Foot / Ankle Surgery

The anatomy of the foot and ankle area is very complex. The foot alone is comprised of 26 bones and 33 joints. The ankle is an intricate joint that is formed by the intersection of three bones. These joints collectively bear the weight of the entire body, and each step creates the force of up to three times a person’s body weight — a force that bears down on the foot and ankle each day. The area is vulnerable to injury and requires a high level of skill to treat.

Fractures and Sprains
The ankle joint is the intersection of the lower leg bones — the tibia and fibula — with the talus bone. An ankle fracture is typically a break in the end of one of these bones, usually the tibia or fibula. Symptoms of an ankle fracture can include pain to the touch, swelling and bruising, inability to put pressure on the leg, and deformity around the ankle.

Ankle sprains are the most common injury in sports. An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligament of the ankle, which when stretched beyond normal limits can be partially or completely torn. High grade ankle sprains can be quite painful, and symptoms can mimic that of a fracture. An x-ray can determine if the injury is a fracture or a sprain, and your orthopaedist will recommend the appropriate treatment.

Though they’re a common occurrence, stubbed toes can actually result in a fracture. Pain, swelling and discoloration that persists for more than a few days may indicate a fracture, and if left untreated, can develop into further problems.

>> Click link for additional information about ankle sprains, provided by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM): http://amssm.org/AnkleSprain.pdf

Achilles Tendon Injury
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, and is needed for normal walking, running and jumping. Injury to the Achilles tendon is a common, though disabling, condition, and is often caused by overuse. Achilles tendonitis symptoms include swelling and pain during activity or even at rest, and the condition can worsen if left untreated. An evaluation by an orthopaedist will determine the course of treatment, which can include medication, biomechanical control, and exercise.

>> Click link for additional information about Achilles Tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, and Shin Splints, provided by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM): http://amssm.org/AchillesHandout.pdf

Other Common Conditions
Bunions: A bunion is a prominent bump at the outer edge of the foot. Often caused by tight-fitting shoes, a bunion can be annoying and sensitive to the touch. If over-the-counter solutions don’t relieve painful symptoms, surgical correction may be an option.

Heel pain: When the tissues, nerves or bone of the heel become irritated, this can result in a strain called a “heel spur.” Athletes such as runners often develop this type of condition. Heel pain is often relieved with medication and exercise, and injections in severe cases. Surgery is rarely necessary.

Nerve damage: The pinching and swelling of a nerve is called a “neuroma,” and is a common foot injury caused by walking in poor-fitting shoes. Often occurring on the bottom of the foot between the toes, a neuroma can be treated by a change in footwear, medication and injections. If symptoms persist, surgery may be an option to remove the affected nerve.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Since the problems associated foot and ankle injury are wide ranging, proper diagnosis is the essential first step in the road to recovery. Your orthopaedic specialist will begin with a thorough physical examination. An X-ray or MRI may be used to complete your diagnosis.

Many minor conditions of the foot can be relieved with a change in footwear, while more advanced conditions may require medication, injection, exercise, or physical therapy. In most situations, these treatments are exhausted before surgery is considered. Surgical options include arthroscopic surgery on the ankle, and open surgery on both the ankle and foot. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the solutions for your condition thoroughly.