Living with foot and ankle issues impacts your mobility and ability to enjoy life. When conservative treatments aren’t enough, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore function and alleviate pain. At Clover Podiatry, we understand how difficult it is to live with foot and ankle pain. Founder Tek Fish, DPM leads a team of compassionate foot doctors and medical staff ready to help you get back on your feet through skilled surgical care and comprehensive recovery support.
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Common Foot and Ankle Surgery Options
Our first approach to healing focuses on conservative or non-invasive treatments. These methods often include bracing, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and other options. However, if these remedies aren’t enough to manage your foot or ankle pain, surgery may be an effective solution. Different procedures address various severe foot and ankle conditions, including sports injuries, acute traumas, deformities, and complications from medical conditions.
Common Treatments That May Require Surgery
Here are some common issues we treat with surgical procedures if necessary:
- Ingrown toenails. Persistent ingrown toenails that don’t respond to professional trimming may require surgical removal to prevent infection and relieve pain.
- Foot and ankle fractures. After a foot or ankle frature, surgery realigns and stabilizes fractures to ensure proper healing and restore function.
- Achilles tendon tears and ruptures. Surgical repair of the Achilles tendon helps restore strength and flexibility, allowing you to return to your regular activities.
- Plantar fasciitis. When conservative treatments fail to relieve this chronic arch and heel pain after a few months, we might recommend surgery to release the tension in the plantar fascia tendon.
- Heel spurs. Surgical removal of bone spurs helps reduce pain and prevent further damage to surrounding tissues.
- Bunions. Surgical correction of bunions can realign the toe and relieve pain caused by this common deformity.
- Hammer toes. If you start to experience more pain and curvature in a hammer toe, we might advise different procedures to restore stability and function and reduce discomfort.
- Neuropathy. In severe cases of nerve damage, surgery may be necessary to relieve symptoms and improve foot function.
- Diabetic foot ulcers. Surgical debridement and other procedures can help heal chronic ulcers and prevent serious complications.
- Arthritis. For arthritis in the foot and ankle, surgical solutions could include joint fusion or replacement to alleviate pain and restore mobility.
- Metatarsal joint issues. Surgery can address problems such as instability or misalignment.
Recovering From Foot or Ankle Surgery
Recovery from foot or ankle surgery varies depending on your specific procedure and general prognosis. Trust that the entire medical team at Clover Podiatry is committed to providing personalized care to ensure a smooth recovery process.
First, we thoroughly explain the surgical procedure, including the benefits, risks, and what you should expect during recovery. This preparation helps set realistic expectations and reduces anxiety.
After surgery, you receive detailed instructions on wound care, pain management, and any necessary medications. It's essential to follow your aftercare guidelines carefully to prevent complications. Depending on the procedure, you might also temporarily need mobility adjustments, such as using crutches, wearing a special boot, or avoiding weight-bearing activities for a specified period.
Regular follow-up visits with the foot surgeons at Clover Podiatry are crucial to monitor your healing progress and promptly address any concerns. These appointments also allow for any necessary modifications to your recovery plan. In addition, you may be advised to do rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy, which help you restore strength, flexibility, and function to your foot or ankle. As your healing progresses, we know you’ll be eager to resume your favorite activities, so we’ll create a staged plan that allows you to move with confidence.
Our Vancouver Podiatrists Are Here to Help
Our caring podiatry team at Clover Podiatry is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way on your road to recovery. From providing innovative yet minimally invasive solutions to navigating post-operative care, we give you the personalized care and comprehensive support you need for a successful recovery. Remember: pain isn’t normal. If you have foot or ankle problems, let us show you the way to live a pain-free, active life.
To request an appointment with our experienced Vancouver podiatrists, click the button above to fill out our online contact form. For immediate assistance, call 360.450.6644 now.