Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery

The feet and ankles are vital organs bearing the entire body weight, enabling us to stand, walk, and run comfortably, agilely, and efficiently. Abnormalities of the foot and ankle bones, whether congenital, degenerative, or wear and tear from chronic use, exercise, illness, or accidents, necessitate appropriate, swift, and accurate diagnosis and treatment to ensure a quick return to daily life and exercise regimen.

Proper diagnosis and treatment to restore optimal foot and ankle health require special care from specialist foot and ankle surgeons with expertise and extensive experience who can accurately diagnose abnormalities and develop precise treatment plans to regain foot and ankle mobility and function and prevent recurrence.

At MedPark Hospital, we offer a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment services for all foot and ankle conditions, with specific expertise in complex cases such as intricate foot deformities, multiple ankle ligament injuries, and rehabilitation of severe or chronic foot and ankle trauma from accidents or athletic activities. Our dedicated team of foot and ankle specialists, with over a decade of experience, oversees patient care from initial consultation to full recovery. These experts harness advanced diagnostic technologies and employ diverse surgical techniques to help patients return to their desired lifestyles. 

What distinguishes foot and ankle surgeons from other orthopedic surgeons?

Foot and ankle surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating abnormalities of bones, cartilage, joints, muscles, tendons, and tissues in the foot and ankle area. They can employ various specialized surgical techniques, depending on the nature of the abnormality, symptoms, and disease severity. The surgeons collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to devise comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation plans, enabling patients to restore robust health, improve posture, and resume their daily activities or exercise routines.

Why choose MedPark for foot and ankle care?

• Specialist foot and ankle surgeons with over ten years of experience and adept in various surgical techniques provide diagnoses and surgical treatment designed to facilitate rapid return to regular lives.
• With advanced technologies, cutting-edge innovations, and state-of-the-art medical equipment, our surgeons can diagnose, plan treatments, and execute surgical techniques—including arthroscopy and minimally invasive procedures—with enhanced precision. This approach minimizes tissue trauma, accelerates recovery, and significantly improves quality of life.
• Our rehabilitation and physical therapy team includes rehabilitation physicians, physical therapists, and psychologists who provide comprehensive care and support for physical and mental recovery. We offer state-of-the-art physical therapy equipment, a hydrotherapy pool, and a rehabilitation garden to help patients restore their bodies, return to normal activities, and effectively achieve their exercise goals.
• The inpatient rooms with wall-sized windows allow ample natural light exposure conducive to healing and enhance patient recovery after surgery. Moreover, the hospital and all patient rooms feature a positive pressure, filtered air ventilation system to ensure a clean air environment and minimize the risk of airborne infections.

Foot and ankle disorders and diseases

• Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and chronic plantar fasciitis
• Ankle ligament tear
• Ankle instability
• Foot and ankle fractures due to degeneration or trauma
• Foot and toe deformities, such as flat feet, high arches, bunion, and hammertoes
• Nerve pain in the foot
• Ankle cartilage wear
• Foot and midfoot arthritis
• Limb length discrepancy
• Achilles tendinosis and chronic Achilles tendinitis
• Heel spurs
• Diabetic foot infections and diabetic foot ulcers
• Anterior and posterior foot abnormalities

Medical care by foot and ankle surgeons

Our specialists diagnose and provide treatment of foot and ankle abnormalities using various surgical techniques. Foot and ankle surgeons carefully select the most suitable treatment approach based on the specific characteristics and symptoms of the condition, aiming to enhance the patient's quality of life during and after treatment.

• Surgical interventions
  • Correction of foot and ankle deformities, including deformed feet, flat feet, and high arches.
  • Tendon repair for sports injuries
  • Surgical treatment for fractures of the ankle, heel, and midfoot bones
  • Leg lengthening surgery, including the Illizarov frame or PRECICE nail technique
  • Arthroscopic surgery
• Arthroscopic lateral ligament repair
  • Arthroscopic lateral ankle stabilization
  • Arthroscopic ankle cartilage repair
  • Arthroscopy for bone spurs
  • Arthroscopic Achilles tendon repair
  • Arthroscopic Achilles lengthening
  • Arthroscopy for degenerative ankle
  • Arthroscopy for arthrofibrosis of the ankle
• Minimally invasive surgery
  • Minimally invasive Achilles repair
  • Minimally invasive surgery for flat feet
  • Minimally invasive surgery for bunion surgery
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to repair tendons in the plantar area and ankle
• Collagen therapy for ankle cartilage

Medical devices and equipment

• Diagnostic Equipment
  • X-ray
  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan
  • MRI
• Treatment technology
  • Mobile C-arm surgery
  • Endoscopy
  • Arthroscopic surgery
  • Minimally invasive surgery
  • Special surgical techniques

Observable foot and ankle abnormalities

• Visible foot deformities, such as flat feet, bunions, or high arches
• Foot or ankle pain when bearing weight, walking, or running
• Persistent pain and swelling
• Chronic inflammation
• Injuries or severe trauma to the foot or ankle

Who is at risk of foot and ankle conditions?

• Individuals with congenital foot and ankle defects 
• Individuals with age-related degeneration or certain habitual activities 
• Individuals experiencing injuries or trauma

Challenges and limitations in foot and ankle treatment

• Postoperative complications (less than 1%), including swelling, inflammation, or infection
• Diabetic patients may experience delayed wound healing or a higher risk of infection. 

Potential risks and complications during foot and ankle treatment

• Infections (lower than 1%)
• Re-injury
• Nonunion or malunion of bones (less than 1%)

FAQ

• After foot and ankle surgery, when can I walk again?
  The recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and technique.
  
  • Foot and ankle deformity correction: Patients can begin heel weight-bearing within the first week and typically return to normal walking within six weeks. 
  • Heel and ankle fracture surgery: Recovery usually takes approximately six weeks before resuming weight-bearing activities.
  • Arthroscopic tendon repair: Patients can usually start bearing weight around two weeks after surgery.
  • Open surgery for flat feet, high arches, and ankle deformities: resume weight-bearing typically around 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery.
• After foot and ankle surgery, when can I run again?
  Running is possible about 3 to 4 months after surgery.
• Is removal of internal plate fixation used in foot or ankle surgery necessary?
  Titanium plates stabilizing the foot or ankle bones are safe, high quality, and durable. Removal of the plates is generally not required unless there is a specific medical reason, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the physician.