Foot and ankle problems are extremely common due to the complex network of bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments found within these vital body parts. If any of these structures becomes weak or compromised from injury, overuse, deformity or disease, it's important that you see a qualified orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon to evaluate and treat the condition.
Your surgeon works closely with you to develop a plan that minimizes disability and restores function to your foot or ankle. Treatment options for foot and ankle conditions are made on a case-by-case basis and take into consideration the source of injury or disability, activity goals, daily limitations and function of the foot and ankle.
Surgical Treatment Options
Many foot and ankle conditions can be treated effectively with physical therapy or with shoe inserts and orthotics. However, if surgery is recommended, options may include:
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Ankle arthroscopy – Your surgeon uses a small camera to view the inside of the ankle (not foot) and assess the bones and cartilage. This minimally invasive procedure may be used to treat arthritis, fractures, instability, anterior ankle impingement, infection and other ankle conditions.
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Ankle or foot fusion surgery – Foot or ankle fusion treats damaged or degenerated bone and cartilage to stabilize the ankle. This procedure can effectively reduce pain caused by arthritis, but does limit range of motion of the foot or ankle.
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Ankle joint replacement – During ankle replacement, your surgeon removes damaged ends of bones and cartilage and replaces it with an artificial joint. Ankle joint replacement reduces pain caused by arthritis.
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Ankle ligament reconstruction – Your surgeon may recommend ankle ligament reconstruction if conservative treatment has failed to treat chronic/repetitive ankle sprains and ligament damage. This procedure tightens ankle ligaments to help improve stability and range of motion.
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Bunion and hammertoe correction – During this procedure, your surgeon straightens the bones that cause hammertoes or bunions.
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Cartilage repair – There are several types of cartilage repair surgery available at Temple to repair the damaged cartilage in the ankle, including cartilage restoration and regeneration procedures and osteochondral grafts.
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Deformity correction – Foot and ankle deformities, caused by developmental conditions, arthropathies (disease of the joints), neuropathic conditions, trauma, infection or prior procedures, can significantly impact foot and ankle function and make daily activities difficult. Our fellowship-trained surgeons develop customized surgical plans to address your deformity, reduce discomfort or disability, and restore function to the foot and ankle.
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Flat foot correction – Flat foot surgery addresses flattening of the arch of the foot to restore normal pressure during standing and walking. A combination of procedures to address ligaments, tendons and bone alignment are performed to reconstruct a flexible flat foot.
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Fracture repair – Fractures of the ankle and foot are often treated non-operatively but may require surgery if the fracture is unstable, displaced or affects a joint. Surgical fixation of foot and ankle fractures aims to restore bone position, stabilize and promote bone healing to restore function, and reduce likelihood of persistent problems, arthritis or stiffness following injury.
