Foot and ankle surgery addresses a wide range of conditions affecting the lower extremities, including fractures, arthritis, tendon injuries, and diabetic foot complications. The feet and ankles are complex, weight-bearing structures made up of 26 bones and numerous joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Damage or disease in this area can severely impair a person’s mobility and quality of life.

At Narayana Health, foot and ankle surgeries are performed with precision by experienced orthopaedic and podiatric surgeons using advanced technologies and patient-centric approaches, aiming to restore mobility and prevent long-term disability.

What is Foot and Ankle Surgery?

Foot and ankle surgery refers to a set of surgical procedures designed to correct deformities, repair injuries, remove damaged tissue, and restore function in the foot and ankle region. This includes surgeries for fractures, tendon ruptures, joint degeneration, deformities (like bunions or flatfoot), ligament injuries, and diabetic foot conditions.

These surgeries may be minimally invasive or invasive, depending on the severity of the condition. Performed by foot and ankle surgery specialists, orthopaedic surgeons, or trauma experts, these procedures range from simple fracture fixations to complex reconstructions and ankle replacement surgeries. The overarching goal is to alleviate pain, improve stability and function, and prevent complications such as infections or permanent disability.

Why is it Done?

Foot and ankle surgery is performed to address a variety of acute injuries, chronic degenerative conditions, and complications from diabetes or infection. Common indications include ankle fractures, torn ligaments, severe arthritis, Achilles tendon rupture, diabetic foot ulcers, and foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Infections, particularly in diabetic patients, can lead to serious complications, requiring urgent surgical debridement or reconstruction.

Surgery is often the last resort when non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy, orthotics, or medication fail. While many procedures are elective, some, such as diabetic foot surgery or ankle fracture surgery, are emergencies requiring immediate intervention to prevent loss of limb or life. Addressing issues early with surgery also prevents worsening deformities, joint damage, or gait abnormalities.

Who Needs It?

Ideal candidates for foot and ankle surgery include patients with persistent foot or ankle pain, joint instability, fractures that haven’t healed properly, ligament tears, or severe infections, particularly those caused by diabetic complications.

Athletes suffering sports injuries like torn ligaments or tendon tears; elderly individuals with arthritis, and diabetic patients with non-healing ulcers are common recipients. Individuals with flatfoot deformities, high-arched feet, or chronic plantar fasciitis that haven't responded to conservative care are also candidates.

Contraindications may include severe peripheral vascular disease, poorly controlled diabetes, or other systemic illnesses that increase the risk of surgical complications. Each patient is evaluated individually, considering age, lifestyle, comorbidities, and functional goals before recommending surgery.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

A detailed pre-operative evaluation is essential for optimal surgical outcomes. Patients undergo a combination of diagnostic tests including X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and blood tests to understand bone quality, soft tissue status, and the extent of deformity or damage. Diabetic patients may require glycemic control evaluation, kidney function tests, and foot perfusion scans.

The surgical team provides guidelines on fasting, medication adjustments (especially blood thinners and insulin doses), and wound care. Informed consent is obtained after discussing the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.

Counselling sessions may involve both the patient and family preparing them mentally and logistically for post-operative care. Pre-operative physiotherapy, when applicable, helps strengthen muscles and improve recovery. Special shoes, walking aids, and home arrangements like handrails or elevated seating may be recommended in advance to support early recovery.

How is the Procedure Performed?

Foot and ankle surgeries are conducted under regional (spinal/epidural) or general anesthesia, based on the complexity and duration of the procedure. The patient’s position and surgical site are cleaned and sterilized before an incision is made at the appropriate location.

The surgeon performs repairs such as bone fixation using plates and screws, ligament reconstruction, joint debridement, tendon transfers, or ankle replacement. In deformity corrections, bones may be cut and realigned using osteotomy techniques. In ankle replacement surgery, worn-out joint surfaces are removed and replaced with custom-designed implants.

Minimally invasive techniques are used where possible to reduce tissue trauma, scarring, and recovery time. The use of robotic-assisted systems and intraoperative imaging at Narayana Health ensures precise alignment and implant positioning. Once the procedure is completed, the wound is closed using sutures or staples and a sterile dressing is applied. A plaster or brace is typically placed to protect the surgical site during the early healing phase.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

After surgery, patients are monitored for vital signs, pain control, circulation, and signs of infection. Most are discharged within 1–3 days, although complex procedures or diabetic patients may need longer hospital stays. Pain is managed with oral or intravenous medications, and prophylactic antibiotics are given to prevent infection.

The operated limb is often immobilized using casts, splints, or boots. Mobility aids like walkers or crutches are recommended initially. Patients receive detailed instructions on elevation, icing, wound care, and medication schedules. Swelling and stiffness are common in the first few weeks.

Physiotherapy is introduced in stages, starting with gentle range-of-motion exercises and progressing to ankle or foot strengthening routines. Occupational therapy may also be initiated to help patients regain independence in their daily activities. Nutritional support and diabetic management are reinforced to aid healing. Full recovery may take 6 to 12 weeks and return to high-impact activities may take up to 6 months depending on the surgery performed.

Benefits of Foot and Ankle Surgery

The benefits of foot and ankle surgery are substantial and life-changing for many patients. Surgery can correct deformities, relieve chronic pain, restore mobility, and in the case of diabetic foot complications, prevent limb loss.

Fracture fixations and tendon repairs help individuals return to their normal lifestyle or athletic activity with confidence. Surgery enhances stability and balance, reducing the risk of falls, especially in the elderly. For children with congenital deformities, surgery can enable better growth, posture, and mobility.

Patients who were previously unable to walk comfortably can experience renewed independence and improved mental well-being. For diabetic patients, timely surgical intervention can halt the progression of ulcers or gangrene, preserving limb integrity. Improved joint alignment and biomechanics also reduce the risk of future injuries or complications.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgical procedures, foot and ankle surgeries carry certain risks. Common side effects include pain, swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness around the surgical area. More serious complications, though rare, include infection, blood clots, non-union of bones, nerve injury, or hardware-related issues like loosening or migration.

In diabetic patients, wound healing delays, osteomyelitis (bone infection), and gangrene are major concerns. Risks may increase if patients fail to follow post-operative care instructions or if there are underlying chronic illnesses.

At Narayana Health, these risks are minimized through strict infection control protocols, meticulous surgical techniques, and personalized monitoring, especially for high-risk patients. All surgeries are supported by a multi-specialist team including anesthetists, endocrinologists, and vascular surgeons to optimize patient safety. Early recognition of complications and timely intervention further enhances safety.

Success Rate and Outcomes

Narayana Health consistently delivers high success rates in foot and ankle surgeries. With a multidisciplinary approach combining advanced surgical techniques, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and personalized rehabilitation, patients achieve excellent outcomes. Most individuals regain full weight-bearing capacity within 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the nature of the procedure.

Athletes and younger patients often return to their pre-injury activity levels with improved performance. Diabetic patients undergoing limb-salvage procedures also show favorable outcomes when adhering to follow-up care. Internationally benchmarked protocols and surgeon expertise ensure that Narayana Health exceeds national standards for orthopedic surgical success.

Foot & Ankle Surgery