Foot and ankle surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments are no longer effective in relieving pain or restoring function. Conditions affecting the feet and ankles can impact mobility, balance, and daily activities if left unaddressed. Here’s more information on when to get foot surgery:
Managing Persistent Pain
Chronic pain is one of the reasons patients seek foot and ankle surgery. This type of pain continues despite the use of medication, rest, and other conservative therapies. When a patient adheres to a physician’s advice for several months but experiences no reduction in discomfort, this suggests a serious underlying condition.
Conservative treatments support self-healing, but they have limitations. For instance, physical therapy strengthens the muscles around an injury, but it cannot repair a completely ruptured tendon. If the tissue damage is extensive, the body’s natural healing process may halt, leaving the patient in a state of chronic inflammation. When pain impacts a person’s schedule or prevents them from sleeping, surgery is often the next step.
Correcting Structural Issues
Certain foot and ankle conditions involve physical deformities or instability that worsen over time. These structural issues alter footstrike, leading to uneven pressure distribution and further joint damage. The following conditions are instances of structural problems that often necessitate foot and ankle surgery:
- Severe Bunions: A bony bump forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to turn inward and creating significant pain during walking.
- Rigid Hammertoes: The toe becomes permanently bent at the middle joint, leading to painful corns and an inability to wear standard shoes comfortably.
- Ankle Instability: Chronic laxity of the ankle ligaments leads to frequent sprains and a sensation of the ankle giving way on uneven surfaces.
- Flatfoot Deformity: The arch of the foot collapses, causing the ankle to roll inward and leading to pain in the arch, heel, and ankle.
- Bone Spurs: Bony projections develop along bone edges, often in joints, which limit the range of motion and cause friction against soft tissues.
Correcting these physical changes prevents further damage to the joints and surrounding soft tissues.
Improving Mobility
Mobility is a key component of a healthy, active lifestyle. When foot or ankle conditions limit a person’s ability to walk, stand, or participate in recreational activities, they affect quality of life. This loss of function is a strong indicator that conservative management is no longer sufficient.
The inability to perform job duties is another key factor. Many professions require employees to stand or walk for extended periods. If foot pain prevents a person from working effectively, it becomes a financial and practical burden. Surgery aims to restore the foot’s function, so the patient can return to their career and daily obligations without constant distress.
Seeking Specialist Guidance
A podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon uses specific diagnostic tools to determine if surgery is necessary. The following are clinical signs and diagnostic results that lead a specialist to recommend ankle surgery or foot procedures:
- Advanced Arthritis: X-rays show complete loss of cartilage in the joint space, indicating that bone is rubbing against bone.
- Tendon Rupture: An MRI confirms that a tendon, such as the Achilles or posterior tibial tendon, is torn and pulled away from the bone.
- Non-Union Fractures: Imaging reveals that a broken bone has failed to heal properly after a period of immobilization or casting.
- Failure of Injections: Corticosteroid injections provide no relief or only very temporary relief, suggesting that inflammation is not the only issue.
- Open Wounds: Diabetic ulcers or wounds that extend to the bone may require surgery to remove infection and close the tissue defect.
These clinical findings help the podiatrist and patient decide whether foot and ankle surgery is the appropriate course of treatment.
Schedule Your Foot and Ankle Surgery Consultation
Deciding to proceed with surgery is a significant step toward regaining mobility and reducing pain. Recognizing the signs of surgical necessity, such as persistent pain and functional impairment, helps patients seek appropriate care. Contact a qualified foot and ankle specialist near you to schedule your foot surgery consultation today.