Foot and Ankle Surgery

Living an active lifestyle starts with healthy feet. And if chronic pain has been keeping you from walking, running, or even standing comfortably, our foot and ankle surgeons can help.

Types of Foot and Ankle Surgeries at Virtua

Considering the average person takes about 10,000 steps per day, foot and ankle pain is incredibly common. At Virtua Orthopedics & Spine, our podiatrists and sport medicine specialists perform an array of sophisticated surgical procedures to treat the most complex conditions, including:

• Ankle arthroscopy: Our team makes a small incision and uses a tiny camera to look inside your ankle. This procedure can be used to treat arthritis, fractures, ankle impingement, and more.
• Ankle distraction arthroplasty: During this procedure, we stretch out the ankle joint for a period of time to treat arthritis-related pain. This technique allows for the natural healing of your damaged joint.
• Ankle fusion: Also known as ankle arthrodesis, this procedure fuses the bones of the ankle to relieve arthritis pain.
• Ankle replacement: With this surgery, we replace damaged joints in your ankles with artificial implants.
• Ankle reconstruction: To improve mobility, we might recommend this procedure which essentially tightens your ankle ligaments.
• Bunion correction: During a bunionectomy, we can effectively move your toes back into place, ultimately eliminating painful bunions.
• Cartilage repair and restoration: We offer various treatment options to not only repair damaged cartilage, but actually stimulate the growth of new cartilage.
• Flat foot correction: If you've been dealing with painful flat feet, and inserts have proven unsuccessful, this procedure could help. This surgery can correct your foot's alignment to restore its natural arch.
• Fracture repair: While most fractures can be repaired without surgery, some injuries do require more advanced treatment—like a bone dislocation.

Am I a Candidate for Foot and Ankle Surgery?

When it comes to foot and ankle surgery, your podiatrist or sports medicine specialist will recommend the best treatment option to address your symptoms. You might be a candidate for surgery if you're experiencing the following symptoms:

• Your foot and ankle pain has not responded to more conservative treatment methods like physical therapy
• You're unable to put weight on your foot or you're walking with a noticeable limp
• You've been diagnosed with a severe foot and ankle condition, like arthritis or ankle impingement

Foot and Ankle Treatment at Virtua

How we approach your care largely depends on your foot and ankle condition. At Virtua, we create tailored treatment plans designed to meet your goals, lifestyle, and needs. Here's what you can expect by connecting with our team:

• Starting on the right foot: We know that foot and ankle pain can be tremendously frustrating. But we are here to make this process as simple and straightforward as possible. That means answering your questions, talking through your procedure, and outlining your recovery.
• Partner for life: We're here to be your trusted partner in health. After surgery, our physical therapists can develop an exercise routine that will restore motion, build strength, and get you back on your feet, quite literally.

• Arthroscopic experts: Whenever possible, we utilize minimally-invasive arthroscopic surgical techniques for smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times.

Benefits of Foot and Ankle Treatment

Following a foot and ankle surgery, you will experience:

• Significant relief from pain in your foot and ankle
• Increased range of motion and the ability to live a more active life
• Improved quality of life

What to Expect with Foot and Ankle Surgery

Our goal is to make your surgery an easy, stress-free experience. And while every surgery is different, here's what you can expect from connecting with our team:

• The best-laid plans: A successful surgery begins with a well-thought-out plan. During your surgical consultation, we'll discuss your surgery prep, your care team, and even recovery tips like setting up a space on the first floor of your home where you can recover comfortably.
• Call ahead: The day before your surgery, we'll call you and let you know when you're scheduled to come in. Most foot and ankle surgeries take about two to three hours to complete. From there, you'll move to a recovery room.
• Recovery details: Your rehabilitation begins immediately following surgery. Our therapists will start with some light motion and gradually increase movements and intensity. Plus, a majority of our foot and ankle surgeries take place at our ambulatory surgery centers. That means you'll get to go home on the same day as your procedure.