Foot and Ankle Surgery

Foot and Ankle Surgery: Surgery, Treatment, and Recovery Process

Foot and ankle surgery covers the surgical treatment of structural deformities, traumatic injuries, and chronic diseases of the foot and ankle joint.

At Daviva Health Group, foot and ankle surgery procedures are performed to high standards by an experienced team of specialist physicians and technological surgical systems.

Get detailed information about what foot and ankle surgery is, which conditions it is used for, procedure types, risks, and the recovery process.

What Is Foot and Ankle Surgery?

Foot and ankle surgery is a surgical specialty focused on treating various injuries and deformities that affect foot function and health.

It covers the surgical treatment of traumatic injuries affecting the ankle joint, ligament and tendon damage, osteoarthritis, deformities, and conditions that cause chronic pain.

The foot has a highly complex structure containing 26 bones, more than 33 joints, over 100 ligaments, and 20 muscles. The feet bear the body’s full weight and perform the essential task of keeping the body upright. The feet stabilize the muscles and ligaments and help maintain balance.

Why Is Foot and Ankle Surgery Performed?

The ankle joint is a critical joint that connects the lower leg to the foot and enables the foot to move up and down. It plays a central role in essential movements such as walking, running, climbing stairs, and standing. Diseases and injuries in this area can seriously affect quality of life.

Foot and ankle disorders can affect people of all ages, from children to athletes, adults, and older adults.

Surgical treatment is considered when conservative (non-surgical) treatments do not provide sufficient benefit. Surgery is generally preferred in the following situations:

• When conservative treatments (rest, medication, physical therapy, orthoses) do not provide benefit
• When there is a severe structural deformity
• In serious trauma such as fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears
• When chronic pain and limited mobility develop

In Which Conditions Is Foot and Ankle Surgery Used?

Foot and ankle surgery focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle disorders. When problems such as bone deformities, chronic pain, or conditions affecting foot alignment and structure arise, surgery may be needed to correct these issues and improve the patient’s quality of life. In foot and ankle surgery, hallux valgus, hammer toe, flatfoot, tendon disorders, and ankle osteoarthritis are treated.

The conditions that may require foot and ankle surgery are:

• Hallux valgus (bunion)
• Hallux rigidus
• Claw toe and hammer toe deformities
• Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia), forefoot pain due to biomechanical causes or neurological, metabolic, and rheumatologic systemic diseases
• Osteoarthritis (degeneration) in the ankle joint
• Flatfoot (pes planus) — can be seen from childhood to adulthood and older age
• High arch (pes cavus) and related balance problems
• Congenital deformities (clubfoot) and hypoplasias (growth defects)
• Inflammatory arthritis affecting the foot and ankle
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Foot and ankle trauma
• Ankle sprains
• Cartilage lesions
• Ankle osteoarthritis (degeneration)

What Are the Types of Foot and Ankle Surgery?

Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical method in which a camera and special surgical instruments are inserted into the joint through small skin incisions. Thanks to the fiber-optic camera and magnified imaging system, the surgeon can directly view the ankle joint. The advantages of this method are:

• Procedure performed without a large incision
• Less pain and bleeding
• Lower risk of infection
• Shorter hospital stay (usually 24–48 hours)
• Faster rehabilitation and return to daily life

After arthroscopic surgery, patients can usually return to work and sports sooner.

Ankle Fracture Surgery

Ankle fractures occur as a result of fracture or displacement of the fibula, tibia, or talus bone. While simple ligament injuries can be treated with conservative methods, displaced fractures usually require surgical intervention. During surgery:

• Fractured bone fragments are anatomically realigned under X-ray guidance.
• They are fixed with plates and screws.
• If necessary, the syndesmotic ligament or torn ligaments are repaired.

The goal is to ensure that the ankle heals in the correct alignment and that joint function is preserved in the long term.

Ligament and Tendon Repair Surgery

Ligament tears and sprains are the most common injuries in the ankle. They are especially common in athletes. Surgical treatment is preferred in cases of recurrent sprains, chronic ankle instability, and accompanying bone or cartilage damage. Surgical methods:

• Re-stitching the ligaments
• Fixing them to the bone with suture anchors
• Ligament reconstruction with a tendon graft if needed

The goal is to prevent permanent joint instability and restore stability.

Ankle Prosthesis and Fusion (Arthrodesis) Surgery

Ankle arthrodesis (joint fusion)

The articular surfaces of the talus and tibia bones are removed, and the bones are fused together in a functional position.

It is an effective method for reducing pain and has been reliably used for many years. However, joint movement is lost.

Total ankle replacement

The damaged joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis. Metal components and a plastic spacer are used to try to preserve joint movement.

The following factors are evaluated when deciding on total ankle replacement:

The patient’s age and activity level

General health status

Osteoporosis, diabetes, or circulation problems

The degree of joint damage

Accompanying foot deformities

Occupational and athletic expectations

The treatment plan is determined individually.

How Is Foot and Ankle Surgery Performed?

Foot and ankle surgery covers the treatment of abnormalities in the foot joints, tendons, ligaments, and bone structure. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and correct the anatomical alignment of the foot.

Foot surgery is anatomically divided into three regions:

Forefoot: Toes and big toe region

Midfoot: The area between the metatarsal bones and the ankle

Hindfoot: The heel bone (calcaneus) and subtalar joint

Surgical techniques for each region may differ.

The treatment plan is determined individually for the patient. The main methods used are:

• Joint-preserving surgeries
• Corrective surgeries
• Joint fusion (arthrodesis)
• Joint replacement (total ankle replacement or big toe replacement)
• Minimally invasive (arthroscopic) surgical methods

Today, many procedures can be performed with closed (arthroscopic) techniques, which provide the advantages of smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.

Recovery Process After Foot and Ankle Surgery

The recovery time after foot and ankle surgery generally ranges from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s overall health. Physical therapy and regular medical follow-up positively affect this process. The main steps in recovery are:

Immobilization

After surgery, a splint, orthopedic boot, or cast is used to keep the foot fixed. This ensures that the bones and joints heal in the correct position.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy and exercises aim to restore the range of motion and muscle strength of the foot and ankle. Regular exercises shorten recovery time and improve joint function.

Pain Management

Postoperative pain control is provided with medications and, when necessary, supportive therapies. Effective pain management speeds up recovery.

Footwear and Orthopedic Support

Using appropriate footwear and orthopedic supports during recovery helps maintain the correct position of the foot and reduces the risk of complications.

Medical Follow-Up

Periodic follow-up and doctor assessments after surgery are important to ensure proper healing and to update the treatment plan if needed.

What Are the Risks of Foot and Ankle Surgery?

Foot and ankle surgery is safe, but as with any surgical procedure, some risks and complications may occur. It is important for patients to be informed about these risks.

Possible risks and complications include:

• Nerve injuries: Damage may occur, especially to skin nerves in the foot; in most cases, it is not permanent.
• Bleeding and vessel damage: Secondary bleeding and hematoma (blood collection) may occur during or after surgery.
• Delayed bone healing: Bone healing after a fracture or osteotomy may take longer than expected or may be insufficient.
• Screws and plates: Screws or plates used for surgical fixation may cause problems or protrude outward.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Rarely, a condition may develop that can cause severe and long-lasting pain.

Some complications may require additional surgery to correct the condition. Regular doctor check-ups and recommended rehabilitation help reduce risks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foot and Ankle Surgery

Is foot and ankle surgery painful?

Pain after surgery is controlled and usually decreases in a short time.

When can you walk after foot and ankle surgery?

The time to start walking depends on the surgery performed; some patients can put weight on the foot within a few weeks.

Does foot and ankle surgery provide a permanent solution?

Long-term successful results are achieved with the right patient selection and appropriate treatment.