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Leading Foot & Ankle Surgeons in Columbus, OH

Foot & Ankle Surgery

Foot and ankle surgery can seem daunting, but it can be a crucial step in relieving chronic pain and restoring mobility when other treatments haven't worked. From common issues like bunions and hammertoes to more complex problems like Achilles tendon disorders and severe ankle arthritis, surgery can help you get back on your feet.

At Foot and Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio, we have over 30 years of experience providing comprehensive podiatry care to the community. Our team of specialized providers is dedicated to diagnosing your foot and ankle pain, recommending the most appropriate treatment options, and guiding you through every step of your recovery journey.

If chronic foot or ankle pain has been impacting your daily life, it might be time to consider whether surgery is the right option for you. Our expert team is here to help you make informed decisions about your foot health. Schedule a consultation with us online today to start your journey toward top-tier foot and ankle pain treatment.

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Foot and Ankle Surgery

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Surgical Treatment Options

There are a variety of foot and ankle conditions that may require surgery as a treatment option to achieve long-lasting pain relief. Some common conditions include:

Broken Bones

Dealing with broken bones in the foot or ankle can be incredibly painful and often requires prompt medical attention. When a break occurs, or when a fracture is severe or fails to heal properly with conservative treatments, surgery may become necessary. Broken ankle surgery, for example, aims to realign the bones, secure them with hardware like screws or plates, and facilitate proper healing.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, involving inflammation of the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot. While most cases improve with conservative treatments like stretching exercises, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications, chronic cases may need surgical intervention. Plantar fasciitis surgery may include procedures like plantar fascia release, where a portion of the fascia is cut to relieve tension and pain.

Bunions

Bunions are painful bony bumps that develop on the joint at the base of your big toe. They occur when some bones in the front part of your foot move out of place, causing the tip of your big toe to be pulled towards the smaller toes and forcing the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. Over time, this causes the bunion to become increasingly painful.

Surgery might be recommended if conservative treatments like shoe modifications, orthotics, or anti-inflammatory medications fail to provide sufficient relief. The surgical procedure, called Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction, corrects the metatarsal bone in all three dimensions, restoring alignment and straightening the toe.

Hammertoe

This condition occurs when a toe bends or curls downward instead of pointing forward due to an imbalance in the surrounding muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Hammertoe can cause considerable discomfort and make it difficult to find proper footwear.

When non-surgical treatments like padding, orthotics, and physical therapy don't alleviate the pain, surgery becomes a viable option. Surgical procedures may involve tendon transfer or joint resection to correct the deformity and restore normal toe position.

Ankle Arthritis

Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the ankle can cause significant pain and reduced mobility. When medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes don't offer relief, surgery might be necessary. Procedures for ankle arthritis include arthroscopy, which involves cleaning out the joint, realigning the bones, or even replacing the ankle joint with a prosthesis. These surgical options aim to reduce pain and improve joint function.

Achilles Tendon Disorders

Conditions like Achilles tendinitis can severely impact your mobility. If rest, physical therapy, and medications don't resolve the issue, surgery may be needed. Surgical intervention may involve removing damaged tissue, repairing ruptures, or lengthening the tendon to relieve tension and restore normal function.

Morton’s Neuroma

This painful condition affects the ball of your foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It involves the thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes, causing sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot.

Surgery is considered if conservative treatments such as shoe modifications, anti-inflammatory medications, or corticosteroid injections fail to relieve symptoms. Surgical options include decompression surgery or removal of the affected nerve.

Tibialis Posterior Disorder

This condition affects the tendon that supports the arch of your foot. If left untreated, it can lead to flatfoot deformity and significant pain. When conservative treatments like orthotics, physical therapy, or braces don't work, surgery might be necessary. Surgical options may include tendon repair, osteotomy, or fusion procedures to correct alignment and improve stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I prepare for foot or ankle surgery?

Proper preparation starts with a detailed consultation with your podiatrist, where you'll discuss your overall health, current medications, and any potential risks associated with the surgery. Your doctor may recommend specific preoperative tests, such as blood work or imaging studies, to better understand your condition.

It is important to follow any preoperative instructions given by your surgeon. This may include fasting for a few hours before the surgery, arranging for someone to drive you home, and preparing your home environment for a comfortable recovery. Make sure to ask any questions you have about the procedure to alleviate any concerns and go into the surgery with a clear head.

What is the recovery process like?

Recovery times can vary depending on the type and complexity of the surgery you undergo. However, some general guidelines can help you get back on your feet faster:

  • Rest is crucial, especially in the initial days following surgery.
  • Keeping the affected area elevated can help reduce swelling.
  • Applying ice and using compression can also reduce pain and prevent excessive swelling.

Your podiatrist might prescribe pain medications to manage discomfort. Depending on the surgery, you may need to use bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, orthotics, or even a cane to keep weight off your foot and prevent strain on the affected area. Attending all follow-up appointments is essential to ensure your recovery is on track and to address any concerns promptly.

How long until I can resume normal activities?

The timeline for resuming regular activities depends on the type of surgery and individual factors such as age and overall health. Your podiatrist will provide guidelines for when you can start putting weight on your foot or return to work, exercise, or sports. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to avoid complications and promote a successful recovery.

How can I schedule a consultation for foot and ankle surgery near me?

At Foot and Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio, we make it easy to schedule an appointment and get top-notch surgical care from one of the best podiatrists near you. Either schedule an appointment with us online or give your nearest FASCO office a call. We are excited to see you and help you get back on your feet!

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