Foot and Ankle Surgery

Foot and ankle surgery resolves the complex issues that don’t improve with conservative care. At Modern Podiatry in Hampton and Atlanta, Georgia, exceptional podiatrists Kibibi Wanzu, DPM, Brittany C. Sumpter, DPM, and Ronderick Williamson, DPM, deliver comprehensive foot and ankle care, including restorative surgeries where needed. If you have a foot deformity, severe injury, or another problem requiring surgery, the team can get you back on your feet fast. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.  

What is foot and ankle surgery?

Foot and ankle surgery includes a group of procedures to surgically correct problems such as deformities and severe damage in the feet and ankles. However, surgery isn’t a first-line approach. It’s usually saved for situations in which more conservative, nonsurgical approaches aren’t effective.

What conditions does foot and ankle surgery treat?

You could need foot and ankle surgery if you have one of the following problems.

• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Plantar fasciitis
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Chronic venous insufficiency ulcers
• Ankle arthritis
• Morton’s neuroma
• Recurrent sprains
• Ankle instability
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Fractures
• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)

If you have one of these issues and need surgery, the Modern Podiatry team reviews the surgical options with you so you can take the next step.

What are the types of foot and ankle surgery?

There are many kinds of foot and ankle surgery, but most fit into a few broad categories. 

Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery

Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery involves very small incisions, often about a half-inch wide or less. Some minimally invasive surgeries involve a standard view, where your surgeon views the site directly. 

Other approaches use a miniature camera to send live video from inside your foot or ankle (usually, within a joint) to a monitor nearby. Your surgeon watches the monitor as guidance to perform the procedure. 

Minimally invasive surgeries usually use special, thin surgical tools that limit the amount of tissue damage required for the procedure. This means that healing is usually faster, with less pain and downtime.

Traditional foot and ankle surgery

Traditional foot and ankle surgery usually involves one fairly long incision. Your surgeon performs the procedure using a direct view into your foot or ankle. 

While minimally invasive surgery is preferred when there’s a choice, there are times when surgeons need the more extensive access that traditional approaches offer.

Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery 

Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery is one of the most extensive forms of lower extremity surgery. This type of surgery involves rebuilding damaged or worn-out bones, soft tissues, and skin. 

Foot and limb salvage is an example of a reconstructive surgery. It involves restoring, rebuilding, and reinforcing the bones and tissues in the foot and lower leg while removing diseased and dead tissue. Foot and limb salvage aims to prevent amputation. 

The team offers all types of lower extremity surgery and has specialized skills in many advanced and complex techniques.

Modern Podiatry provides outstanding foot and ankle surgery results and they welcome all patients. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about foot and ankle surgery.