Foot Surgery That Restores Function

What You Need To Know

A patient guide to reconstructive foot surgery and when it may be recommended.

Understanding Reconstructive Foot Surgery

Our feet carry the entire weight of our body, day in and day out. In time, this is bound to cause foot problems. These problems usually go away with medication and physiotherapy. But sometimes, foot conditions may not respond to conservative treatment. In such cases, reconstructive surgery may be needed to alleviate pain and restore the function of your foot.

Reconstructive surgery is done for the foot and ankle to regain function or stability, reduce pain, and prevent further deformity. Foot diseases and severe foot conditions can make it difficult to live a full life and can be difficult and frustrating. They often require long-term care and rehabilitation. Foot reconstruction surgery, including tissue reconstruction, function restoration, and cosmetic rehabilitation, can help improve quality of life.

Common foot and ankle issues may not require a surgical intervention, but if problems persist, your physician may recommend surgery as the most effective option for you. Signs that a conversation about surgery may be appropriate include ongoing pain with walking, deformities that worsen over time, and loss of function that limits your daily activities.

At Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists, the podiatrist will assess the amount of damage and the severity of the foot condition before deciding on whether foot reconstruction surgery can help the patient. The type of surgery and the extent of reconstruction will depend on the severity of the condition. If you have been living with foot pain that has not improved, schedule an evaluation so we can review your options together.

Common Reconstructive Procedures

Our physicians offer reconstructive surgery as a treatment option for various conditions and traumatic foot and ankle injuries. Surgery can help treat problems related to foot and ankle pain, deformities, fractures, and loss of function in feet and ankles.

Bunion surgery is done when there is severe foot pain while walking or chronic big toe inflammation not relieved with rest or medicines. Hammer toe surgery may be needed if the deformity is severe and the toe is fixed and immobile, and may involve removing part of a bone to realign the toe or fusing the joints. Major reconstructive surgery for clubfoot involves extensive release of multiple soft tissue structures of the foot. Nail surgery may include partial removal (avulsion) or total removal (matricectomy) for deformed, damaged, or infected toes.

Heel spur surgery can offer pain relief and restore mobility, and may include plantar fascia release, with or without heel spur excision. Tendon repair surgery treats a torn or damaged tendon, easing pain and increasing range of motion. Other procedures include bone fusion, joint implantation, bone grafting, skin or soft tissue repair (often performed arthroscopically), and osteotomy using screws, pins, wires, or casts to stabilize the bone.

Conditions we treat include Achilles tendonitis, bunions, foot and ankle traumatic injuries, ganglion cysts, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis, among others. Your surgeon will walk you through the recommended procedure and what recovery will look like.