foot surgery

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.

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.

Wound Care (FAQs)

What are diabetic foot wounds?
Diabetic foot wounds are cuts, scrapes, or sores that occur on the feet of people who have diabetes. Although they may seem inconsequential, even small wounds are a cause for concern. This is because people with diabetes are less likely to feel the wound due to nerve damage in the feet, delaying treatment until the wound has progressed. Poor circulation to the feet can also make the wounds heal slowly, increasing the risk of infection. Left untreated, wounds can turn into diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).
Why do diabetic wounds heal slowly?
Diabetic wounds tend to heal slowly because many people with diabetes also have poor circulation in their lower limbs. When there is inadequate blood flow to the feet and ankles, the nutrients needed for efficient, effective healing cannot get to the wounds quickly enough. When the wounds heal slowly and poorly, the chances of further damage to the surrounding skin and infection go up.
What should I do if I notice a diabetic foot wound?
If you are diabetic and notice a wound on your foot, you should seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. The earlier treatment begins, the better your chances are of avoiding complications.
How are diabetic foot wounds treated?
Treatments for diabetic foot wounds vary depending on the location and severity of the wound. Generally, your podiatrist will focus on disinfecting the wound, removing any dead tissue, and creating an environment on the foot that is conducive to healing. You will likely need to keep any pressure off of the wound while it heals. This can be achieved through resting the affected foot, padding it, wearing orthotics, or using devices designed to off-load pressure.
How can I prevent diabetic foot wounds?
The best way to prevent diabetic foot wounds is to remain proactive. When walking inside or outside the home, wear shoes to protect your feet from injuries. Maintain proper foot hygiene to reduce the risk of infections. Since loss of sensation through diabetic neuropathy is also common among people with diabetes, daily visual inspection of the feet for any cuts, scrapes, sores, wounds, or discoloration is also suggested. If you notice any changes in your feet, you should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.