Reconstructive Surgery Specialist

What is reconstructive surgery?

Reconstructive surgery is a type of orthopedic surgery used to correct damaged structures within your feet and ankles. The goal of reconstructive surgery is to prevent pain and restore functionality following an accident, injury, or illness. 

Most foot and ankle problems subside on their own with rest and conservative measures of care. However, certain issues like fractures, chronic heel pain, and structural deformities may require surgical intervention in order to prevent further damage and immobility. 

Committing to reconstructive foot surgery or reconstructive ankle surgery is a big decision. Most people try to avoid it as long as possible. You've probably landed on this page because conservative treatment hasn't worked for you. You have tried everything; anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, orthotics, shoe modifications, weight control, cortisone injection and regenerative medicine options. Anything to avoid surgery.  

After several weeks of the latest treatment, your pain is still intense.  Changing work, sport or leisure activities either isn't an option, or these lifestyle changes aren't acceptable. Maybe you have a strong feeling you may need flat foot surgery, or reconstructive ankle surgery, but it’s never a good time to take off from work. Your insurance plan has a big deductible, or you have to pay out of pocket.

When conservative care hasn't produced significant improvement, you feel intolerable pain or your condition is too advanced to respond to non-invasive treatment, reconstructive surgery can get you past your disability and back to a normal lifestyle.

What types of issues can benefit from reconstructive surgery?

The team at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry specializes in both minimally invasive and traditional orthopedic surgery techniques. They regularly perform surgery to treat problems including:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Flat feet
• Bone deformities
• Fractures
• Plantar fasciitis
• Diabetic wounds
• Ingrown toenails

The providers also specialize in orthopedic surgery for sports-related injuries such as Achilles’ tendonitis, ligament tears, and severe ankle sprains. 

Do I really need foot surgery?

If you answer yes to the following questions, you might: 

1. Would you rate your severity of pain a 5 or above on a 10 point scale?
2. Have you been experiencing pain longer than two weeks? 
3. Have you been on your current treatment plan longer than four weeks?
4. Has your foot problem forced you to make lifestyle changes you prefer not to make?
5. Are you ready to explore a surgical option?

Evaluation By A Board Certified Foot And Ankle Surgeon

Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery is a highly specialized field of medicine that focuses on the surgical reconstruction of the musculoskeletal system, or the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and related structures of arteries and nerves.  These procedures can relieve pain by rebuilding the foot and foot arch restoring normal gait and ambulation.

Most long-term foot and ankle problems require reconstructive surgery.  Some procedures are complex and may involved tendon transfer, bone fusion, joint implantation, bone grafting and soft tissue repair.  Various types of internal fixation devices such as screws, plates, wires, staples or pins need to be implanted to stabilize the structure of the foot.

Choosing a surgeon board certified in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery to conduct a thorough evaluation will give you the best opportunity to determine a straightforward surgical plan and optimal recovery.

What happens during reconstructive surgery?

The team at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry typically performs reconstructive surgery as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home on the same day of your operation. On the day of your appointment, you change out of your clothes and into a hospital gown. After walking you through the procedure, your provider administers general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep.  

Next, your surgeon makes a series of small incisions near the site of your injury and uses an arthroscope – a skinny tube with a tiny camera on the end – and small surgical tools to evaluate and repair your damaged bone, tendon, muscle, or ligament. After correcting the problem, your surgeon closes your wounds with sutures and wraps them in dressing. 

Once the anesthesia wears off, your provider gives you a list of recovery instructions and writes you a prescription for antibiotics and pain medication. You’ll still feel somewhat groggy, so it’s important to have a friend or family member on hand to drive you home. 

What is recovery like following reconstructive surgery?

In the first 24-48 hours after your reconstructive surgery, it’s perfectly normal to experience swelling, stiffness, and general discomfort. Take your medications as prescribed, follow your provider’s recovery instructions, and avoid strenuous activities. 

A week or two after your operation, you’ll start participating in physical therapy. Although the road to recovery is difficult at first, it’s crucial that you attend all of your appointments. Slowly but surely, light exercise and stretching can strengthen your muscles, improve your circulation, and relieve pain.

If foot and ankle pain is negatively affecting your quality of life, and conservative methods of care haven't made a difference, reconstructive surgery is worth considering. Schedule your consultation at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry today by calling or clicking the provided link.