Foot Surgery

Foot surgery, ankle surgery treatment in the Port St Lucie, FL 34952, Stuart, FL 34994 and Hollywood, FL, 33021 areas

Foot Surgery in Port St. Lucie, Stuart & Hollywood, FL

Although the majority of foot and ankle conditions can be treated with conservative measures, there are cases when surgical intervention can be suggested or necessary to relieve symptoms and restore function. A variety of foot and ankle injuries, deformities, diseases, and systemic conditions that affect the lower limbs can be treated surgically. Whether or not surgery may benefit you is dependent on the problem and its duration, as well as its severity.

Conditions That May Require Surgery

Certain injuries may require surgery to ensure a full recovery. These can include severe ankle sprains, fractures, Achilles tendon ruptures, turf toe, Morton’s neuroma, and plantar fasciitis. While foot deformities can usually be dealt with conservatively, surgical treatment may be warranted if the deformity is moderate to severe or impacts your quality of life. Common foot deformities that can be treated with surgery include bunions and hammertoes.

Arthritis, which can affect the joints of the feet and ankles, can be treated surgically as well. Joint replacement surgery may be suggested for joints in the feet or the ankle joints if the arthritis is severe and significantly impacts your mobility. Systemic diseases, like diabetes, poor circulation, and peripheral neuropathy, can damage the lower limbs. When these conditions are left undiagnosed, untreated,  or are poorly managed, lower limb problems often occur. Infected and poorly healing foot wounds, for example, are frequently seen among people with diabetes. When these wounds progress, surgery may be needed to remove damaged tissue and save the limb from amputation.

If you have a foot or ankle condition, please consult with a podiatrist, who can determine which type of treatment is right for you.

Foot and Ankle Surgery (FAQs)

What foot or ankle conditions require surgery?
There are a variety of foot and ankle conditions that may require surgery, or for which surgery may be a treatment option. These include fractures, arthritis, bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, and Morton’s neuroma. Unless the problem is very severe or an emergency, your podiatrist will usually try less invasive treatment measures first, before recommending surgery.
What can I expect during a foot or ankle surgery?
What you can expect during surgery varies based on the type of surgery that you have. Many procedures, such as bunion removal, are outpatient. This means that, barring any complications, you will get to go home the day of your surgery. Many surgeries will use either local or general anesthesia so that you do not feel any pain during the procedure. To learn more about what to expect during your specific surgery, you should speak with your podiatrist before the procedure.
What can I expect after a foot and ankle surgery?
Following surgery, you may experience pain, bleeding, swelling, or drowsiness depending on the type of procedure that you had. These are all temporary and will improve with time and proper care. You may need to wear a cast, splint, boot, or other device on the affected leg and use a mobility aid to get around while you recover. Often, the doctor will recommend resting the affected leg while you heal. For more information about what to expect during recovery from your specific surgery, you should speak with your podiatrist.
How long does it take to recover from a foot or ankle surgery?
Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery you have. For some procedures, such as plantar fasciitis surgeries, the recovery time can be as short as several weeks. For others, like ankle joint replacement, recovery may take up to a year. Following your doctor’s orders closely can ensure that you recover as quickly and efficiently as possible.