Although the majority of foot and ankle conditions can be treated with conservative measures, there are cases when surgical intervention can be suggested or necessary to relieve symptoms and restore function. A variety of foot and ankle injuries, deformities, diseases, and systemic conditions that affect the lower limbs can be treated surgically. Whether or not surgery may benefit you is dependent on the problem and its duration, as well as its severity.

Certain injuries may require surgery to ensure a full recovery. These can include severe ankle sprains, fractures, Achilles tendon ruptures, turf toe, Morton’s neuroma, and plantar fasciitis. While foot deformities can usually be dealt with conservatively, surgical treatment may be warranted if the deformity is moderate to severe or impacts your quality of life. Common foot deformities that can be treated with surgery include bunions and hammertoes.

Arthritis, which can affect the joints of the feet and ankles, can be treated surgically as well. Joint replacement surgery may be suggested for joints in the feet or the ankle joints if the arthritis is severe and significantly impacts your mobility. Systemic diseases, like diabetes, poor circulation, and peripheral neuropathy, can damage the lower limbs. When these conditions are left undiagnosed, untreated, or are poorly managed, lower limb problems often occur. Infected and poorly healing foot wounds, for example, are frequently seen among people with diabetes. When these wounds progress, surgery may be needed to remove damaged tissue and save the limb from amputation.

If you have a foot or ankle condition, please consult with a podiatrist, who can determine which type of treatment is right for you.