Foot and ankle pain can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. While conservative treatments often provide relief, there are instances where surgery becomes the most effective option. Understanding when surgery is the right choice for foot and ankle issues is crucial for achieving long-term healing and restoring function.

When is Foot and Ankle Surgery Necessary?

Several conditions may lead to foot and ankle surgery. Here are some common scenarios where surgical intervention might be recommended:

• Severe Injuries: Complex fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears that do not respond to conservative treatment may require surgery to ensure proper healing and alignment.
• Degenerative Conditions: Arthritis, particularly in the ankle or big toe joint, can cause significant pain and disability. In advanced cases, joint fusion surgery may be necessary to alleviate pain and improve stability.
• Deformities: Bunions, hammertoes, and other foot deformities can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty wearing shoes. Surgical correction can help realign the bones and joints, restoring proper foot function.
• Nerve Compression: Conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome, where a nerve in the ankle is compressed, can cause numbness, tingling, and pain. Surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the nerve.
• Failed Conservative Treatments: If non-surgical treatments such as orthotics, physical therapy, and medications fail to provide adequate relief, surgery may be considered as the next step.

Why Choose a Foot and Ankle Surgeon?

Foot and ankle surgery is a specialized field that requires extensive training and expertise. Choosing a qualified foot and ankle surgeon is essential for ensuring the best possible outcome. Here's why:

• Specialized Knowledge: Foot and ankle surgeons have in-depth knowledge of the complex anatomy and biomechanics of the foot and ankle. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting these areas.
• Surgical Expertise: Foot and ankle surgeons are skilled in performing various surgical procedures, including minimally invasive techniques, joint fusion, and reconstructive surgery.
• Comprehensive Care: Foot and ankle surgeons provide comprehensive care, from diagnosis and pre-operative planning to post-operative rehabilitation. They work closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans.

Making Informed Decisions

Deciding on surgery is a significant step. It's essential to have a thorough discussion with your foot and ankle surgeon to understand the benefits, risks, and alternatives. They will evaluate your specific condition, consider your overall health, and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

Common Foot and Ankle Surgeries

Here are some of the common surgical procedures performed by foot and ankle surgeons:

• Ankle Fusion: This procedure involves fusing the bones in the ankle joint to eliminate pain and improve stability in cases of severe arthritis or instability.
• Bunion Correction: Bunion surgery aims to realign the bones and soft tissues in the big toe joint, reducing pain and restoring normal foot alignment.
• Hammertoe Correction: Hammertoe surgery corrects the deformity in the toe joint, alleviating pain and improving foot function.
• Achilles Tendon Repair: This surgery repairs a ruptured or torn Achilles tendon, allowing patients to regain mobility and strength in their ankle.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After foot or ankle surgery, a period of recovery and rehabilitation is necessary. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on post-operative care, including wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

If you are experiencing persistent foot or ankle pain, it's essential to seek professional evaluation. The experienced foot and ankle surgeons at Diablo Foot & Ankle can provide expert diagnosis and treatment, helping you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

To schedule an appointment at Diablo Foot & Ankle in Walnut Creek or Antioch, CA, please call (925) 464-1982 or visit diablofootankle.com.