The human ankle joint is a complex structure. It allows us to do weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running, and jumping.

Ankle issues such as pain and instability are common ailments. However, ankle problems happen to even the healthiest of individuals. Whether you’ve suffered an injury or have a chronic condition, ankle pain may have you considering surgical options.

It can be hard to decide when the right time is to opt for ankle surgery and even what ankle conditions merit surgery.

Read on to learn more about foot conditions that may merit surgery and the different types of ankle surgery.

When Should You Consider Ankle Surgery?

You might think it’s time to consider surgery to repair your ankle. However, most providers wil likely suggest some alternatives before surgery. You may opt first to try:

• Rest
• Physical therapy
• Casts
• Walking boots
• Crutches

If your injury is more severe or the non-surgical options haven’t panned out, it might be time to discuss surgery.

If you’re experiencing chronic pain impacting your functionality, it might be time for surgery. This might include times when walking and standing become difficult to tolerate.

If you’ve experienced an injury that impacts your ability to walk, especially after non-surgical treatments, it’s time to discuss the surgical option.

Injuries and chronic conditions like severe sprains, Achilles tendon tears, fractures, and severe arthritis may also merit surgery.

Types of Ankle Surgery

Not all ankle surgeries are alike. Some can be minimally invasive and done as an outpatient procedure, and others are more intensive with longer and more strenuous recovery times.

Let’s take a look at some types of ankle surgery.

Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is commonly done for patients with ankle arthritis or some type of injury. It’s a minimally invasive surgery where the surgeon goes in to remove bits of bone or cartilage from the ankle.

Tendon Surgery

Tendon surgery can be relatively minor or more significant, depending on the tendon. A patient suffering from chronic tendonitis might need diseased tendon tissue removed or repaired.

An Achilles tendon tear might be more significant if the tear is severe.

Fracture Surgery

A fracture or bone break may require surgery to provide stabilization of the ankle bones. A surgeon might use screws, metal plates, and small metal wires to help stabilize the fracture or break.

Ankle Fusion Surgery

An ankle fusion surgery is done for patients with severe arthritis. The surgeon will likely remove damaged tissue and then use screws to fuse or permanently join ankle bones.

Ankle Replacement Surgery

A more significant ankle injury is when the ankle surgeon goes in and removes the damaged ankle joint. Then a replacement joint is put in and attached to the existing bone.

Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

Called a Brostrom procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision in the ankle. Then the ligaments causing ankle instability are either tightened or loosened to strengthen the ankle.

Get Help With Your Ankle Issues in Boise at Flint Foot and Ankle

Living with severe ankle pain from either an injury or a chronic condition can impact all parts of your life because it impacts your mobility. When you read the stage where this has happened to you, it might be time to consider surgery.

Contact us at today and schedule an appointment with our board certified Boise ankle surgeon so we can evaluate your situation and develop the best treatment plan for you!