If you have arthritis and it doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, like ice, rest, and physical therapy, consider foot and ankle surgery. At Alpine Foot & Ankle, double board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Scott Shelton, DPM, boasts years of experience performing minimally invasive and traditional foot and ankle surgery. To make an appointment, call the office in Highland, Utah, or book online today.
request an appointmentWhat is foot and ankle surgery?
Foot and ankle surgery uses anesthesia and special surgical tools to repair your feet or ankles problems. At Alpine Foot & Ankle, Dr. Shelton recommends conservative and noninvasive treatments whenever possible, but sometimes surgery is necessary. That’s especially true if your symptoms affect your mobility or keep you from activities you love.
What are some examples of foot and ankle surgery?
At Alpine Foot & Ankle, Dr. Shelton performs surgery for a wide range of foot and ankle disorders, including:
- Posterior tibialis tendon surgery
- Ankle fusion surgery
- Bunion surgery
- Lapiplasty® 3D bunion correction
- Achilles tendon repair
- Ankle replacement surgery
Dr. Shelton also performs surgery for sports injuries, including lateral ankle ligament (LAL) reconstruction.
Who is a candidate for foot and ankle surgery?
Before recommending foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Shelton reviews your medical records and conducts a physical exam.
During your consultation, let Dr. Shelton know if you take any prescription medication or supplements. You should also alert him to any underlying health problems you have, like high blood pressure or diabetes. These conditions won’t prevent you from surgery, but they can increase the risk of complications, so it’s important they’re stable.
What happens during foot and ankle surgery?
Dr. Shelton performs foot and ankle surgery at a hospital or surgical facility.
On the day of surgery, you change out of your clothes and into a gown. Then, you lie down on an operating table and Dr. Shelton administers general anesthesia, putting you to sleep.
Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Shelton begins the surgery. No two procedures are exactly alike. Depending on your needs, Dr. Shelton might remove diseased or damaged tissue and replace it with a prosthesis, or he might use guided imaging to realign the bones at the front of your foot.
After making the necessary repairs, Dr. Shelton closes the incisions and moves you to a recovery room for observation. Foot and ankle surgery typically takes between 30 minutes and two hours.
What can I expect after foot and ankle surgery?
After foot and ankle surgery, you may have to stay in the hospital for several days. Once the anesthesia wears off, it’s normal to experience bruising, swelling, and redness. Take your medication as prescribed and follow Dr. Shelton’s instructions carefully.
Once your body begins healing, you enroll in physical therapy. Physical therapy teaches you stretches and strengthening exercises that help speed up your body’s healing process.
To see if you’re a candidate for foot and ankle surgery, make an appointment at Alpine Foot & Ankle by calling the office or booking online today.
