When is ankle surgery necessary

Prior to surgery, the podiatrist will review your medical history and medical conditions. Specific diseases, illnesses, allergies, and current medications need to be evaluated. Other tests that help evaluate your health status may be ordered by your podiatrist, such as blood studies, urinalysis, EKG, X-rays, a blood flow study to better evaluate the circulation of the foot and legs , and an examination of the structures of your feet while walking.

A consultation with another medical specialist may be advised by a podiatrist, depending on your test results or a specific medical condition. The type of foot surgery performed determines the length and kind of after-care required to assure that your recovery from surgery is uneventful.

The basics of all postoperative care involve to some degree each of the following: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, or canes may be necessary to improve and ensure a safe recovery after foot surgery.

Your podiatric surgeon will also determine if and when you can bear weight on your foot after the operation. Your podiatrist wants you to have a satisfactory and speedy recovery, and this outcome can be achieved by carefully following the postoperative instructions that you have discussed prior to and immediately after surgery. When Is Foot Surgery Necessary? Types of Foot Surgery Bunion Surgery : There are many different types of bunion surgery depending on the severity of the bunion and the joint involvement.

Preoperative Testing and Care As with any type of surgical procedure, those undergoing foot and ankle surgery require specific tests or examinations before surgery to improve a successful surgical outcome. Postoperative Care The type of foot surgery performed determines the length and kind of after-care required to assure that your recovery from surgery is uneventful.

Samuel Mendicino, Dr. Asia Lo and Dr. Manish Patel - find out more about when to consider foot and ankle surgery. Surgery, in some cases, may be the only way to eliminate severe pain or improve how your foot functions.

Whether you are dealing with structural abnormalities or a sports-related injury, there are many reasons why a tendon may need surgery. Perhaps you ruptured the tendon on the playing field or you were born with a shortened Achilles tendon, which is causing chronic and severe pain.

In these cases, tendon surgery may be recommended. While some people can find relief through medications and other arthritis therapies, surgery may be recommended to fuse together one or more joints so improve how your foot functions. In some cases, pins or plates are also put into the foot to help support and strengthen weakened feet.

Bunions can often be managed through simple at-home care and by wearing proper footwear. Surgery is the only way to actually repair a bunion. The Achilles tendon may rupture due to sudden force or impact. This can happen during sports or other activities, and it can also happen in an accident. If the injury is a a partial tear, then then the situation is less serious than a full blown rupture. If a full blown rupture happens, a snap or pop is often heard followed by severe pain and near-instant loss of strength in the affected leg.

If the tear is indeed serious, surgery will be required. The procedure will be scheduled quickly so as to avoid scar tissue from forming. Degeneration of the Achilles tendon over time may also lead to the need for surgery. This process can happen due to overuse of the tendon.

During the surgical procedure, the surgeon will replace the damaged portion of the tendon with tendons from the foot. To schedule an appointment with one our specialists, contact our scheduling department at or request an appointment online. POSMC is a full-service medical facility specializing in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic injuries.

The practice is led by a group of 12 board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Contact us today! Call us Today! Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube.