Foot and ankle pain can affect your daily life. Whether it’s from an injury, arthritis, or a deformity, surgery may be needed to help you walk and move better. This guide explains the most common foot and ankle surgical procedures, why they’re done, and what recovery looks like.
Let’s take a closer look at how these surgeries work and how they can help improve your comfort and mobility.
Bunion Surgery
A bunion is a bony protrusion that develops at the base of the big toe. It often causes discomfort and can make wearing shoes difficult. Bunion surgery, or bunionectomy, removes the bump and corrects the toe’s alignment. The surgery might include shaving the bone, cutting and repositioning it, or using screws or pins to secure the correction.
Recovery time is usually 6 to 8 weeks. You may need to wear a special boot or shoe.
Hammertoe Surgery
Hammertoes occur when your toe stays bent in a curled position. This happens when muscles and tendons become unbalanced. Surgery can straighten the toe by removing bone or fusing joints.
The recovery can take 4 to 6 weeks, and most people return to regular activities soon after.
Ankle Arthroscopy
This is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon uses a tiny camera to look inside your ankle joint. Small cuts are made, and the doctor can remove scar tissue, smooth bone, or repair cartilage.
Arthroscopy is used for:
- Ankle impingement
- Loose bone fragments
- Arthritis or inflammation
Since it’s less invasive, recovery is faster-often 2 to 4 weeks.
Achilles Tendon Repair
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel. If it tears or ruptures, surgery may be needed to stitch it back together. A small or large incision is made depending on how severe the damage is.
After surgery, you’ll wear a cast or boot for 6 to 12 weeks. Physical therapy is important to help you regain strength and flexibility.
Flatfoot Reconstruction
People with flatfoot have little to no arch in their feet. Over time, this can cause pain and swelling. Surgery aims to rebuild the arch and fix the alignment of your foot. It may involve tendon transfers, bone cuts, or even fusion.
This is a complex procedure, and recovery may take several months, including a period of no walking and then gradual weight-bearing with physical therapy.
Ankle Fusion
Ankle fusion surgery is for people with severe arthritis. In this procedure, the bones in the ankle joint are fused so they no longer move against each other.
It limits ankle movement but provides better stability and comfort. Healing can take up to 12 weeks.
Ankle Replacement
Instead of fusion, some people may get an ankle replacement. In this surgery, damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with artificial parts.
Ankle replacement helps reduce pain while keeping more natural movement. Recovery takes several months, and physical therapy is needed.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Not all foot and ankle issues need surgery. But when they do, it’s important to work with experienced doctors. Boise orthopedic surgeons are known for helping patients with both simple and complex foot and ankle problems. They can guide you through your options and recommend the best path forward.
Step Toward a Better Quality of Life
Foot and ankle surgeries may sound scary, but they can be life-changing for people living in pain. If you’ve been dealing with long-term foot pain or an injury that won’t heal, talk to a specialist. Reach out to your local provider to explore your options and take the first step toward better foot health.
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