Podiatric Surgery

You may need podiatric surgery to repair torn tendons and ligaments, align broken bones, or reconstruct or fuse a joint affected by severe arthritis. At Advanced Ankle & Foot Center in Columbus, Georgia, expert foot doctor and podiatric surgeon John Schoppe, DPM, completes your assessment. With his knowledge and expertise, patients can benefit from surgical treatments for many foot and ankle problems, including ruptures, fractures, and diabetic ulcers. Call the office to schedule a podiatric surgery assessment, or request one online at your earliest convenience.

What is a podiatric surgery?

Podiatric surgery is a specialist field in the podiatry profession. It’s the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the ankle, feet, and related lower extremity structures by qualified and accredited specialist podiatrists.

Why would I need podiatric surgery? 

Some patients need podiatric (ankle and foot) surgery because conservative, noninvasive approaches haven’t sufficiently improved their symptoms. Or, they could have an acute injury requiring immediate surgical intervention. 

Conservative treatments are very effective for many ankle and foot problems, such as:

• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Arthritis
• Tendon injuries
• Ligament injuries
• Sports injuries
• Other injuries

Sometimes, conservative treatments aren’t successful, particularly when conditions reach an advanced stage.

In addition to offering extensive nonsurgical treatments, Dr. Schoppe is a highly skilled and practiced foot and ankle surgeon who provides exceptional podiatric surgery for children, adolescents, teens, and adults.

What conditions can podiatric surgery treat? 

Podiatric surgery treats many conditions and injuries:

Hammertoe and bunions 

Hammertoe and bunions are bony foot disorders that may require surgery to correct the abnormality and reduce pain permanently. Surgery stabilizes and straightens tendons, joints, and bones affected by hammertoe and bunions.

Fractures

Fractures where the bone is misaligned or displaced will require surgery. Correction and repair restores function and reduces the risk of abnormalities in the healed bones.

Wound debridement 

Debridement removes dead tissue from open, nonhealing wounds and diabetic foot ulcers. It’s necessary to help heal wounds and prevent infections from developing or worsening.

Additional surgeries that podiatric surgeons perform to treat diabetic ulcers include vascular (blood vessel) surgery and skin grafting. 

What ankle surgeries are most common? 

Surgery may be necessary if ankle damage is so severe that inflammation, pain, and limited mobility affect quality of life. 

Common ankle surgeries include:

Joint replacement 

Joint replacement uses metal and plastic prosthetics (artificial parts) to replace damaged ankle cartilage and bone. 

Achilles tendon repair 

A sudden tear or rupture of tendons and those that degenerate over time may require podiatric surgery. Dr. Schoppe repairs or reconstructs the tendon, relieving pain and inflammation and restoring function.

Ankle stabilization 

Repeated ankle sprains or improperly healed injuries can cause long-term joint weakness. This procedure prevents further sprains and eliminates chronic pain.

Fusion 

Ankle fusion joins foot and leg bones into one piece at the ankle.

To learn more about podiatric surgery and the options available, call Advanced Ankle & Foot Center to schedule an evaluation or request an appointment today.