When is foot and ankle surgery performed?
Foot and ankle surgery is performed only when more conservative treatment options have been attempted and have failed to provide you with long-term relief for pain and other symptoms, or in cases where your injuries are too severe or too complex for conservative approaches to be considered in the first place (such as a complex fracture). Prior to surgery, you’ll have X-rays and sometimes other diagnostic imaging exams to help Dr. Blue determine if surgery is the best option for you and to help plan the surgery if needed.
What types of foot and ankle surgery does Dr. Blue perform?
Dr. Blue has specialized training in reconstruction procedures for the feet and ankles, including surgery to repair damage from:
- Traumatic injuries
- Sports injuries
- Congenital deformities
- Progressive diseases like arthritis
Plus, he’s skilled in performing surgery to correct an array of foot- and ankle-related conditions like:
- Bone spurs
- Hammer toes
- Tendon or ligament tears
- Joint damage
- Bunions
What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a type of minimally-invasive surgery that uses a special instrument called an arthroscope, which is equipped with a tiny camera. Once the arthroscope is inserted through a small incision, the camera takes real-time pictures and video of the injury site, transmitting the data back to a monitor. The surgeon views the monitor and guides the surgery using the images on the screen to place and manipulate surgical instruments.
Minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopic surgery are associated with less tissue damage, less bleeding, and faster recovery compared to traditional surgical approaches that rely on much larger incisions. Because less tissue is damaged during minimally invasive surgeries, patients also report far less discomfort and a much faster return to normal activities following their surgery.
What is recovery like after foot and ankle surgery?
Your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you’re having. Some types of surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis while others will require hospitalization for a day or two. In some cases, Dr. Blue may apply a cast, brace, or surgical boot to your foot following surgery to help stabilize the area and support optimal healing. Physical therapy will begin soon afterward to help you regain mobility and strength. Over time, you’ll gradually return to your regular activities.
