Foot and ankle surgery

Surgery may be an option when nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy, custom orthotics or medication, no longer provide relief. Our foot and ankle specialists may recommend surgery to treat: 

• Severe arthritis or cartilage damage
• Chronic tendon or ligament injuries
• Fractures or alignment issues
• Structural concerns such as flatfoot or high arches
• Bone spurs or tissue pinching inside the joint
• Nerve compression or instability that limits movement 

Your care team carefully evaluates your symptoms and imaging results before recommending surgery.

We always begin with conservative care to relieve symptoms and promote healing. If these options no longer control your symptoms, surgery may be the next step toward lasting relief. 

Nonsurgical

• Custom orthotics: Inserts to support alignment and reduce strain
• Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
• Bracing or immobilization: Stabilizes the joint during healing
• Medications or injections: Reduce inflammation and manage pain
• Lifestyle and activity modifications: Guidance on supportive footwear and safe movement 

Surgical

• Minimally invasive arthroscopy: Uses small incisions and a tiny camera to diagnose and treat problems inside the joint
• Reconstructive surgery: Corrects alignment, restores balance and improves joint function
• Ligament and tendon repair: Repairs or reconstructs tissue to stabilize the ankle and improve movement
• Fracture fixation: Uses screws, plates or pins to align and stabilize broken bones for optimal healing
• Joint fusion (arthrodesis): Relieves pain by joining bones when severe arthritis limits motion
• Joint replacement (arthroplasty): Replaces damaged joint surfaces to restore movement and comfort in advanced arthritis

After surgery, we use our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach to reduce pain, support healing and help you return to activity safely. Your recovery plan may include: 

• Physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility
• Gradually increasing weightbearing as your foot or ankle heals
• Guidance on protecting your foot or ankle during recovery
• Ongoing monitoring so your care team can adjust your plan as needed 

Most patients resume daily activities within 6 to 12 weeks, though full recovery times vary depending on your procedure and activity goals.

As with any surgery, foot and ankle procedures carry some risks, including infection, blood clots, stiffness or delayed healing. Your surgeon will review your health history and imaging results to select the approach best suited to reduce these risks. Your care team will walk you through the potential risks and benefits of your specific procedure and answer any questions before you move forward with treatment.