Foot & Ankle Surgery

What is foot and ankle surgery?

Foot and ankle surgery focuses on diagnosing and treating injuries, arthritis, deformities, and other conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Because your feet and ankles support your entire body and are essential to walking, balance, and mobility, even a seemingly minor problem can significantly affect your quality of life.

At Western Orthopaedics, our foot and ankle specialists provide comprehensive, personalized care designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help you return to the activities you enjoy. Whenever possible, treatment begins with nonsurgical options. When surgery is necessary, our surgeons use advanced techniques designed to achieve the best possible outcome while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues.

What are the most common foot and ankle conditions?

Foot and ankle problems can develop from an acute injury, repetitive stress, arthritis, or structural abnormalities. Common conditions treated by our specialists include:

• Achilles tendon injuries and ruptures
• Ankle sprains
• Ankle instability
• Ankle arthritis
• Ankle fractures
• Bunion deformities
• Hammertoes
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendonitis and tendon injuries
• Stress fractures
• Cartilage injuries
• Flat feet and acquired foot deformities
• Heel pain
• Ligament injuries
• Sports-related foot and ankle injuries
• Complex foot and ankle trauma

Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, instability, difficulty walking, reduced range of motion, or a visible change in the shape of the foot or ankle. Persistent pain or difficulty bearing weight should be evaluated by an orthopaedic specialist. Click here to see our foot and ankle specialist physicians and the conditions they treat.

How are foot and ankle conditions diagnosed?

Your evaluation begins with a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries, and activity level. Your orthopaedic specialist then performs a detailed examination of your foot and ankle, assessing alignment, strength, stability, range of motion, and areas of tenderness.

Depending on your symptoms, your physician may recommend diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound. These studies can provide a detailed view of the bones, joints, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments and help your surgeon develop an individualized treatment plan.

How are foot and ankle conditions treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying condition and the severity of your symptoms. Whenever appropriate, our specialists begin with the least invasive treatment options. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Bracing or immobilization
• Orthotics or supportive footwear
• Physical therapy
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Corticosteroid or other therapeutic injections
• Regenerative medicine when appropriate
• Fracture treatment and stabilization
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Reconstructive surgery

Our goal is to identify the source of your pain and develop a treatment plan that addresses the problem while helping you return to normal activity as safely and efficiently as possible.

When is foot or ankle surgery necessary?

Many foot and ankle conditions improve with nonsurgical treatment. However, surgery may be recommended when pain persists, an injury does not heal properly, a joint has become severely damaged, or a structural problem significantly affects your ability to walk or participate in everyday activities.

Depending on your condition, surgical treatment may include:

• Achilles tendon repair
• Ankle arthroscopy
• Ankle ligament reconstruction
• Ankle fracture repair
• Bunion correction
• Hammertoe correction
• Tendon repair or reconstruction
• Cartilage restoration procedures
• Foot and ankle fusion procedures
• Reconstructive surgery for complex deformities
• Joint replacement in appropriate patients

When surgery is recommended, your surgeon will explain the procedure, expected recovery, potential risks, and alternatives so you can make an informed decision about your care.

What should I expect after foot and ankle surgery?

Recovery depends on the type of procedure performed and your overall health. Your postoperative plan may include a period of rest, elevation and icing, a protective boot or cast, crutches or other assistive devices, and physical therapy.

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding weight-bearing, wound care, medications, and when you can safely return to work, exercise, driving, and other activities.

The goal of rehabilitation is not simply to relieve pain, but to restore strength, mobility, stability, and confidence in your foot and ankle.

Why choose Western Orthopaedics for foot and ankle care?

Foot and ankle problems can affect every step you take. At Western Orthopaedics, our specialists combine comprehensive orthopaedic expertise with individualized treatment plans designed around your goals and lifestyle.

Whether you have an acute injury, chronic pain, arthritis, or a condition that has failed to improve with conservative treatment, our team can help you understand your options and determine the appropriate next step.

Don’t let foot or ankle pain keep you from the activities you enjoy. Schedule an appointment with Western Orthopaedics today for a comprehensive evaluation.

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