Foot and Ankle Surgery

When do we need a FOOT AND ANKLE SURGERY

Foot and ankle surgery may be necessary in various situations when conservative treatments fail to alleviate symptoms or when there are structural abnormalities or injuries that require surgical intervention. Here are some common reasons why foot and ankle surgery may be needed:

1. Severe Foot or Ankle Pain:

Persistent or severe pain in the foot or ankle that significantly affects daily activities and quality of life despite non-surgical treatments like medication, physical therapy, or orthotics.

2. Structural Deformities:

Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, flat feet (pes planus), high arches (pes cavus), or bone spurs that cause pain, deformity, or difficulty walking and require surgical correction.

3. Arthritis:

Advanced arthritis in the foot or ankle joints causing debilitating pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion that does not respond to conservative measures.

4. Ligament or Tendon Injuries:

Severe sprains, tears, or ruptures of ligaments (e.g., anterior cruciate ligament - ACL) or tendons (e.g., Achilles tendon) in the foot and ankle that impair stability and function.

5. Sports Injuries:

Traumatic injuries sustained during sports activities, such as fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears (e.g., ankle sprains), that require surgical repair to restore normal function and prevent long-term complications.

6. Neuromuscular Disorders:

Conditions like peripheral neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or diabetic neuropathy that lead to muscle weakness, instability, and foot deformities necessitating surgical intervention to correct abnormalities and improve mobility.

7. Chronic Foot Ulcers:

Non-healing ulcers or wounds on the foot or ankle caused by diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other medical conditions, which may require surgical debridement, skin grafting, or other procedures to promote healing and prevent complications like infection or amputation.

8. Congenital Conditions:

Birth defects or congenital abnormalities of the foot and ankle, such as clubfoot (talipes equinovarus) or metatarsus adductus, that may require surgical correction to improve function and prevent long-term complications.

9. Chronic Pain Syndromes:

Chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) that do not respond to conservative treatments and may require surgical intervention to relieve pain and restore function.

10. Failed Previous Surgeries:

Cases where previous foot or ankle surgeries have been unsuccessful or have resulted in complications, necessitating revision surgery to correct the problem and improve outcomes. Ultimately, the decision to undergo foot and ankle surgery is made after a thorough evaluation by a qualified orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist, considering factors such as the severity of symptoms, underlying condition, patient's overall health, and goals of treatment.

Complications

Complications of foot and ankle surgery can include :

• Infections
• Swelling and stiffness
• Wound haematoma (bleeding)
• Increased pain
• Redness
• The affected area feeling warmer than usual
• An unpleasant smell

Recovery

• This will vary depending on the type of operation and your general health, so ask your surgeon what to expect. Planning ahead will make things easier when you get home.

• Different surgeons have different ideas about the treatment you’ll need after an operation. This is affected by the type of operation and your health. You should discuss with your surgeon what to expect after the operation. Your nurse or physiotherapist will be able to offer support.

• After you’ve been discharged from hospital an appointment will be made for you to come in as an outpatient so that your progress can be checked. Sometimes your GP will help with this aftercare. A district nurse may be asked to remove your stitches and change your dressings.

• If you stopped taking any of your regular drugs or had to alter the dose before the operation, it’s very important to talk to your rheumatologist for advice on when you should restart your medication.