spur excision. Tendon repair surgery treats a torn or damaged tendon, easing pain and increasing range of motion.

Bone fusion holds bones in place and eases pain when arthritis, age, or wear and tear have worn away the cartilage between bones. Joint implantation removes damaged bone and cartilage and replaces them with metal components that recreate the surface of the joint. Bone grafting uses transplanted bone to repair and rebuild diseased or damaged bones.

Severe soft tissue injuries may be repaired arthroscopically, a minimally invasive procedure that does not require an overnight hospital stay. For osteotomy and other reconstructive procedures, bone screws, staples, pins, wires, other fixation devices, and casts may be used to stabilize and set the bone. Your surgeon will walk you through the procedure that fits your condition and what to expect during recovery.