Foot and ankle surgery is an orthopedic subspeciality surgery that deals with the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of foot and ankle diseases. Anyone who has ever had foot or ankle discomfort can relate to how uncomfortable it is to be limited in your movements and mobility.
Foot and Ankle surgery
Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Pain
Both the foot and the ankle are intricate structures that balance and sustain the body's weight while allowing for movements and mobility. Even while foot or ankle pain may merely be a small, transient annoyance, persistent or severe discomfort may indicate a more serious issue that needs medical attention. Acute foot and ankle injuries, such as those sustained during sports, can also develop over time as a result of repeated action or overuse. Swelling, pain, stiffness, or bruising in the injured area, as well as difficulty standing or walking, are typical symptoms of foot or ankle pain that require medical attention.
Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain
Pain or discomfort in our foot and ankle can arise from many internal and external factors. Some discomforts can result from injuries sustained while walking or from other physical activities, while others can arise with growing age and illnesses. The common causes of foot and ankle pain are:
Arthritis:
Any condition that affects the joints is commonly referred to as arthritis. Many different degenerative joint disorders can cause this aching inflammation and stiffness. Rheumatoid, psoriatic, post-traumatic, and osteoarthritis are the more common kinds of arthritis. Swelling, soreness, severe pain, and occasionally fever are common symptoms.
Bursitis:
Bursitis, which is brought on by the swelling of the fluid-filled sacs that lessen friction in joints, is frequently triggered by trauma or infection. Common symptoms include pain, edema, soreness, or restricted range of motion.
Fracture:
Foot and ankle fractures can happen in a variety of ways. The signs of a fractured bone include pain that worsens with movement or pressure, swelling, bruising, and loss of function. When the bone breaks and protrudes from the skin, it is called a compound fracture. Hairline fractures in the bone known as stress fractures are frequently caused by prolonged stress or exertion.
Plantar Fasciitis:
Often foot and ankle pain is caused by a condition known as plantar fasciitis where the plantar fascia, a thick tissue on the sole of the foot, gets inflamed. Plantar fasciitis can arise from repetitive stress on the fascia resulting in microscopic non-healing tears in the tissue of the foot.
Sprains & Strains:
There are several ligaments in the foot and ankle that can be sprained. Sprains are painful and range in severity from a first-degree minor strain to a third-degree total tear or rupture (third-degree). Similar to a sprain in the ligaments, a strain can happen in the muscle.
Tendonitis:
This is an inflammation of the tendons, the rope-like structures that attach the bones and muscles together. Tendonitis can also result from an acute injury but is most frequently brought on by overuse. Symptoms of tendonitis are loss of range of motion and pain in the afflicted region.
Treatment methods for Foot/Ankle Pain & Fracture
Treatment of foot and ankle pain and discomfort can be done both surgically and non-surgically.
Nonsurgical Methods of Treatment for Foot and Ankle Discomfort are:
- R.I.C.E. (Rest, ice, compression, and elevation)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs)
- Shock absorbents such as toe pads or gel pads
- Walking aids such as a cane, walking boots, or crutches
- Immobilization and castings
Surgical Methods of Treatment for Foot and Ankle Discomfort are:
The surgical method of treatment for foot and ankle discomfort can vary from person to person and the type of injury. The type of surgery depends on the specific condition. Some common surgeries performed by orthopedic surgeons at Bone and Joints are:
Posterior Tibialis Tendon Surgery
The tissue cord known as the posterior tibialis tendon is robust and one of the most important tendons. It connects the bones on the inside of your foot to the posterior tibialis muscle at the back of your calf. When you walk, it supports your foot and maintains its arch. This tendon might be torn or irritated as a result of an injury. Overuse might potentially cause your tendon to rip or become inflamed. To treat this problem, surgery may sometimes be needed.
Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery
Surgery to repair a damaged Achilles tendon is known as Achilles tendon repair surgery. In the back of the lower leg and ankle, a strong, fibrous cord-like structure is seen which is known as the Achilles tendon. It links your calf muscles to the heel and is the biggest tendon in your body. It aids in your ability to run, leap, and stroll.
The Achilles tendon may occasionally rupture or tear. This is typically caused by an abrupt, powerful force acting across the ankle joint. It can occur when you engage in strenuous physical activity, abruptly move suddenly, or rotate on one foot. An Achilles tendon rupture can result in discomfort and edema close to the heel. It's possible that you won't be able to lower your foot.
Ankle Fusion
Ankle fusion surgery or ankle arthrodesis joins the bones of your ankle into a single unit. The operation is typically performed to treat ankle arthritis.
The ankle joint is also known as the tibiotalar joint which is located where the talus, a foot bone, meets the shinbone (tibia). The subtalar joint is a part of the ankle and is the meeting point of the talus and the calcaneus, two-foot bones.
These two joints of the foot are susceptible to arthritis. The smooth cartilage that covers the bones' part which forms the joints gradually deteriorates with use, resulting in inflammation and pain. An ankle fusion surgery joins two or more ankle bones together and lessens the pain and swelling.
Ankle Replacement Surgery
The replacement of a damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant is known as ankle replacement surgery.
The tibia (shin bone) meets the talus (ankle bone) at the ankle joint, also known as the tibiotalar joint. This joint, along with other joints in the foot, can be affected by arthritis. The smooth cartilage that covers the bones' outside gradually deteriorates with use. Your joint may become painful, swollen, and inflamed as a result. In order to get rid of the pain and swelling resulting from advanced arthritis, ankle replacement surgery can be performed.
Bunion Surgery
An expansion of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe is known as a bunion (hallux valgus). These develop when the joint is pressured over an extended period of time.
Women are more likely to get bunions than males, possibly due to their propensity for wearing constricting, pointed, and tight shoes. Having bunions might run in the family and often arthritis can also cause bunions. The big toe joint is frequently affected by this.
To relieve discomfort and correct the deformities brought on by a bunion, surgery is performed.
Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction surgery is conducted to tighten the lateral or outer ligaments of the ankle. The anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular, and posterior talofibular ligament are the three main ankle ligaments that support the lateral ankle. This procedure is designed for active, healthy individuals who often sprain their ankles and develop chronic ankle instability and discomfort as a result.Complications of Foot and Ankle Surgery
Infections, swollen and stiff feet and ankles, and wound hemorrhages are all possible complications after foot and ankle surgery.
Although every precaution is made to prevent complications, some do occasionally occur, and it may be necessary to consult with your doctor right away.
Recovery From Foot and Ankle Surgery
Recovery from foot and ankle surgery depends on the type of surgery you had and will vary from person to person. It’s better to ask your surgeon what to anticipate so that when you come home after surgery, things will be simpler if you have understood the procedure beforehand.
Where to Get Best Orthopedic Care for Foot and Ankle Discomfort?
Bone and Joints offers one of the best foot and ankle-related orthopedic services in Kathmandu, Nepal. Doctors and orthopedic specialists at Bone and Joints are able to help you with proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of fractures and trauma related to foot and ankle injury. Services at Bone and Joints are tailored according to our patient's needs with cost-effective and affordable pricing.
