At Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists, we believe in foot health for life. We also believe that the treatment of foot and ankle injuries and conditions should begin with the most conservative, non-invasive solutions—treatment options that prioritize our patients' overall health and time. 
However, there are foot and ankle medical conditions that don’t respond well to conservative treatments. In these cases, ankle and foot surgery may be the best option to resolve the issue, restore mobility, or stop chronic pain. In these cases, we rely on our decades of combined experience and the latest technology to fully restore feeling, function, and quality of life.
Conditions Treated by Our Foot and Ankle Surgeons
There are a number of different foot and ankle conditions that may benefit from surgery, especially if other interventions have not worked. Our main goals are to help ensure the patient has long-lasting pain relief and regains full function of their foot and/or ankle.
Bunion Surgery
Bunions can cause pain, inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and redness around your big toe joint. Medically known as bunionectomy, this surgery is designed to correct a deformity of the big toe joint by removing the bony bump at the joint. This restores normal joint function while alleviating the associated discomfort.
Hammer Toe Surgery
This common intervention corrects the abnormal bending of one or more toes caused by various factors such as ill-fitting shoes, muscle imbalances, and/or arthritis. As podiatrists, our goal when performing hammer toe surgery is to straighten the affected toes and alleviate pain. The procedure typically involves releasing the tight tendon responsible for the toe's abnormal bending and, in some cases, removing a small piece of bone. Recovery often involves a period of immobilization and subsequent rehabilitation to regain strength and flexibility in the toe.
Metatarsalgia Surgery
This surgery addresses a painful condition in the ball of the foot caused by inflammation or damage to the metatarsal heads. We consider surgical intervention when conservative measures fail to provide relief. Surgical options may include decompressing nerves or redistributing pressure on the metatarsal heads. The goal of metatarsalgia surgery is to alleviate pain and improve function, allowing patients to walk comfortably without the persistent discomfort in the forefoot.
Foot & Ankle Arthritis Surgery
Arthritis affecting the ankle or foot joints can severely impact mobility and quality of life. Our podiatrists may recommend surgical interventions, such as joint fusion or joint replacement, to address advanced cases of arthritis and its symptoms. These procedures aim to reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance overall joint stability. The choice of surgery depends on factors such as the extent of joint damage and the patient's overall health. Post-surgery, rehabilitation is crucial to ensure optimal recovery and restoration of mobility.
Achilles Tendon Surgery
Achilles tendon surgery becomes necessary when this crucial tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes damaged or torn. The goal of this procedure is to restore the tendon's integrity and function, allowing patients to regain strength and flexibility in the ankle. Rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in the post-surgery phase to ensure a gradual return to normal activities.
Morton’s Neuroma Surgery
A painful condition caused by the thickening of tissues around the nerves leading to the toes, Morton’s neuroma may require surgical intervention if conservative measures are ineffective. Podiatrists perform neuroma surgery to remove the enlarged nerve or release pressure on the affected nerve to relieve pain and discomfort and to allow patients to walk without the characteristic burning or tingling sensations associated with this condition.
Tibialis Posterior Surgery
When dysfunction of the tibialis posterior tendon leads to conditions such as flatfoot, surgical intervention may be recommended. At Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists, we may perform tendon repair or reconstruction to restore proper foot arch and function to address the underlying structural issues and prevent further deformity. Post-surgery, patients undergo rehabilitation to strengthen the tendon and surrounding structures, promoting a stable and functional foot.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
This surgery is considered when conservative treatments fail to alleviate chronic heel pain that characterizes plantar fasciitis. The goal is to relieve tension on the plantar fascia, the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, allowing patients to resume normal activities without persistent discomfort.
Surgery for Ankle and Foot Fractures
Fractures or broken bones in the ankle or foot may require surgical intervention to ensure proper alignment and healing, especially after an acute injury. We assess the type and severity of the fracture to determine the most appropriate surgical approach, which may involve the use of screws, plates, or other fixation devices. Post-surgery, a carefully managed rehabilitation program is essential to promote healing and restore strength and mobility to the affected area.
Debridement
This is a surgical procedure often employed to remove dead, damaged, or infected tissue from wounds, ulcers, or other foot conditions. Debridement promotes healing, helps prevent infection, and improves the overall health of the affected area. This procedure is particularly relevant in the context of diabetic foot care and chronic wounds.
Surgery for Your Foot and Ankle Conditions
The only person who can tell you if you need foot or ankle surgery is a podiatrist, and the best way to speak to a podiatrist is through a consultation. During this consultation, you and your podiatrist will talk extensively about your medical history as well as your current condition, including your level and frequency of pain, your mobility and range of motion, and your quality of day-to-day life. During this appointment, you will also be examined by the podiatrist. Depending on the information collected during your exam, your doctor will recommend a course of treatment that might include surgery.
How to Prepare for Your Surgery
To best prepare for surgery, make sure you have a surgical consultation appointment about your overall health, discuss any possible changes in medication, and ask any questions you may have about the procedure.
In some cases, you may have to refrain from eating and drinking eight hours before the procedure, so make sure you understand how to properly prepare for surgery. These requirements will be clearly provided to you and reviewed with you by our doctors.
Foot and Ankle Surgery: the Recovery
Recovery from surgery varies and will depend on your condition and the type of surgery performed. Generally, it’s recommended that you get plenty of rest, ice the affected area, compress the wound to aid in reducing swelling, and keep the area elevated. In some cases, your podiatrist may encourage you to use bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, orthotics, or a knee scooter, depending on how much weight they believe your foot and ankle can bear.
We will provide you detailed information on any restrictions or recommendations we have for your specific surgery, and you will have our contact information for both urgent and non-urgent questions. In some cases, physical therapy may greatly benefit your recovery.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’d like to discuss whether surgery is the best option for you and your foot condition, consult with us for a proper diagnosis to aid you in your decision.