FOOT & ANKLE SURGERY
When it comes to receiving foot and ankle surgery, it’s typically a case-by-case situation. Dr. Christopher Bock will always look for conservative means of alleviating foot and ankle problems. However, there are circumstances when conservative treatment alone will not produce the desired outcomes and surgical intervention may be necessary. Some factors that play a role in whether or not you need surgery include the severity of your symptoms as well as your response to other conservative, noninvasive treatment methods.
Once surgical intervention has been determined to be a viable course of action, we work closely with our patients to keep them informed from the point of evaluation, pre-op, the surgical procedure itself and the post-operative course of care.
When might you need foot and ankle surgery?
Surgery is often the last resort for podiatrists when treating foot and ankle injuries or pain. Dr. Bock first tries non-surgical treatment methods like pain relief medication, physical therapy, or cortisone shots. If there’s no improvement, surgery is usually the only remaining option.
On the other hand, surgery is often the first stage of treatment for many issues with foot or ankle development.
COMMONLY TREATED SURGICAL CONDITIONS:
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Tendon Debridement
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Neuromas
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Heel Spur Surgery
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Arthritic Joint Repair
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Removal of Lumps & Bumps
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Bunion Surgery
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Hammertoe Surgery
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Reconstructive Surgery
More Information on common foot and ankle surgery procedures:
The feet and ankles comprise many intricate parts, including bones, ligaments, and tendons. Dr. Bock is skilled at performing often delicate surgical procedures to restore pain-free mobility to these body parts.
Hammertoe surgery
A hammertoe forms when the middle joint abnormally bends, which causes the toe to turn inward. Surgery can release the tendon preventing the toe from lying flat.
Bunion removal
Bunions form when bone or tissue in the metatarsophalangeal joint shifts, causing a lump to protrude from the joint. A bunionectomy (also called exostectomy) is a surgery that removes the painful growth.
Plantar fasciitis treatment
The plantar fasciitis is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot that can become inflamed and contract or tighten. Surgery removes a small portion of the tissue, allowing it to release and lengthen.
Reconstructive Surgery
Sometimes, due to severe trauma from an injury, you may need reconstructive surgery. Dr. Bock is one of the best podiatric surgeons in Western Washington. It is always our objective to get our patients back “on their feet” quickly and to restore the quality of life that they deserve.
How do you prepare for foot and ankle surgery?
In order to best prepare for surgery, make sure you have a consultation with our podiatrist about your overall health, discuss any possible changes in medication, and ask any questions you may have about the procedure. In some cases, you may have to refrain from eating and drinking a few hours before the procedure and we’ll help to make sure you understand what needs to be done on your end.
As for the recovery process, this will typically vary case by case and will depend on your condition and the type of surgery performed. Generally, it’s recommended that you get plenty of rest, ice the affected area, compress the wound to aid in further strain, and keep the area elevated to reduce any possible swelling. In some cases, Dr. Bock may encourage you to use bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, orthotics, or a cane, depending on how much weight they believe your foot and ankle can bear.
If you’d like to determine whether surgery is the best option for you and your foot condition, consult with us and we will be able to give you a proper diagnosis and aid you with your decision.