Foot and ankle surgery includes a variety of procedures to treat injuries and conditions affecting the complex network of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles in your feet and ankles. It is often recommended when non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, or braces, haven’t provided enough relief.
Our surgeons at California Pacific Orthopaedics perform a wide range of foot and ankle surgeries, from minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to complex reconstructive surgeries. Some of the common conditions we treat with surgery include:
- Bunions (Hallux Valgus): A bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe.
- Hammertoes: An abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe.
- Ankle Arthritis: Inflammation and wearing away of the cartilage in the ankle joint.
- Achilles Tendon Injuries: Tears or ruptures of the large tendon that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone.
- Ankle Fractures: Broken bones in the ankle joint.
- Flatfoot (Pes Planus): A condition where the arch of the foot is flattened.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot.
Our goal is to use the least invasive and most effective surgical techniques to relieve your pain, improve your mobility, and restore the function of your foot and ankle. We specialize in providing personalized care and will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for your specific needs and lifestyle. If you’re looking for the best foot and ankle surgeon in San Francisco, you’ve come to the right place.
Why is Foot and Ankle Surgery Done?
The decision to have foot and ankle surgery is a significant one, and our orthopedic specialists in the Bay Area will always explore all non-surgical options first. However, surgery may be the best option to provide long-term pain relief and improve your quality of life if you are experiencing:
- Chronic Pain: Persistent pain that doesn’t go away with rest, medication, or other conservative treatments.
- Deformity: A change in the shape of your foot or ankle, such as a bunion or hammertoe, that causes pain and difficulty with footwear.
- Instability: A feeling of the ankle “giving way,” often due to torn ligaments.
- Limited Mobility: Difficulty walking, running, or participating in daily activities due to pain or stiffness.
- Traumatic Injury: A severe injury, such as a fracture or tendon rupture, that requires surgical repair.
The main goals of foot and ankle surgery are to:
- Relieve Pain: By correcting the underlying problem, surgery can significantly reduce or eliminate pain.
- Improve Function: By restoring proper alignment and stability, surgery can help you walk and move with greater ease and confidence.
- Correct Deformities: Surgery can correct deformities to improve the appearance and function of your foot.
- Prevent Further Damage: In some cases, surgery can prevent a condition from getting worse and causing more serious problems in the future.
Our team at California Pacific Orthopaedics will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI, to determine if surgery is the right choice for you. We will discuss the potential benefits and risks of surgery with you and answer all of your questions so you can make an informed decision about your care.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After Your Procedure
Undergoing surgery can be a daunting experience, but our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. We are committed to ensuring you feel comfortable, informed, and prepared for your foot and ankle surgery and recovery.
Before the Procedure
Once you and your surgeon have decided that surgery is the best course of action, you will be given detailed instructions on how to prepare. This may include:
- Pre-operative appointment: You will meet with your surgeon and other members of your care team to review your medical history, discuss the surgery in detail, and ask any final questions.
- Medical tests: You may need to have blood tests, an EKG, or other tests to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery.
- Medication adjustments: You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before surgery.
- Fasting: You will be instructed not to eat or drink anything for a certain amount of time before your surgery.
- Arranging for help at home: You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and help you with daily tasks for the first few days of your recovery.
During the Procedure
On the day of your surgery, you will come to one of our state-of-the-art facilities in San Francisco. You will be given anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. The type of anesthesia you receive will depend on the type of surgery you are having.
The length of the surgery will vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. Your surgeon will make an incision to access the affected area and then perform the necessary repairs. This may involve realigning bones, repairing torn ligaments or tendons, or replacing a damaged joint. Once the surgery is complete, the incision will be closed with stitches and a bandage will be applied.
After the Procedure
Your recovery after foot and ankle surgery will depend on the type of procedure you had. You can expect some pain, swelling, and bruising after surgery, but we will provide you with medication to manage your discomfort.
Your post-operative care plan may include:
- Rest and Elevation: You will need to rest and keep your foot elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling.
- Immobilization: You may need to wear a cast, boot, or splint to protect your foot and ankle as it heals.
- Weight-Bearing Restrictions: You may be instructed not to put any weight on your foot for a period of time. You will be taught how to use crutches or a walker.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a crucial part of the recovery process. Your therapist will guide you through exercises to help you regain your strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Follow-up Appointments: You will have regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure you are healing properly.
