What are the issues foot and ankle surgery can resolve?

If you are currently dealing with painful and/or debilitating ankle or foot conditions, you might be searching for options.

If you are in the Philadelphia area, the doctors at The Foot and Ankle Group can help you find the right option.Foot and Ankle Surgery

The fact is, your feet and your ankles can be subject to a number of conditions and issues. Athletes can find themselves dealing with issues ranging from stress fractures to cartilage or tendon injuries. Diabetics often have to manage various lower extremity issues. Almost anyone, at one time or another, may find themselves dealing with an ankle and foot issue

A number of treatment options are available for foot and ankle issues. However, when conditions become too severe or are less responsive -- or even unresponsive -- to other treatments, surgery may be the best option. Doctors, such as the physicians affiliated with The Foot and Ankle Group, can help you determine if surgery is the best option for your situation.

What kind of foot and ankle issues can surgery resolve?

Podiatrists and orthopedists for the most part generally agree that almost any foot or ankle issue can be treated with surgery. For example, ankle replacement surgery may be the best option for an individual suffering with severe arthritic conditions in the ankle.

Conditions that could be resolved with surgery can include, but are not limited to:

  • Arthritis
  • Various athletic injuries and conditions
  • Flat feet
  • Deformities (club foot, for example)
  • Fractures
  • Bunions
  • Various tendon issues (Hammertoe, Achilles tendon conditions and injuries)
  • Cartilage issues

An important question to consider is whether you are an appropriate candidate for surgery. Generally, people considering surgery should be in good health or in a physical condition capable of recovering successfully from a surgical procedure.

If you smoke, your doctor will likely tell you to quit several weeks prior to surgery. This is because a number of studies have shown that smokers take longer to recover from surgical procedures than non-smokers. People with a history of heavy alcohol use, or who have conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and/or seizures, should also understand they are at higher risk for complications.

Ultimately, such decisions should be made with the help and advice of a qualified physician. If you have questions about foot and ankle surgery, give our Philidelphia office a call today! See if foot and ankle surgery is right for you!