A foot surgeon is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating disorders of the foot and ankle. Foot surgeons are also known as podiatrists. While these doctors can treat using a range of non-surgical methods, they are also trained and highly experienced in foot and ankle surgeries.
Let’s talk about some of the most commonly performed types of surgery foot surgeons perform and where you can find the best foot surgeon in Warwick, RI, Middletown, RI, and Fall River, MA.
Bunionectomy
Bunion surgery, also called bunionectomy, is a procedure to remove a bunion. A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe and can be very painful. The surgery involves cutting away the bone and tissue causing the problem and may also include realigning the bones in the foot.
Hammertoe Correction Surgery
Hammertoe correction surgery is a procedure to correct a deformity of the toe in which the toe bends downward at the middle joint, causing it to resemble a hammer. The most commonly used technique is the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fusion, which involves cutting the ends of the bones and fusing the two bones using pins and screws to keep them in a straight position.
Achilles Tendon Repair
This surgery repairs tears in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone and helps with walking and running movements. If the Achilles tendon is completely torn, it must be surgically repaired. The foot surgeon will make an incision in your leg’s back and stitch the tendon’s ends together.
Ankle Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows your doctor to see, diagnose, and treat problems inside your ankle joint. Arthroscopy can treat a wide range of issues, including ankle arthritis, ankle fractures, and instability. A foot surgeon can perform an arthroscopic repair to find and remove loose bodies, do bone grafting and cartilage transplants, and remove inflamed tissue.
Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery
Ankle joint replacement surgery is a procedure to replace the damaged or diseased ankle joint with an artificial implant. The most common reason for this procedure is severe arthritis that has not responded to other forms of treatment. The goal of this surgery is to relieve pain and improve function.
Limb Salvage
Limb salvage is the surgery to save a limb severely injured or affected by a disease. It is very commonly performed in patients with complications due to diabetes. Limb-salvage surgery aims to allow the patient to keep their limb and avoid amputation. This type of surgery can be very complex and may involve multiple procedures.
Fracture Repair Surgery
The goal of foot and ankle fracture repair surgery is to restore the normal function and alignment of the bones so that weight-bearing and walking can be resumed without pain. In some cases, metal plates, screws, or pins may be used to hold the bones in place while they heal.
Foot and Ankle Surgeons in Warwick, RI, Middletown, RI, and Fall River, MA
The foot and ankle physicians at The Foot & Ankle Institute of New England have vast experience in treating all the foot and ankle pathologies affecting adults and pediatric patients. We use medical and surgical methods to help our patients get back on their feet. In addition to expertly treating your foot problem, we provide compassionate care and take the time to get to know you so that we can tailor your care even better.
The foot and ankle physicians at The Foot & Ankle Institute of New England work closely with and instruct Brown Medical School-affiliated residents. Trust us with your care, as there is nothing below the knee that we cannot handle. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, call our podiatry office nearest you or use our convenient online request form.
