With 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, the foot is one of the most complex parts of the skeletal system. Almost 25 percent of all the bones in your body are in your foot alone. All orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle treatment. You must visit best ankle surgery specialist if you have a problem with your foot or ankle.
A foot and ankle specialist is an orthopedic surgeon, from sprains and strains to bunions and fractures, which mostly handle that part of the body but treat many physical conditions. A foot and ankle specialist knows the comprehensive workings, dynamics and nuances of how the foot and ankle present themselves, how they function and how pain and disability can be influenced and triggered.
Foot and ankle surgery is an orthopedic and podiatric sub-specialty that deals with the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of foot and ankle disorders. Consultants specializing in foot and ankle surgery have undergone a rigorous selection process and are leaders of particular importance in their profession.
Contents
Popular Conditions and Symptoms:
- Bunions
- Ankle arthritis
- Morton’s neuroma
- Hammertoes
- Hind foot
Foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons do more than just operations; they treat the full range of surgical and non-surgical foot and ankle problems. Foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons will try all the conservative orthotic and physical therapy treatment methods, like injections, before attempting to do an operation if possible. If you want to visit Houston’s best ankle surgery specialist, here are the reasons to choose them.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While some discomfort and swelling are normal after ankle surgery, certain symptoms may indicate a problem that requires medical attention. Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Severe pain not relieved by medication
- Excessive swelling, redness or warmth around the incision
- Drainage or foul odor from the surgical site
- Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
- Numbness, tingling or coldness in your foot
- Chest pain, shortness of breath or calf pain (could indicate a blood clot)
Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare team with any concerns or questions during your recovery.
Five Reasons to Choose a Foot or Ankle Orthopedic Surgeon
1. Total health experience
The foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons comprise both physicians (MDs) and osteopathic physicians (DOs). They manage foot and ankle issues within the context of all your health needs with their experience in whole-body health.
2. Qualified and committed to the profession,
Foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons, including medical school, an orthopedic surgery residency and a foot and ankle fellowship, complete a total of 14 years of training. You may trust your orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon to be both professional and committed to the profession.
3. Believe in lifelong learning
Orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons believe in lifelong learning. Every year, they complete continuing medical education with one purpose in mind: to provide their patients with the best possible treatment.
4. Treat patients of all ages
Foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons treat patients of all ages. From developmental disorders in children to illnesses that appear to arise later in life, they understand everything. No matter the concern, a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon is the right health care provider to deal with it.
5. Treat the full spectrum
Foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons don’t just operate—they treat the entire range of surgical and non-surgical foot and ankle problems. If you have discomfort, then foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons are your experts.
What Could Cause Pain in the Foot and Ankle?
Much of the pain is linked to the tendon, ligament and joint anatomy and other complications. Swelling, which may be due to injury or other medical reasons, can cause pain. These conditions can also be due to underlying joint problems, such as cartilage fractures, arthritis or general body autoimmune disorders. Repetitive strain injuries, including tendon and joint participation, such as stress fractures, tendinopathy and more, are the most common presentations.
Because of neuropathic and bunions, some people have metatarsal problems that can cause footwear issues.
Most of the pain will ease and resolve over time, but if they don’t, then it is worth talking to a foot and ankle professional.
How Long Does a Sprained Ankle Take to Heal?
It is normal to have sprained ankles. In a year, there are over 40,000 to 45,000 sprained ankles. Without any continuing issues, the majority of them will recover very well. If you have a sprained ankle, it would be advisable to avoid the thing you’re doing and protect your injury by resting and keeping weight off. Make an appointment as soon as possible with an ankle specialist to be checked.
It’s highly recommended to go and see a doctor if you have severe swelling that doesn’t go down over the next two to three days or you can’t put weight on the leg for the next two to three days. However, if things progress slowly, the easiest way to improve is by wearing a sports bracelet, lifting exercises, and swelling and seeing a physical therapist to help facilitate recovery.
It takes two to three weeks for most mild sprains. It takes up to three months for more intermediate or part tears and more serious injuries can take up to 18 months, particularly when there are bone bruises or other sprain injuries.
Returning to Work and Driving
The timeline for returning to work and driving varies depending on the nature of your job and the extent of your surgery. Generally:
- Desk jobs: You may be able to return to work within 2-4 weeks, using assistive devices as needed
- Physical jobs: You may need to wait 6-12 weeks or longer, depending on the demands of your work
Driving typically requires putting full weight on your foot to operate the pedals safely. Your doctor will let you know when it’s safe for you to drive again, usually around 6-8 weeks post-surgery.
Gradual Weight-Bearing
As your ankle heals, you’ll gradually begin putting more weight on the affected foot. This process typically begins around 2-6 weeks after surgery, but the exact timeline depends on the type of procedure and your progress.
Your doctor will let you know when it’s safe to begin weight-bearing and will provide guidelines on how much weight to put on your foot. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid setbacks in your recovery.
Best Institutes and Doctors for Surgery
Here’s a summary table based on the information provided:
| Institute/Doctor | Location | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larkin Foot & Ankle Institute | Henderson, NV | Not specified | Dr. Larkin specializes in orthopedic foot and ankle surgeries. |
| Mercy | Baltimore, MD | Not specified | Top-rated team of foot and ankle surgeons. |
| University Foot & Ankle Institute (UFAI) | Not specified | Not specified | Offers state-of-the-art ankle fusion and joint replacement surgeries. |
| Dr. Alan MacGill | Baltimore, MD | Not specified | Named one of the Top 38 Foot & Ankle Surgeons to Know in 2020. |
| The average cost for ankle replacement surgery in the U.S. | Not specified | $23,936 (range: $14,730 – $40,507) | Varies by location and type of facility (inpatient vs. outpatient). |
Please note that the estimated prices are averages and can vary significantly depending on the specific case, location, and the type of facility where the surgery is performed.
Conclusion
Recovering from ankle surgery requires patience, diligence and a commitment to following your doctor’s orders. By managing pain and swelling, caring for your surgical site, engaging in physical therapy and gradually returning to normal activities, you can ensure the best possible outcome.
Remember, everyone heals at their own pace and it’s essential to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. With proper care and attention, you’ll be back on your feet and enjoying your favorite activities in no time.