Foot & Ankle Surgery

It’s always our first choice to treat foot and ankle problems with conservative methods ranging from physical therapy to orthotics, however, these treatments are not always enough to provide relief of foot or ankle pain. When non-surgical options have been exhausted, conditions worsen, pain is chronic, and your lifestyle and activities are affected, these are all signs that it’s time to consider foot and ankle surgery.

When Non-Surgical Methods Can’t Fix It

You should never live with pain, or allow it to interfere with doing the things you love. If you’ve tried all the conservative options available to you yet your pain will not go away, a surgical procedure may be necessary.

Some of the more common foot and ankle surgeries performed include:

• Bunion and Hammertoe. Toe deformities are progressive and will worsen over time, making it more and more difficult to wear shoes or participate in favorite activities. Surgical correction of these deformities will address imbalances and alignment issues to straighten toes that have drifted or curled. There are variations of procedures, and which is right for you will depend on the severity of your condition among other factors.
• Ingrown Toenail Removal. This is usually reserved for ingrown nails that resist other treatments, as well recurrence of nails that continue to grow inward. In severe cases, the nail matrix will be treated to disallow the nail to grow back, alleviating the chronic problem for good.
• Broken Bones. A complex fracture in which ends of broken bones are jagged and break the skin will need to be aligned surgically to heal correctly and avoid further issues. Bones that break into many pieces, like in the case of heel fractures and conditions like Charcot foot, also typically need to be surgically repaired. Other situations, such as severe arthritis or the formation of bone spurs, may also need surgery to help alleviate symptoms and restore function.
• Tendon Ruptures. A torn Achilles will most often need surgery to ensure proper healing and prevent future problems. There are also times when your plantar fascia – the band of tissues that supports your arch – needs to be surgically released to end tightness and chronic pain.
• Neuromas. Often referred to as pinched nerves, this condition can result in tingling, burning, pain, and numbness, which in turn can lead to injuries and poor quality of life. When all else fails, nerve surgery can release the nerve and alleviate symptoms.

When It’s Time to Turn to Surgery for Help

Of course, there are other foot and ankle surgeries than the ones listed above, but no matter the procedure, you can rest assured at Capital District Podiatry, you are in good hands. We will discuss all your options, thoroughly explain procedures, answer your questions, and calm any concerns you may have. We will also go over exactly what you can expect in terms of recovery and will be with you every step of the way, from preparation to post-op instructions and follow-up care.

When conservative treatments fail to provide relief and your lifestyle is altered because of chronic pain, call us to see if surgery is right for you. Contact our Troy and Clifton Park, NY offices by dialing (518) 273-0053. Don’t live in pain – we can help!