Surgery

Deciding whether or not to undergo a foot surgery—especially “elective” surgeries for non-emergency (but very troubling) conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, or flat feet—is a deeply personal choice that can depend on a variety of factors. This includes, obviously, the severity of the condition itself, but other considerations may include your age, personal or lifestyle goals, financial situation, work situation, and more.

Generally speaking, we view surgery as a “last resort” that should only be selected after any viable non-surgical remedies have been tried first. If pain still remains significant or chronic beyond that point, we’ll then most likely recommend surgery as your best option.

Surgery is an investment in yourself—it may be a little more expensive and require a little more “down time” than alternatives, but it can also buy you years (or even decades!) of pain free living. We’ll always make sure that you have all the knowledge and information you need about the pros and cons so you can make an informed choice. To see if surgery is the right choice for you, please fill out our contact form online, or give Family Foot & Ankle Center a call at 888-689-3317.

Total joint replacement is becoming more and more common as a surgical option as medical technology and techniques improve, including the ankle joint. It’s a service we have been able to provide for many patients at Family Foot & Ankle Center. Is it for you?

There are no hard and fast rules, but a number of factors can determine whether we recommend a total joint replacement in the ankle. Surgery is usually only considered once conservative treatment options (like physical therapy and bracing) have been exhausted, and even then you may have a choice between ankle replacement or a more traditional fusion surgery.

Traditional fusion has a very high success rate in terms of relieving pain, but at the cost of greatly reduced joint mobility—you won’t be able to move your foot up and down at the ankle. Ankle replacement will preserve the range of motion in the joint, but may need to be monitored and replaced every 10-15 years. Furthermore, certain conditions tend to be better fits for one procedure or another.

The important thing to remember is that chronic ankle pain doesn’t have to be permanent—the team at Family Foot & Ankle Center can employ a wide variety of techniques to get you the relief you need. Call us today at 888-689-3317 to schedule your appointment.

Surgery is usually not required to resolve ankle pain, but it will depend on the type and severity of the condition or injury causing the discomfort. Common ankle problems include everything from arthritis and gout to tendonitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome to sprains and fractures. A correct diagnosis must be established before surgery can be put on, or taken off, the table.

The good news is that most of these conditions often respond well to conservative treatments. Even broken ankles may not require surgery if the joint is stable and the bone is not too far out of place. However, the ultimate determination of whether or not ankle surgery is recommended or required will depend on your doctor’s evaluation and your own needs.

If you’re dealing with stubborn pain in your ankles that won’t subside, give us a call at Family Foot and Ankle Center, Inc. Our experts are highly trained in a wide variety of conditions and injuries. We’ll find out what’s wrong and get you on the road to recovery. Call us at (513) 728-4800 or (859) 282-1572 to schedule an appointment at one of our six Greater Cincinnati offices.