Foot and Ankle Surgery: What Is It and What Are Its Treatment Areas?

Feet and ankles are among the body parts that bear the entire weight of the body and are most exposed to impacts throughout the day.

Foot and ankle surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the treatment of problems occurring in the foot and ankle. Surgical methods are frequently utilized in the treatment of injuries and deformities in the foot and ankle. So, what is foot and ankle surgery? What conditions does it address? What are the diagnostic and treatment methods used in foot and ankle surgery? The answers to these questions and other curiosities about foot and ankle surgery are detailed in the continuation of the text.

What Is Foot and Ankle Surgery?

Foot and ankle surgery is a medical specialty that employs surgical methods to treat various health issues in the foot and ankle. The feet and ankles are among the body parts that bear the most weight. Therefore, any problem occurring in the foot region can lead to complaints such as limited mobility and pain. Foot and ankle surgery plays an important role in preserving individuals' mobility. Surgical procedures involve the correction of deformities, repair of fractures, tendons, and muscles, as well as the placement of foot and ankle prostheses. Foot and ankle surgery is generally performed under local or general anesthesia, with either closed or open surgical techniques used depending on the patient's condition.

Foot and ankle surgery is a frequently used treatment method for resolving foot and ankle issues. The use of surgical methods in treating problems in the foot and ankle helps reduce patients' pain, increase mobility, and assist them in returning to their daily activities.

What Conditions Does Foot and Ankle Surgery Address?

In many cases, it is possible to treat foot and ankle problems using non-surgical treatment methods. However, in some instances, specialists may determine that surgical methods are necessary. Factors such as severe pain, the patient's overall health condition, and a decrease in the patient's mobility are considered when deciding whether to perform surgery. The primary health issues addressed by foot and ankle surgery are as follows:

• Deformities in the Foot: Congenital or acquired foot deformities can sometimes lead to restricted movement in individuals. Foot and ankle surgery is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of foot deformities, including flat feet and bunions.
• Foot and Ankle Traumas: Injuries to the foot and ankle can occur due to incorrect movements during sports, traffic accidents, or falls. Surgical methods may be necessary for treating issues such as sprains and strains in the foot and ankle.
• Heel Spur Surgery: Known as a heel spur, this condition refers to a bony protrusion that forms on the underside of the heel bone. Heel spurs can develop due to prolonged standing or straining the foot and ankle, often causing severe pain in many patients. Both non-surgical and surgical methods are frequently employed in the treatment of heel spurs.
• Arthritis Treatment: Arthritis can be defined as inflammation occurring in any joint in the body. Arthritis is also common in the small joints of the foot and ankle. Depending on the severity of the disease, patients may experience pain and difficulty moving. Treatment for arthritis may include physical therapy, medication, and surgical interventions.
• Tumors in the Foot and Ankle: Foot and ankle tumors are rare formations that can lead to serious consequences if not treated early. Ankle surgery is an effective method for diagnosing and treating tumors in the foot and ankle area.

In addition to the aforementioned, surgical procedures such as bone grafting, tendon repair, and amputation are also successfully performed by specialist doctors in the field of foot and ankle surgery.

What Are the Diagnostic Methods Used in Foot and Ankle Surgery?

Foot and ankle surgery is a surgical field that addresses various health issues in the foot and ankle that negatively affect daily activities, sports, walking, and running. The diagnostic methods used in surgery may vary depending on the type and severity of the condition and the characteristics of the patient. Among the diagnostic methods used in foot and ankle surgery, various imaging techniques are at the forefront following a physical examination. These methods are essential for understanding the type of disease, making an accurate diagnosis, and determining an appropriate treatment plan.

Imaging methods that use X-rays are the most commonly used radiographic imaging techniques. Additionally, imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow for detailed visualization of bone marrow and soft tissues. They can also be used to detect damage or injury to tendons, ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissues. Computed tomography (CT) scanning works similarly to X-rays but provides more detailed images and is especially used for examining bone structures in detail. Ultrasound is often utilized to detect tendon injuries and damage to ligaments. During ultrasound imaging, high-frequency sound waves generated by a device are processed by a computer to obtain images. This detailed imaging method allows specialist doctors to easily identify issues in the foot and ankle. Additionally, in athletes, ultrasound can be used to determine the strength or weakness of a tendon, allowing for the development of an appropriate treatment plan.

What Treatment Methods Are Applied in Foot and Ankle Surgery?

There are various treatment methods applied in foot and ankle surgery. Specialist surgeons in the field, who closely address health problems such as ankle sprains, foot fractures, Achilles tendon injuries, heel spurs, dislocations or fractures of foot bones, and diabetic foot, carefully listen to the patient's complaints and, if necessary, utilize various imaging techniques to prepare an appropriate treatment plan. Since the foot is a crucial limb that bears the body’s weight, any problems in this limb can progress due to untreated conditions, leading to reduced mobility and more serious health issues.

Commonly applied treatment methods in foot and ankle surgery include:

• Posterior Tibial Tendon Surgery: Posterior tibial tendon disease is one of the most frequently encountered health issues in the foot region. When there is a problem with the posterior tibial tendon, which primarily functions to create the arch of the foot, the arch may be lost, leading to various issues, including flatfoot. Posterior tibial tendon surgery is a widely used treatment method in foot and ankle surgery. This surgery can be performed today under local anesthesia using minimally invasive techniques (with a small incision). During the surgery, the specialist surgeon makes an incision on the sheath surrounding the tendon and repairs the damaged tendon portion.
• Ankle Arthrodesis (Fusion): One of the common problems seen in the foot and ankle joints is joint inflammation, known as arthritis. During ankle fusion, the specialist surgeon separates the joint from the bone and appropriately fuses the bones together.
• Achilles Tendon Repair: Rupture or damage to the Achilles tendon is a health problem that can occur in many individuals, especially athletes. When the Achilles tendon ruptures, surgical methods are generally required for tendon repair. The surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. During the procedure, the specialist surgeon accesses the tendon through a small incision and repairs the tear in the tendon.

In addition to these, wounds in the foot may arise due to chronic conditions such as diabetes, and/or amputation may be necessary. Specialists in foot and ankle surgery also assist in the treatment of such issues.

Early diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems help prevent disease progression. If you are experiencing issues such as pain, swelling, or limited mobility in your foot and ankle, do not hesitate to visit the nearest healthcare facility for check-ups.