Ankle Surgery Specialist

What is ankle surgery?

Ankle surgery refers to several orthopedic procedures that relieve ankle pain caused by severe arthritis or injuries. It’s typically used as a last resort when conservative measures of care like ice, rest, and physical therapy don’t ease your symptoms.

What are the types of ankle surgery?

At Chicagoland Foot and Ankle, the team offers several types of ankle surgery, including:

Ankle arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small, handheld tools. During ankle arthroscopy, your Chicagoland Foot and Ankle surgeon makes several small incisions in your ankle. They then use special instruments to remove pieces of bone or cartilage that are causing you pain.

Because ankle arthroscopy uses small incisions, it presents fewer risks than traditional open surgery. This results in quicker recovery times, less bleeding, and pain.

Tendon surgery

If you have chronic ankle tendonitis, you might benefit from tendon surgery. There are several types of tendon surgery. Some remove diseased or damaged tendons while others repair tears in a tendon. 

If you rupture your Achilles tendon, the team might recommend a tendon transfer. This type of surgery removes your damaged tendon and replaces it with a piece of donor tissue.

Ankle fusion

If you’re relatively young and lead a physically active lifestyle, you might benefit from ankle fusion surgery. During this procedure, your surgeon uses metal plates and screws to connect several damaged bones.

Ankle replacement

If you regularly experience ankle pain due to arthritis, the team might recommend a total ankle replacement. During this procedure, your surgeon removes your damaged ankle joint and replaces it with an artificial prosthesis. The artificial joint helps restore your range of motion, allowing you to walk, climb stairs, and perform other routine activities.

What type of ankle surgery might I need?

The type of ankle surgery that most benefits you depends on several factors, including your age, your level of activity, and the severity of your joint damage. 

Following a comprehensive physical exam, a review of your medical history, and a discussion of your lifestyle and symptoms, the team at Chicagoland Foot and Ankle can develop a custom surgical treatment plan that aligns with your needs.

To see if you’re a candidate for ankle surgery, schedule an appointment at Chicagoland Foot and Ankle. Book a consultation online, or call the nearest office to speak with a friendly staff member today.