Arthroscopic Foot Surgery

The human foot combines mechanical complexity and structural strength, and the ankle serves as a foundation, shock absorber, and propulsion engine. The foot sustains enormous pressure (several tons over the course of a one-mile run) and the ankle provides stability as it absorbs the body’s impact. Wear and tear problems and injuries are fairly common with the foot and ankle.

How Arthroscopic Foot Surgery Could Benefit You

If you are active, you will most likely experience foot, heel, or ankle pain at some time in your life. If you have ankle or foot problems and persistent discomfort that could become disabling, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is used to treat a number of painful ankle and foot conditions, including the early stages of arthritis and joint debridement (removing areas of loose cartilage and inflamed tissue from the joint).

Arthroscopic surgery can also be used to treat past injuries that continue to have persistent discomfort such as a fracture, severe sprain or ligament injury, as well as pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia (heel spur syndrome), and problems of the big toe joint. Unlike traditional joint surgery that requires large incisions to expose the joint, arthroscopy uses small openings to examine and repair the joint. Because it is minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery reduces the risk of infection and swelling.

Orthopedic surgeons use delicate instruments and miniature video cameras to perform arthroscopic surgery. At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, arthroscopic surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the very same day. Your surgery will take place in one of Hoag Orthopedic Institute’s state-of-the-art operating rooms, fully equipped for cutting edge, minimally invasive surgeries such as ankle and foot arthroscopy.

What to Expect After the Surgery

After your foot or ankle surgery, members of the Hoag Orthopedic Institute physical therapy team will start mobilizing you. Your physical therapist will have consulted with your orthopedic surgeon to develop a personalized therapy regimen for you. If your surgery was ankle arthroscopy, you will most likely be encouraged to start exercising your ankle within the bandage.

You can do this by moving it up and down, as well as moving it from side to side. Generally you should be comfortable and safe to drive one week after ankle arthroscopy. Most patients will be back to walking within one to two days, and participating in normal activities within two weeks.

Find a Foot & Ankle Doctor

We Offer Award-Winning Orthopedic Services

Hoag Orthopedic Institute continually procures and implements the most advanced operating room equipment such as the state-of-the-art technology in arthroscopic surgery of the ankle and foot. Our team is highly trained and experienced, as well as orthopedic certified and/or specialized.

Contact our team today to find the physician that’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

During your first appointment with a foot and ankle specialist at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation designed to identify the root cause of your symptoms and build a treatment plan tailored to you.
Your foot doctor will review your medical history, ask about your activity level and goals, and perform a hands-on exam. Depending on your condition, they may use diagnostic tools such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to assess bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments in greater detail.
Throughout the visit, your foot and ankle doctor will explain their findings, answer your questions, and walk you through your treatment options, whether conservative or surgical. You’ll leave with a clear plan and confidence that your care is in expert hands.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our foot and ankle doctors provide both non-surgical and surgical solutions tailored to your specific condition and long-term goals. Non-surgical treatments may include rest, bracing, physical therapy, orthotics, corticosteroid injections, ultrasound therapy, and activity modification..
When surgery is the most effective option, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons specialize in minimally invasive arthroscopic and robotic-assisted techniques. These procedures have been proven to reduce pain, speed recovery, and support better long-term function.
Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, arthritis, or chronic instability, your orthopedic foot and ankle specialist will develop a treatment plan focused on relieving pain and restoring mobility — so you can get back on your feet again.
Scheduling an appointment with a highly qualified foot doctor is quick and convenient at Hoag Orthopedic Institute. Please request a consultation online or call (949) 890-0464 to speak directly with our team. They’ll match you with the right foot and ankle specialist based on your needs and availability.
Whether you need a diagnosis, a second opinion, or advanced treatment, one of our trusted foot and ankle doctors will provide state-of-the-art diagnostics and a personalized treatment plan for your recovery. We prioritize clear communication and patient-focused care from the first call to your first visit. Let's help you take the next step with confidence.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, board-certified foot doctors and fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialists deliver exceptional care using today’s most advanced techniques. Whether you're facing chronic foot pain, sports injuries, or complex conditions, our foot and ankle doctors create a personalized treatment plan to help you heal faster and move with a greater range of motion.
Our foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures that support quicker recovery with fewer complications. From diagnosis to rehab, every step of your care is guided by trusted foot and ankle specialists focused on your comfort and goals.
Patients choose our expert foot doctors for personalized care backed by innovation, compassion, and consistently excellent outcomes.

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