Do You Require a Foot and Ankle Surgery - Signs and its Necessity?

Foot and ankle surgery is an option when medication and therapies won't provide relief in treating arthritis, tendonitis, and fractures. The surgery will improve muscle and body functions and relieve the ankle problem. However, different types of ankle surgeries are there; and you should know each of them.

At Apollo Spectra, Chennai, healthcare experts are here to provide world-class facilities to live a healthy and fit life. This blog focuses on the necessity of foot and ankle surgery and its complications.

Why Do You Need Foot and Ankle Surgery?

The foot and ankle support the body's weight for performing basic functions such as walking and running. The foot surgeon may recommend foot and ankle surgery to avoid further complications or provide relief when therapies or medications fail to work.

Here are some conditions where foot and ankle orthopedics may recommend surgery:

• Fractured ankle
• Arthritis
• Chronic ankle instability
• Ankle deformity
• Chronic ankle tendonitis or synovitis

Signs You Need a Surgery

It is always recommended to visit a foot and ankle orthopedist if you have pain for a few weeks. It helps to diagnose the issue early and avoid complications. Here are some signs that you might need to get foot and ankle surgery-

• Foot and ankle injuries pain will reduce after sufficient rest and taking medications. However, if the pain doesn't reduce or worsen
• Walking aids or medication does not provide relief.
• Unbearable pain during ankle movement
• Ankle or foot inflammation after continuous movement with pain
• Foot and ankle pain interferes with your sleep.
• Ankle pain worsens during a cold or rainy day.

Sometimes, the ankle pain worsens as the temperature dips down because the nerves in the worn-down joints are sensitive to pressure changes in temperature. However, you should not ignore the above signs and schedule an appointment with your nearest foot and ankle orthopedic clinic for a check-up.

Types of Foot and Ankle Surgery

Depending on your condition, the orthopaedician decides the right foot and ankle surgery type for you. Here are some of the common types of foot and ankle surgeries that you must know about:

• Arthroscopy - This is a minimally invasive surgery that uses several small incisions on the ankle. The surgery aims to remove small fragments of bone and cartilage from the ankle. It is an option for arthritis or ankle injuries.

• Fracture repair - This type of surgery is indicated in cases of fractures and requires inserting screws, plates, and other equipment to secure the fracture. The surgery helps to recover and heal the bone. There are different types of surgeries, and your foot surgeon will explain the specific details of the procedure.

• Replacement surgeries - In severe cases, replacement surgeries are recommended where cartilage or joint parts may be replaced with artificial equipment. It is recommended by doctors when the ankle point is damaged and needs to be replaced by another plastic or metal joint. The replacement joint is attached using a special surgical glue and screws to stabilize the joint replacement.

• Fusion - In this type of foot and ankle surgery, the foot surgeon removes the damaged tissue in the ankle joint. The surgeon joins or fuses the ankle bones with screws and metal plates. It is another option to treat arthritis.

• Tendon surgery - This type of surgery is recommended by the foot surgeon if there is damage in the tendons of the foot or ankle. The surgery can be as simple as removing the damaged tendon in case of chronic tendonitis or synovitis. Sometimes, it can be complicated in the case of Achilles repair or reconstruction, where the damaged tendon is replaced with another tendon from the foot.

• Ligament reconstruction - It is also called as Brostrum Procedure, and it is used for chronic ankle instability or foot deformity. In the foot and ankle surgery type, the foot surgeon tightens the loose and weakened ligaments that cause instability in your ankle.

Risks Associated with Surgery

Just like other treatments and surgeries, some risks are associated with ankle and foot surgery. However, you do not have to worry about complications if you have expert foot surgeons, like at Apollo Foot and Ankle Clinic in Chennai.

Nonetheless, here are the risks associated with ankle and foot surgery:

• Bleeding or blood clots can lead to deep vein thrombosis
• Side effects of general anesthesia, like feeling nauseous and vomiting.
• Infection
• Joint stiffness or weakness
• Nerve or blood vessel damage in the ankle

Post-Surgery Care Tips

The risks associated with foot and ankle surgery can be minimized with the right post-surgery care. Here are some post-surgery care tips for you:

• Follow the instructions of your foot surgeon properly.
• Ensure you complete the course of your medicines and don't leave it mid-way.
• Follow-up is extremely important to ensure healing.
• It is essential to get the proper rest and care for your body needs.
• Ensure care and keep the wound care clean at all times.
• Keep a close eye on your wound for signs of infection such as inflammation, rise in temperature, pus or fluid secretion, etc.

Bottom Line,

Foot and ankle surgeries can help you eliminate chronic pain and drastically minimize symptoms. Depending on your present health, your foot and ankle orthopedics doctor might advise you to proceed with the procedure.

At Apollo Foot and Ankle Clinic in Chennai, you will get world-class facilities and optimum care for your medical problems. Schedule an appointment with our specialist orthopedist if you face ankle problems.