Florida Foot & Ankle logo 110px height

FOOT & ANKLE SURGERY

INTRODUCTION

The foot and ankle is a complex body system connected by 26 bones, approximately 33 joints, and thousands of nerve endings. With such complexity, it is hardly surprising that many people suffer from various foot and ankle conditions.

Treatments for problems affecting the foot and ankle involve non-invasive procedures, from medications to physical therapy sessions. However, surgical procedures may also become an option for patients not responding to conservative treatments in order to restore and improve foot and ankle function.

If you need foot and ankle surgery, Florida Foot and Ankle Associates is the right place for you. We have locations throughout South Florida, with our specialists serving the Greater Miami Area, including Miami-Dade (Miami, Kendall, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Coral Gables), Broward County (Hollywood, Pembroke Pines), and Palm Beach County (Boca Raton). Find your doctor here!

Here’s everything you need to know about foot and ankle surgery, including the common conditions and diseases involving this complex system.

What is Foot and Ankle Surgery?

Foot and ankle surgery refers to an invasive medical procedure used to treat, remove, or repair foot and ankle problems. It is a subspecialty of podiatry and orthopedics that aims to bring long-lasting relief to the crippling symptoms of foot and ankle conditions.

According to research, about 37% of individuals aged 47 and up suffer from disabling foot conditions and 15% from musculoskeletal ankle problems. 

These diseases vary from rheumatoid arthritis to post-accident injuries, but all resulted in poor health, specifically:

  • Reduced mobility
  • Poor physical function and ability to do everyday activities
  • Increased risk of falling and disability

Most foot and ankle diseases don’t need surgical procedures to be treated. But when basic medical care fails, surgeons can provide a wide spectrum of surgical options to improve foot and ankle function.

Who Performs Ankle and Foot Surgery in Miami?

At Florida Foot & Ankle Associates, we have podiatric surgeons, also known as DPM (doctor of podiatric medicine), who perform the surgery. They are the only medical specialists licensed and certified to perform foot and ankle surgeries. In addition, both specialties also deal with the diagnosis, treatments, and prevention of foot and ankle conditions. 

We serve in South Florida, including the Greater Miami Area, all surrounding Miami-Dade communities as far north as Broward County and Palm Beach County. Do not hesitate to find the doctor's office closest to you.  Find your doctor here

Common Conditions We Treat

Many foot and ankle injuries and diseases may be cured through non-surgical means, such as steroid and anti-inflammatory drugs, supportive devices, and a series of physical therapies. 

However, some illnesses and conditions in advanced stages can only be solved through surgical procedures.

Some of the most common foot and ankle ailments that may need surgery can be divided into four categories:

Ankle Disorders

This includes osteoarthritis, osteochondral lesions of the talus, and some cases of ankle impingement and instability.

Hindfoot and Midfoot Disorders

  • Subtalar, talonavicular and tarsometatarsal osteoarthritis.
  • Achilles tendon disorders, such as peritendinitis, tendinopathy, and Haglund’s syndrome.
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Flat foot
  • Cavovarus foot

Forefoot Disorders

  • Hallux valgus and hallux rigidus
  • Lesser toe deformities
  • Rheumatoid forefoot disease
  • Morton’s neuroma
  • Ingrowing toenails

Miscellaneous Disorders

  • Other foot and ankle conditions include fractures, dislocation, and damaged cartilage or ligament. 
  • Deformities like bunions and hammertoe.
  • Foot and ankle problems secondary to a chronic condition, such as diabetes, gout, and heart illness.

Lumps, bumps, and tumor removal in the foot and ankle may require surgery in chronic or malignant cases.

foot ankle surgery miami

Common Types of Foot and Ankle Surgery

Our foot and ankle surgeons provide various surgical care to treat all kinds of foot and ankle problems, from complex disorders to injuries affecting people of different ages. Some of the most common types of foot and ankle surgery include:

Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

Our doctors perform minimally invasive foot surgery in the Miami area and all surrounding communities to treat and manage foot and ankle conditions. Unlike the traditional surgical approach, this technique uses the latest technology, imaging techniques, and special surgical instruments that allow for smaller incisions, decreased surgical risks, and faster recovery.

Achilles Tendon Repair 

Achilles tendon repair refers to a surgical operation used to repair a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon一a fibrous muscle cord that connects the calf to the heel. Additionally, this type of surgery can also be used to treat patients with tendinopathy or tendinitis (degenerating tendons due to overuse).

Ankle Replacement

Also known as ankle arthroplasty, ankle replacement surgery is used to remove damaged ankle joints (parts of the tibia and talus joints) and replace them with artificial metal ones. This procedure helps alleviate the pain and swelling caused by several disorders, such as ankle osteoarthritis.

In fact, studies found that ankle replacement using new types of prosthesis has a 90% success rate in treating end-stage ankle osteoarthritis.

Fusion Surgery

This surgical technique refers to the permanent fusion of joint/s using screws, plates, and nails in either foot or ankle. Fusion surgery is recommended to treat arthritis, facilitate healing from traumatic injuries, or correct deformities like flat feet.

Metatarsal Surgery

The metatarsal bones pertain to the long bones behind each toe of the foot一the first metatarsal being the one behind the big toe, while the fifth refers to the bones of the little toe.

This surgery involves making a small incision in the affected metatarsal bones. Surgeons will raise and correctly align the bone, then stabilize it using screws or metal pins. Metatarsal surgeries are commonly used to correct a bunion deformity, treat painful ulcerations and calluses at the bottom of the feet, and sometimes treat fractures. 

According to research, one of the most common injuries treated in primary care is metatarsal fractures (5-6%), specifically in the fifth metatarsal. Fortunately, some fractures can be cured through ample rest and non-invasive treatment options.

Morton’s Neuroma Surgery

Morton’s neuroma is a condition affecting the balls of your foot up to the web spaces between the toes. This occurs due to the thickening of the tissues in the toes, which can damage the nerves around it. 

The surgical procedure is performed as a last resort when other treatments fail. It involves removing the thickened nerves to relieve the intense pain and pressure in the affected area.

Reconstructive Surgery

Surgeons perform foot reconstructions to restore correct foot anatomy so patients can regain normal function. In addition, it is used to treat foot deformities, major injuries, and other disorders.

How to Know if You Need Foot & Ankle Surgery?

Surgical operations serve as a last resort care option for most podiatrists. Doctors decide whether or not a patient should go through surgery by considering these factors. 

  • The severity of the injury and symptoms (e.g., intense pain that hinders mobility).
  • Poor response of the disease to non-invasive treatments.
  • Medical history and current health status of the patient (e.g., healing capabilities, underlying medical condition).

If you are experiencing any foot and ankle problems, it’s crucial to visit your doctor right away. 

You can also schedule an appointment with your trusted specialist who can determine the best treatment plan for your condition. We are always nearby and here to help! Click here and find the doctor’s office closest to you.

Where to Get Foot And Ankle Surgery?

If you are wondering where to get foot and ankle surgery, don’t hesitate to contact our doctors at Florida Foot & Ankle Associates. Our caring and compassionate staff will be there to support you every step of the way. From routine foot care to more specialized treatment, our diabetic foot specialists in Miami, Hialeah, Hollywood, and other South Florida locations are trained in new methods and advanced equipment in podiatry.

Our medical facility and doctors specialize in the following:

Also, feel free to visit us in any of our convenient locations:

  • Miami Dade County (including Miami, Miami Beach, Kendall, Hialeah, Coral Gables) 
  • Broward County (Hollywood, Pembroke Pines)
  • Palm Beach County (Boca Raton)

We operate at most major hospitals in the region, accept just about every insurance plan, and offer a range of payment options. Our quality care comes with a promise: accessibility and affordability!

If you have any questions, contact us or call us at 786-662-3893.

 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

CONTACT US

  • Hidden
  • Hidden
    MM slash DD slash YYYY
8200 NW 27th St
Suite 108
Doral, FL 33122
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram