You can’t do without your ankle. It plays a crucial role in your ambulation, as it supports your entire body weight, provides you with stability and balance, and absorbs shock when your foot touches the ground. Any problem in your ankle, whether due to an injury or a medical condition, can render you unable to perform many of your day-to-day tasks.

If you’re experiencing persistent or chronic ankle pain, your best bet is to see a podiatrist—a physician who specializes in the diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of all types of musculoskeletal problems affecting the foot and ankle.

Just like any other specialist, a podiatrist typically first fully explores all conservative treatment options to address your ankle pain. However, if the pain and other symptoms continue unabated even after an extensive course of conservative interventions, your podiatrist may deem surgery necessary. Depending on your specific ankle problem, your podiatrist may recommend any of the following types of surgical procedures.

A lateral ankle ligament reconstruction is a type of surgical intervention your podiatrist may recommend if the ligament on the outside of your ankle gets stretched beyond its capacity and consequently loosens. It can also be necessary if severe stretching has caused a tear to the ligament.

The procedure involves your podiatrist tightening and firming up the ligament to stabilize your ankle or prevent it from giving way.

If you have intractable ankle arthritis that’s causing the joint to deteriorate beyond repair, your podiatrist will likely deem ankle replacement surgery necessary.

Ankle replacement involves your podiatrist removing the diseased parts of your shinbone and the bone that makes up the lower portion of your ankle known as the talus and replacing them with prosthetic components. The goal of the procedure is to provide long-term pain relief, address the swelling, and restore your quality of life.

If you have chronic arthritis but not severe enough to warrant ankle replacement, your podiatrist may recommend arthroscopic debridement.

The procedure involves creating two tiny incisions through which they will insert the arthroscope and surgical instrument to take out the damaged bone, cartilage, and other debris. The goal of the procedure is to provide good symptomatic relief and improve ankle mobility.

When left undiagnosed and untreated, ankle problems can lead to complications and disability. Thus, if you suspect that you have an ankle injury or condition, visit us here at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care. Our highly credentialed podiatrists consistently deliver unparalleled treatment outcomes for the full range of foot and ankle problems. Just as we have helped scores of people in Cincinnati and beyond successfully restore their mobility, function, and overall quality of life, we can help you get back to doing the things you love as well.

To see one of our podiatrists, call the location nearest you, or you can request an appointment right here on our website.