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Common foot and ankle surgeries include bunion removal, or bunionectomy, ankle ligament repair, and Achilles tendon surgery. These procedures are often needed to correct structural deformities, repair torn ligaments, or treat chronic conditions that cause pain and dysfunction. Postoperative findings typically include swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, which are normal as the body heals. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure but often involve limited weight-bearing and targeted exercises to restore mobility and strength. Stitches are usually removed within two weeks, and patients may need to wear a protective boot or cast during the healing process. Possible complications include infection, delayed wound healing, nerve damage, or blood clots. In some cases, stiffness or reduced range of motion can occur. If you have had foot or ankle surgery, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can closely monitor your healing.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe deformities are one of the most common issues affecting the lesser toes, typically causing the joint in the middle of the toe to bend downward, resembling a hammer. This condition often results from an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally keep the toes straight. Causes include wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, injuries, or underlying conditions such as arthritis or high arches. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and difficulty straightening the affected toe. Over time, the deformity can cause friction against shoes, leading to painful corns, calluses, and inflammation. Pain occurs due to increased pressure on the bent joint and surrounding tissues. To relieve discomfort, one can switch to wider shoes with a soft, roomy toe box and use orthotic inserts. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to realign the joint and restore normal toe function. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Proper healing of a broken ankle requires timely medical attention, effective treatment, and careful rehabilitation. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. For minor fractures, non-surgical options like casting or using a walking boot may be sufficient to immobilize the ankle, allowing the bone to heal. More severe fractures, where the bone is misaligned or displaced, often require surgery using screws or plates to stabilize the bone. During recovery, rest and elevating the ankle can help to reduce swelling. Using crutches or a walker prevents putting weight on the ankle until cleared by a doctor. Targeted exercises play a critical role in regaining strength, mobility, and balance after the bone heals. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the injury's severity. If you have broken your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible for a proper diagnosis and medical advice.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.