What are the Different Types of Foot and Ankle Surgeries?
Bay Area Foot Care performs a wide variety of surgical procedures, including foot and ankle reconstruction and forefoot surgery. The goal of reconstructive foot and ankle surgery is to correct structural conditions that cause pain and difficulty walking, such as arthritis.
Common reconstructive foot and ankle procedures include:
- Shifting of Bones: Injuries and foot conditions like flatfoot and arthritis can cause the bones in your foot to shift out of place. Bay Area Foot Care surgeons can surgically adjust these bones to restore them to their proper positions.
- Tendon Lengthening: Several conditions, including chronic tendonitis, can cause the Achilles tendon at the back of your ankle to contract. This procedure aims to stretch out the contracted Achilles by making small cuts on the tendon.
- Foot Fusion: Foot fusion surgery strengthens weak joints due to injuries and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and flatfoot. This procedure involves removing damaged tissue and reinforcing the joint with screws and plates as the bones heal.
- External Fixation: External fixation is a technique to stabilize a healing fracture or deformity. This procedure involves attaching an external apparatus to healthy bone via special wires or bolts.
What Conditions Does Forefoot Surgery Treat?
Bay Area Foot Care uses forefoot surgery to treat advanced cases of a variety of foot deformities, including:
- Bunions
- Bunionettes (tailor’s bunion)
- Bone spurs
- Hammertoes
- Neuromas
Bay Area Foot Care always explores conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and changing your shoes, before considering surgery. If you continue to suffer from pain and mobility issues despite attempts at treatment, you may be a candidate for foot and ankle surgery.
When Would I Need Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery?
Foot and ankle reconstruction is usually the last resort after conservative treatments, such as orthotics, braces, and shoe modifications, are ineffective.
Bay Area Foot Care may recommend reconstructive surgery if you have a severe foot deformity that causes significant disability and interferes with your normal routine. Conditions that may require reconstructive surgery include:
- Flatfeet
- Ankle trauma
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Foot and ankle fractures
- Charcot deformity
- Rheumatoid arthritis deformities
- Posttraumatic deformities
- Posterior tibial tendon pathologies
If you think you may need foot or ankle surgery, call Bay Area Foot Care or book an appointment online today.
