What Foot and Ankle Surgery is Like for Athletes
For athletes, foot and ankle injuries can cut careers short. While non-surgical treatments are often the first line of defense to prevent this, understanding when surgery is required, along with its potential benefits, can help athletes make informed decisions about their recovery.
And at The Center for Podiatric Care and Sports Medicine, that’s exactly what we help people do. Let’s explore athletic foot surgery.
When is Foot and Ankle Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and over-the-counter medications fail to alleviate pain or restore function.
Surgery can enhance athletic performance by correcting underlying issues, relieving pain, restoring mobility, and preventing long-term complications.
Some conditions that may necessitate surgery include:
Severe ankle sprains: Repeated or severe sprains that cause instability.
Chronic Achilles tendonitis: Persistent pain and inflammation despite non-surgical treatments.
Stress fractures: Fractures that do not heal with rest and immobilization.
Arthritis: Advanced arthritis causing significant pain and limited mobility.
Deformities: Bunions and hammertoes that cause pain and affect performance.
Recovery and Rehabilitation for Athletes
Recovering from foot or ankle surgery requires dedication and patience, as athletes often face unique challenges during the rehabilitation process. While the average individual may focus on regaining daily function, athletes require a more intensive rehabilitation program to return to their sport at peak performance.
While it may seem that athletes return rather effortlessly due to their genetic giftedness, few know how involved the rehabilitation process is. Post-surgery rehabilitation typically involves physical therapy to gradually reintroduce physical activity and restore strength, flexibility, and balance. Athletes also undergo sports-specific training to re-establish specific skill movements.
The duration of recovery varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual's overall health, but with proper routine, they often bounce back even stronger than before.
At The Center for Podiatric Care and Sports Medicine, we offer New York residents thorough diagnosis and treatment specific to their individual needs. Our expert team of podiatrists, Dr. Jonathan M. Levy, Dr. Nadia F. Levy, Dr. Diane M. Castro, Dr. Josef Geldwert, and Dr. Katherine Lai, are ready to help you at our convenient mid-town Manhattan or Upper East Side locations. If foot problems are slowing your performance, contact us today.
