A Closer Look at Foot and Ankle Surgery

Foot and ankle surgery covers a wide range of procedures aimed at addressing specific podiatry conditions that cause pain and limit mobility. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common surgeries performed by podiatrists or foot and ankle surgeons.

At the end of this article, we will share where you can find a top foot and ankle surgeon or podiatric surgeon in Baltimore for your treatment.

Achilles Tendon Repair

Achilles tendon repair treats a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon, which limits your ability to walk, run, and jump. The foot and ankle surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the calf and stitches together the torn Achilles tendon. If the damage to the tendon is severe, the doctor may remove it altogether and replace it with a tendon graft.

Achilles tendon repair can be performed using a minimally invasive technique. After the surgery, patients need to undergo a rehabilitation program to slowly regain their strength and mobility, and restore full function to the Achilles tendon.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetics have specialized podiatric care needs. Diabetic foot care involves treating complications that can arise from a diabetic foot. Surgery may be necessary if the patient has an infected or non-healing wound, to control the infection and preserve the limb.

Some of the procedures that a podiatric surgeon can perform are debridement or removal of infected tissue, vascular surgery, and correcting deformities such as Charcot foot, which is caused by an infection weakening the bones.

Regular foot check-ups and timely care by a podiatrist are critical to avoiding serious complications and the preservation of the lower limbs.

Toe Deformity Correction

Toe deformity correction is a surgical procedure that addresses deformity in the toes, such as hammertoes, claw toes, or mallet toes, which can be caused by muscle imbalances, ill-fitting shoes, structural abnormalities, and arthritis.

These toe deformities can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty wearing shoes. Surgery may involve the removal of a piece of bone, realigning and fusing bones, or releasing tight ligaments or tendons. The goal is to correct the deformity, restore proper toe alignment, and relieve pain.

After toe deformity surgery, post-operative patients may need to wear special footwear or splints to support the corrected toes during the healing process. Physical therapy may also be recommended to regain strength and flexibility in the toes.

Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various ankle conditions, such as ankle instability, arthritis, and ankle fractures. It involves inserting a tool with a camera (arthroscope) into small incisions to access the joint.

The arthroscope provides a clear view of the ankle’s internal structures, allowing the orthopedic surgeon to identify and address many issues. Arthroscopy can be used as a diagnostic tool, for example, in the case of undiagnosed ankle pain, if other medical imaging procedures have left some questions unanswered.

Through arthroscopy, the orthopedic surgeon can perform a range of treatments, from the removal of bone spurs to the repair of torn ligaments, and the removal of loose tissues. A majority of patients who undergo ankle arthroscopy have the advantage of a shorter recovery time due to the procedure requiring only small incisions.

Best Podiatrist or Foot and Ankle Surgeon in Baltimore, MD

Dr. Marc Lipton and Dr. Hayden Hoffler are board-certified doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM) at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland. They provide high-quality, individualized podiatry services to adult and pediatric patients in Baltimore and the surrounding areas. Both Dr. Lipton & Dr. Hayden Hoffler specialize in diabetic foot care, correction of toe deformities, and the treatment of sports injuries and chronic ankle conditions, foot and ankle surgery, and much more.

Our facilities are designed to exceed your expectations, with on-site diagnostic imaging services, physical therapy services, and an ambulatory surgical center, for prompt assessment and treatment of your condition.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lipton or Dr. Hoffler, use our online request form or call our office today at (410) 644-1880.