The feet and ankles help stabilize the body so that people can stand, walk, and run comfortably and securely. If an ankle or foot injury occurs, people are likely to experience significant pain. Their daily functions may also be compromised, either because the injury limits their mobility and range of motion, or because the pain is too severe.
Many foot and ankle injuries can be treated with a combination of rest and physical therapy, but some require surgical intervention such as foot and ankle surgery. At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, Dr. Andrew Ebert offers our Austin, TX, patients foot and ankle surgery to alleviate pain and restore mobility after damage has occurred.
How Common Is Foot and Ankle Pain?
Foot and ankle pain is extremely common. The feet and ankles bear the entire weight of a person's body and are involved in nearly every movement they make. This puts a lot of stress and strain on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones within the feet and ankles, which can lead to damage or pain.
Foot and ankle injuries are also very common. An accident as simple as a slip or trip can easily cause damage to the foot or ankle structures, which can lead to short- or long-term pain. It is important that individuals seek treatment for foot and ankle pain, because without proper care, people are unlikely to maintain their previous activity levels following an injury.
Injuries and Conditions that Can Be Treated with Foot and Ankle Surgery
There are many injuries and conditions that can cause damage to the bones and tissues within the foot and ankle. Surgical treatment can repair damage to restore strength, stability, and mobility. Some of the most common conditions to be treated by foot and ankle surgery include:
- Bone fractures/breaks
- Severely strained ligament
- Torn ligament
- Severe arthritis
When to Contact a Surgeon
Any foot or ankle injury should be evaluated by a doctor. Oftentimes, these types of injuries respond well to a combination of rest, heat and/or ice application, medication, and physical therapy. However, if these treatments are not effective, it is a good idea to see a surgical specialist, such as those at our Austin practice. Other potential signs that surgery is necessary include:
- An inability to support weight or walk on the injured foot/ankle
- Chronic pain that does not improve
- Prolonged need for an assistive device, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair
- Pain or inflammation from a previously untreated foot or ankle injury
Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
People sometimes hesitate to seek surgical treatment, because they worry about the invasiveness of the procedure or the risk of surgical complications. At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, we take advantage of the latest in orthopaedic technology, so that we can offer our patients advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive surgery. Minimally invasive surgery is safer, more precise, and has an extremely low risk of complications, so our patients can feel confident knowing they are getting the best surgical care available.
Send Us a Message
If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain that has not responded well to non-invasive treatments, it may be time for surgery. To schedule a surgical consultation at Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, send us a message online, or call (512) 476-2830.