If you have a foot or ankle issue that just isn’t responding to conservative treatments, your podiatrist may recommend foot or ankle surgery. With the help of the team of board-certified podiatrists at United Foot & Ankle, you can undergo a personalized procedure to help restore your full foot and ankle function and minimize pain. The practice boasts locations in East Brunswick, Keyport, Somerset, Perth Amboy, and Bayonne, New Jersey, so you have an office nearby to schedule an evaluation or second opinion exam. Book your appointment online, or call the clinic nearest you directly to speak with a team member.
request an appointmentWhy do I need foot or ankle surgery?
Unless you have a severe injury, such as a complex bone fracture, foot and ankle surgery is generally the last resort. Your podiatrist may recommend a foot or ankle procedure if you have:
- Bunions
- Neuromas
- Heel spurs
- Hammertoes
- Broken bones
- Ankle instability
- Sports injuries
- Arthritic deterioration
- Ruptured tendons or ligaments
Foot and ankle surgery may also be necessary if you have a severe wound, which sometimes happens in people with diabetes. Your podiatrist can graft tissues and remove diseased skin, a procedure known as “limb salvage,” so you can fully recover from slow-healing ulcers.
What happens during foot and ankle surgery?
United Foot & Ankle specializes in modern minimally invasive foot and ankle procedures, which result in a faster recovery and minimal scarring. Though your surgery is tailored to your specific diagnosis, in general, your podiatrist can:
- Remove loose or damaged tissues, such as cartilage fragments
- Place pins, screws, or rods to stabilize bones
- Realign bones in joints
- Graft connective tissues
Foot and ankle surgeries are generally an outpatient procedure unless you need intricate surgery or have an underlying health issue (such as heart disease). The team at United Foot & Ankle collaborates to ensure you receive comprehensive preoperative care, so you know what to expect from your specific surgery.
When can I expect to recover from foot and ankle surgery?
Even with minimally invasive surgical technology, it still takes time to heal from foot and ankle surgery. Your podiatrist may recommend keeping your foot braced and using crutches to get around for at least a few days.
In most cases, you can gradually start putting weight on your treated foot within the first week or two. Your podiatrist gets you fitted for a supportive walking boot to help you get around.
After your surgical wounds heal, you’re likely going to need physical therapy to promote healing, regain strength, and rebuild range of motion. The team at United Foot & Ankle cares for you every step of the way so that you can experience a full recovery as quickly as possible.
If you need foot or ankle surgery, contact United Foot & Ankle for an evaluation today. You can book your appointment online or over the phone with any location.