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 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.
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.
