Foot & Ankle Conditions That Require Surgery

As leaders in sports medicine, our team of expert ankle surgeons specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle injuries, helping athletes and active individuals get back on their feet and back in the game. At EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region, our surgeons utilize state-of-the-art advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies to perform several different types of ankle surgeries, from minimally invasive to reconstructive.

Common Sports-Related Ankle Injuries That Require Surgery

Because your feet and ankles support much of your body weight during many sports, ankle injuries requiring surgery occur often. Some of the common ankle injuries we treat include:

• Achilles Injuries: The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is often ruptured or severely damaged during sports activities.

• Ankle Ligament Injuries: Sprained or torn ligaments in the ankle are a common consequence of high-impact activities.

• Jones Fractures: This is a break in the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot, which is located near the base.

• Ankle and Foot Arthritis: Arthritis can affect the ankle and foot joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

• Hallux Rigidus (Big Toe Arthritis): This condition involves degenerative arthritis at the base of the big toe, resulting in pain and limited movement.

• Acquired Foot Deformities: Conditions like adult acquired flat foot and cavovarus foot (associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) can lead to significant foot deformities.

• Bunion Correction: Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, causing pain and deformity.

• Lesions of the Talus and Ankle: Lesions or injuries to the talus bone or ankle joint may require surgical intervention to remove or repair the damaged tissue.

• Foot and Ankle Cartilage Injuries: Damage to the cartilage within the foot and ankle joints can result in pain and limited mobility.

Types of Ankle Surgeries

Our board-certified and fellowship-trained sports medicine ankle surgeons in the Blue Ridge Region perform several different types of ankle surgeries, including:

• Ankle Arthroscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery: These procedures utilize small incisions and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat various conditions such as posterior ankle impingement, subtalar joint injuries, OCD lesions, cartilage injuries, and loose bodies in the ankle.

• Total Ankle Replacement: This procedure involves replacing a severely damaged ankle joint with an artificial joint, providing pain relief and improved function for individuals with ankle arthritis.

• Ankle and Foot Fusion Surgery: Fusion surgery involves permanently joining two or more bones in the ankle or foot, stabilizing the affected joint and reducing pain caused by arthritis or joint instability.

• Bunion Surgery: Surgical correction of bunions involves realigning the affected bones, removing bony overgrowths, and correcting soft tissue imbalances to relieve pain and restore proper foot alignment.

• MIS Bunion Correction: A less-invasive approach to bunion correction, this procedure involves making small incisions and utilizing specialized instruments to realign the affected bones, correcting the bunion deformity.

• 3D Lapidus Type Procedures (MIS and Traditional Open): 3D Lapidus procedures are advanced surgical techniques used to correct severe deformities and instability in the first tarsometatarsal joint, commonly associated with bunions. This procedure involves realigning the joint and securing it with screws or other implants.

Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgeries

In some cases, more complex foot and ankle conditions may require reconstructive surgery. These procedures focus on restoring optimal function and stability to the affected area. Common reconstructive surgeries include:

• Ankle Ligament Reconstruction: This procedure is performed to repair or reconstruct damaged ankle ligaments that have not responded to conservative treatments. It involves using grafts or synthetic materials to strengthen the ligaments, providing improved stability to the ankle joint.

• Tendon Transfers: These surgeries involve redirecting a healthy tendon from one area of the foot or ankle to another to compensate for weakened or nonfunctional tendons. This technique helps restore balance and function, allowing athletes to regain strength and mobility.

• Osteotomy: This surgical procedure involves cutting and repositioning bones to correct deformities and improve joint alignment. It can be used to address conditions such as malalignment, arthritis, and instability, restoring proper foot and ankle function.

• Soft Tissue Reconstruction: In cases where soft tissues, such as muscles or tendons, have been severely damaged, reconstruction may be necessary. This procedure involves repairing or replacing the damaged tissues, restoring function, and promoting healing.

At EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region, we understand the unique challenges and aspirations of athletes and active individuals. Our experienced sports medicine orthopedic ankle surgeons are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle injuries, utilizing the latest surgical techniques to optimize outcomes and facilitate a speedy recovery.

With a patient-centered approach, we work closely with each individual to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and goals. Our commitment to innovation and evidence-based practices ensure that our patients receive the most advanced and effective foot and ankle surgical care available.

If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury during sports or high-activity endeavors, do not let it keep you on the sidelines. You can find a foot & ankle specialist here and schedule your appointment when you are ready. Together, we will develop a treatment plan that will help you Emerge Stronger, Healthier, and Better.