Reconstructive Foot Surgery: Is It the Right Choice for You?

Your feet may not be much to look at, but beneath the skin, they contain dozens of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves that help you perform many of the daily tasks you tend to take for granted. When a foot deformity, injury, or disease alters the foot’s structure or function (or both), the effects on your mobility and quality of life can be tremendous.

For some issues, custom orthotics, physical therapy, or other nonsurgical options may help relieve pain and restore mobility. But other issues require a more comprehensive solution that can only be achieved through reconstructive foot surgery.

Reconstructive surgery focuses on correcting structural problems in your foot to restore function, relieve pain, and improve alignment. At Forward Foot & Ankle Associates, our team specializes in advanced surgical techniques to help every patient get back on their feet. Here, learn what reconstructive foot surgery involves and whether it might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Reconstructive foot surgery: The basics

Your feet alone contain 52 bones — roughly a quarter of all the bones in your body. They also contain dozens of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, along with a vast network of nerves and blood vessels, all working together to keep you stable and mobile.

Reconstructive foot surgery uses a variety of advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art technology to correct issues that affect the way your feet “work” and the way they feel, too. The ultimate goal of reconstructive foot surgery is to improve mobility, decrease discomfort, and enhance your overall quality of life.

Reconstructive surgery is highly adaptable and individualized based on each patient’s unique needs, goals, lifestyle, and underlying health. Procedures use a variety of techniques to address an array of issues involving bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, or soft tissue. 

Depending on the condition, surgery may involve realigning bones, repairing tendons, or stabilizing joints to relieve pain and restore proper mechanics. Prior to any surgery, you’ll undergo a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of your feet and your gait mechanics using hands-on evaluations, diagnostic imaging, and other exams to ensure your surgical plan is designed for optimal outcomes.

The decision to have surgery

Reconstructive surgery is recommended only when conservative, nonsurgical options have failed to provide lasting relief or when conservative solutions simply aren’t an option (for example, after a traumatic injury). Surgery is also used to prevent disease or deformity progression, including tissue damage arising from unmanaged diabetes.

When deciding whether or not to have surgery, it’s important to discuss the surgery details with our team. Our surgeons have extensive experience in reconstructive techniques and can provide you with the information you need to feel informed and confident about your decision.

In addition to the surgery itself, it’s also important to consider the recovery process. Foot surgery almost always requires a period of rehabilitation afterward to restore function and prevent stiffness. Rehab also supports normal healing, so you can return to your activities more quickly.

During your recovery period, your activities and overall mobility will be limited. During your consultation visit and again following your surgery, our team provides you with a more detailed overview of what you can expect during healing, helping you set realistic expectations about your outcome, as well.

We also provide plenty of guidance to help you maintain optimal foot health, including recommendations to help you manage underlying problems, like cardiovascular issues or diabetes. Regular check-in visits ensure your recovery stays on track while providing plenty of opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns about your progress and your long-term foot health.

The importance of healthy feet

Your feet play a major part of your overall wellness, and giving them the attention they deserve can go a long way toward improving both your physical and emotional health, along with your mobility and comfort. To learn more about reconstructive foot surgery and whether it’s a good choice for you, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Forward Foot & Ankle Associates in Midtown Manhattan and Staten Island, New York, today.