What is foot and ankle surgery, and when is it required?
Foot and ankle surgery is a specialized branch of orthopedic surgery focusing on diagnosing, treating, and correcting disorders and injuries affecting the foot and ankle.
This type of surgery addresses various conditions, such as fractures, ligament injuries, arthritis, deformities, and chronic pain, which can impact mobility and quality of life.
Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, orthotics, and lifestyle changes, fail to relieve symptoms or improve function. Common reasons for foot and ankle surgery include:
- Fractures and Injuries: Severe fractures, sprains, or ligament tears that do not heal properly may require surgical repair to restore stability and prevent chronic pain or deformity.
- Arthritis: Advanced arthritis in the foot or ankle can cause significant joint pain and stiffness. Surgery, such as joint fusion or joint replacement, may be performed to reduce pain and improve mobility.
- Deformities: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet can cause discomfort and lead to other issues if left untreated. Surgical correction can realign bones and tendons to restore proper foot structure.
- Tendon Disorders: Persistent tendon problems, such as Achilles tendonitis or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, may require surgery to repair or reconstruct damaged tendons.
- Chronic Pain: Surgery may be considered when chronic pain impairs daily life, and other treatments are ineffective.
Foot and ankle surgery aims to relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life, allowing individuals to regain mobility and perform daily activities more comfortably.
What are the common conditions that may need foot and ankle surgery?
Foot and ankle surgery is often necessary for various conditions that impact stability, function, and quality of life. Common conditions that may require surgery include:
- Fractures and Severe Sprains: Serious fractures, especially those involving multiple bones or severe ligament tears, may need surgical intervention to realign bones and stabilize the foot or ankle.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis can lead to chronic pain and stiffness in the foot and ankle. Joint fusion or joint replacement surgery can relieve pain and restore mobility.
- Bunions: A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe, often causing pain and alignment issues. Surgery realigns the bones and removes excess tissue.
- Hammertoes: This deformity causes the toe to bend abnormally at the middle joint. Surgery corrects the position, alleviating pain and restoring function.
- Achilles Tendon Disorders: Conditions like Achilles tendonitis or ruptures can lead to significant pain and mobility issues, requiring tendon repair or reconstruction.
- Flatfoot Deformity: Severe flatfoot, mainly when caused by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, may need surgical correction to realign and support the arch.
- Morton’s Neuroma: This painful nerve condition, typically between the toes, may require surgery to remove the affected nerve if conservative treatments fail.
These surgeries alleviate pain, improve functionality, and enhance overall foot and ankle health.
What are the risks and potential complications of foot and ankle surgery?
Foot and ankle surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications. While many patients benefit from improved mobility and reduced pain, understanding these risks is essential for informed decision-making.
- Infection: Post-surgical infections can occur at the incision site or deeper within the tissue or bone, requiring antibiotics or additional procedures for management.
- Blood Clots: Foot and ankle surgeries can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots, which may cause complications if not addressed promptly.
- Nerve Damage: Surgical procedures near nerves can lead to accidental nerve injury, causing numbness, tingling, or, in rare cases, chronic pain.
- Swelling and Stiffness: Prolonged swelling or stiffness may affect mobility and delay recovery, especially in joint-related surgeries.
- Delayed Bone Healing or Nonunion: In procedures involving bone fractures or fusions, bones may heal slowly or fail to fuse properly, potentially requiring additional surgery.
- Scar Tissue Formation: Scar tissue may develop around the surgery site, potentially restricting movement or causing discomfort.
- Pain or Chronic Discomfort: Some patients may experience persistent pain even after surgery, often related to complications or underlying conditions that require further evaluation.
- Recurrence of the Condition: Certain issues, like bunions or deformities, may recur over time, requiring additional interventions.
- Implant Failure: In surgeries involving hardware, such as screws or plates, there’s a risk of implant loosening or breaking, necessitating corrective procedures.
Careful post-surgical care, including physical therapy and adherence to recovery guidelines, can minimize these risks. Patients should discuss these potential complications with their surgeon to make informed decisions based on their unique needs and conditions.
Which is the Best Hospital for Foot and Ankle Surgery in Chennai, India?
Shri Bone & Joint Clinic is a leading hospital in Chennai, India, specializing in foot and ankle surgery. We have the best Orthopedic Specialist in Chennai. With a team of highly skilled orthopedic surgeons boasting over 10 years of experience, we provide expert care for various foot, ankle, and knee-related conditions.
Get the best quality Knee Preservation in Chennai from us. Our clinic ensures immediate relief through personalized treatment plans and high-quality care tailored to each patient’s needs.
At Shri Bone & Joint Clinic, we prioritize prompt service, scheduling same-day appointments based on doctor availability. We provide the best Ankle Fusion in Chennai.
Our services are affordable, with fees structured to ensure quality treatment remains accessible. We recommend booking an appointment in advance to confirm doctor availability for optimal convenience and minimal wait times.
Visit Shri Bone & Joint Clinic to experience compassionate care from skilled specialists dedicated to improving mobility and quality of life.
Who is the Best Doctor for Foot and Ankle Surgery in Chennai, India?
Dr. Shriram Krishnamoorthy is recognized as one of the best foot and ankle surgery doctors in Chennai, India. As a consultant at Flexsion Ortho Clinic, he is a trusted orthopedic and sports surgeon with national board certification and an extensive background in orthopedic care.
Dr. Shriram Krishnamoorthy’s training includes clinical rotations at Trivandrum Medical College, an observership at Sri Ramachandra Medical College, and ATLS training in Kochi. He has completed his AO Masters certification in orthopedic trauma and presented his scientific research at the prestigious OASISCON conference in Palakkad.
Following his postgraduate studies, he completed an arthroplasty fellowship at Fortis, Chennai, under Dr. A.B. Govindaraj.
With ECFMG certification, Dr. Shriram Krishnamoorthy further specialized in shoulder surgery, training in both arthroplasty and arthroscopy at the Dallas Shoulder Center, Baylor Scott & White University, under renowned shoulder surgeon Dr. Sumanth “Butch” Krishnan. His dedication to advanced orthopedic care and sports medicine has earned him a strong reputation among patients and peers alike.
How much does a Foot and Ankle Surgery Cost in Chennai, India?
The cost of foot and ankle surgery in Chennai, India, varies depending on the procedure’s complexity and hospital and surgeon fees. Generally, it ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹3,00,000, with minor procedures on the lower end and complex reconstructive surgeries at the higher end.
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