Foot & ankle surgery

Foot or ankle pain from injury, wear-and-tear or disease can stop you in your tracks. While many problems can be treated with non-surgical methods, sometimes surgery is the best option. From common to complex, foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons address foot and ankle problems as part of your whole body health., through both operative and non-operative care.

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What it is

Common surgeries include:

Arthroscopy

In arthroscopy, your surgeon makes tiny incisions and uses special instruments to view, assess and sometimes repair damage in the foot or ankle. It is a minimally invasive kind of surgery that can be used to diagnose or repair a number of conditions, such as chronic inflammation, impingement, bone fracture, infection and more.

Ligament repair and reconstruction

Ligament reconstruction surgery is sometimes performed to treat sprains and instability.

Achilles tendon repair

Traumatic injury can rupture the Achilles tendon. This surgery reconnects the severed ends of the tendon together. Care for Achilles tendon injuries may also include non-operative options.

Cartilage repair

Using arthroscopic surgery, the damaged cartilage is removed, allowing for healing and new cartilage to grow.

Lisfranc injuries

A Lisfranc injury is injury to the bones or ligaments in the midfoot area. Surgery is sometimes needed to realign joints and return fractured bones to their normal position.

Repair of ankle and foot fractures

Joint replacement

Surgery may be an effective option to treat advanced arthritis in the hallux, or big toe. Options include implanting the Captive(R) implant.

Good for treating

Tendon and ligament disorders
Trauma/fracture care
Achilles tendon rupture and disorders
Old and new foot or ankle injuries
Sports injuries
Lisfranc injuries
Arthritis
Cartilage injures
Bunions
Hammertoes
Painful flat or high arched feet
Heel pain
Ankle pain or instability
Reconstructive foot/ankle surgery
Heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis

Good to know

A foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon is a sub-specialized, fellowship-trained medical doctor; he or she has completed five years of residency training in orthopedic surgery, followed by another year of advanced training in foot and ankle care.
Many procedures done by a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon can be done on a day-surgery basis. Whether inpatient or outpatient surgery is indicated, all Allina Health hospitals and out-patient surgery centers observe the highest standards of quality and best practices.
Joseph Bellamy, MD, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon, is a team physician for the Minnesota United FC professional soccer team.

What to expect

Once you’ve decided to have surgery, your doctor and his or her supporting staff will offer information and resources to prepare you for the upcoming procedure. You’ll receive instructions on how to prepare for the operation, learn what to expect in the hospital or surgery center, and get helpful information on how to plan for recovery at home.