Foot & Ankle Surgery
The foot is a complex structure made up of 26 bones and 33 joints, all connected through a network of more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
With every step you take, the bones and soft tissue of your feet are placed under enormous pressure by supporting the entire weight of your body. It is very easy to develop painful injuries in your feet and ankles, especially when exacerbated by wear and tear over time.
When you need surgery on your foot or ankle, turn to Dr. Cody Togher, podiatric surgeon at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida.
What Does Foot Surgery Treat?
Foot and ankle fractures and arthritis are two of the most common reasons for foot surgery. That said, surgery may be required to address a wide range of foot or ankle issues, including:
- Achilles tendon disorders
- Bunions
- Fractures
- Hammertoe
- Morton’s neuroma
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction (acquired flatfoot)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Foot & Ankle Arthritis
The most common forms of arthritis that affect the foot and ankle are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and arthritis that develops subsequent to a traumatic injury to a joint. Surgical approaches to treating arthritis in the foot and ankle will depend on the extent of the damage and severity of your symptoms. These surgical approaches include:
This minimally invasive approach involves making a series of small incisions and inserting a flexible arthroscope into the joint. During arthroscopic debridement, tiny surgical tools pass through the arthroscope and allow Dr. Togher to remove damaged tissue, smooth bone spurs, and correct areas of inflammation.
Also known as arthrodesis, fusion involves the use of pins, plates, and other connective hardware to hold certain bones in the foot or ankle together so that the bones fuse. This type of surgery is done most often done to treat arthritis in the foot.
Depending on the condition of your foot or ankle before the surgery, Dr. Togher may need to take a bone graft from another part of the body to replace missing bone and encourage fusion.
In cases of severe or advanced ankle damage, the entire joint may be replaced with a prosthesis, or artificial implant. This surgical procedure can provide substantial pain relief, as well as improve ankle movement and overall mobility. Ankle joint replacement is most often only recommended in cases of destroyed ankle components and an inability to execute day-to-day physical activities.
Special Considerations for Your Feet, Post-Surgery
Your post-op recovery plan will depend on the procedure performed and your unique condition. However, you can expect your plan to include limitations on bearing weight on your affected foot or ankle, as well as rest and elevation. Likewise, all prescribed exercises and physical therapy approaches should be maintained on a frequent, scheduled basis.
You may require the support of braces or other assistive devices during your recovery. In most cases, full recovery may take several months, as based on the severity of your condition and type of foot or ankle surgery you require.
Podiatrist / Foot & Ankle Surgeon in Naples, FL
Make sure you take care of your feet – you’ll need them for years to come. Dr. Cody Togher, the foot and ankle surgeon at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, can help. Call (239) 261-2663 to find out how significant your foot or ankle issue is and what your treatment options are, including foot or ankle surgery. You can also request an appointment now.
