Yes, Arizona podiatrists can perform foot and ankle surgery on patients. As part of their education, podiatrists are trained in surgery and medicine. You do not have to see an orthopedic surgeon for foot and ankle surgery. Podiatrists, by definition, are foot specialists. They can offer a holistic view on foot and ankle health. Among the range of treatment options is foot surgery.
Not all podiatrists offer all types of foot and ankle surgery. They have specializations like any other professional. Podiatrists may propose surgery to correct bunions, hammertoe, and bone fractures, among other conditions. It can relieve symptoms and promote better mobility.
Types of Foot and Ankle Surgery
At Fixing Feet Institute, we offer a range of foot and ankle surgery. Depending on the type of foot surgery, anesthesia may be needed. This may be a local numbing agent, or in some cases, it may involve general anesthesia. Your doctor will walk you through everything. The following are some examples of the types of surgery a podiatrist may perform:
- Reconstructive surgery. This type of surgery is all about realignment. Your podiatrist may realign bones, tendons, and joints. The goal is to restore healthy function and reduce pain. Examples include grafting, fusion, and joint implants.
- Nerve surgery. Pinched and compressed nerves can be released through surgery. Patients can experience relief within as little as a day or two. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is often treated with surgery.
- Tendon surgery. Ruptured tendons can benefit from surgery. Your doctor may lengthen, shorten, or transfer tendons. This can have long-term benefits for mobility and comfort.
- Toenail surgery. Common conditions like an ingrown toenail can be fixed with surgery. The doctor may remove part or all of the toenail in the case of severe fungal infection.
- Trauma care. Accidents can cause severe, acute injuries. We can repair the damage in the case of an emergency. This can involve bone and connective tissue.
Painful foot conditions are often symptoms of something else. A podiatrist can get to the root cause of your foot and ankle pain. Just treating symptoms isn’t enough. You need to treat the cause. Your podiatrist will work with you on how to prevent future injury too.
What Is the HyProCure Procedure?
At Fixing Feet Institute here in Arizona, our experienced team offers the HyProCure procedure. It’s used to fix talotarsal dislocation. This is the lower ankle joint. It’s one of the most important weight-bearing joints in the human body.
The 20-minute procedure involves placing HyProCure in the natural space in your ankle joint. This offers realignment and stabilizes the joint. It is not implanted into your bones. Healing takes a few weeks, followed by physical therapy. HyProCure is highly successful with minimal complications. Plus, it is fully reversible.
Discuss All Your Treatment Options
From flat feet to high arches, foot problems are as unique as the people who have them. In the same way, possible treatments for your feet and ankles can vary too. Make an appointment to discuss your options, including surgery.
For example, say you have a pinched nerve. It’s also called an entrapped nerve. Treatment options here may include a splint or a brace. That will immobilize the area. The plan can include physical therapy and new orthotics too.
In the case of crooked toes, stretches and medication can help. But, if those crooked toes become rigid, surgery could be the only way to go. Surgery can realign tendons and reposition the toe. It can remove deformed bone tissue too. Every case is different. That’s why it’s important to speak with our team to discuss your options.
