Orthopedic foot and ankle specialists in Houston
Your feet are the foundation for your every move, so we work to keep them strong.
At Texas Orthopedic Hospital, we understand how frustrating it can be to have your mobility and independence affected. If you're experiencing feet or ankle injuries, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons are equipped to offer prompt, personalized treatment.
Foot and ankle conditions we treat
Our orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat a range of conditions that affect foot and ankle function, including:
- Abnormalities
- Arthritis
- Bunions
- Capsulitis
- Sports injuries
- Stress fractures
- Traumatic injuries
Advanced care for complex lower-extremity conditions
Each foot and ankle contains 29 bones that must work together to support your body weight. Although structural problems are not typically life-threatening, pain in this area of the body can make everyday living difficult. However, our mission is to make sure your daily life goes uninterrupted.
Treatments offered by our foot and ankle surgeons
Some foot and ankle conditions may be treated with conservative therapies, such as orthotics, rest and physical therapy. Others may require foot and ankle surgery. At our hospital, treatments we offer include:
- Ankle replacements
- Arthroscopic interventions
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Fusions
- Ligament reconstruction
- Reconstruction of flat feet or high arches
- Surgical intervention for crush injuries, severe fractures or lacerations
- Surgical repair of bunions, hammertoes and neuromas
- Tendon repairs
Regardless of which procedure your unique condition requires, almost every foot and ankle doctor or surgeon at our hospital is a member of Fondren Orthopedic Group, a group globally recognized for leadership in orthopedic medicine. As a result of this leadership and excellence, our specialists have been recognized for applying high levels of care for joint injuries.
Ankle arthroscopy
While some conditions might require a total ankle replacement or fusion, if you have torn cartilage, a bone chip or a severely sprained ankle, less-invasive arthroscopy may be a viable option. During the operation, the surgeon repairs the ankle through small incisions, using miniature tools guided by a tiny, fiber-optic assisted camera. Compared to those undergoing ankle joint replacement or open fusion surgery, arthroscopy typically offers faster recoveries and with fewer scarring concerns.
Arthroscopic surgery may be performed either on an outpatient basis, or, in more serious instances, an inpatient basis with a short hospital stay. Recovery from ankle arthroscopy varies on the type of surgery that is performed. While it may take several weeks for the joint to fully recover, you may be back to daily activities within a few days.
Ankle replacement
If you're walking, running, dancing or playing intense sports, your ankles support the majority of your full body weight. It can be harmful to put a lot of pressure on a small joint, so the ankles can be particularly vulnerable to injury. Additionally, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may also damage ankle joints, and all of these issues can lead to prolonged ankle pain and decreased function.
If you damage your ankles, you may benefit from ankle fusion surgery or an ankle replacement, also known as a total ankle arthroplasty. As with all other types of surgery, rehabilitation will begin immediately, so you can begin your recovery as soon as possible.
Total ankle arthroplasty
Though ankle fusion surgery can be beneficial, most surgeons recommend replacing the entire ankle joint in a procedure known as total ankle arthroplasty. During the procedure, metal or plastic materials are used to create a new ankle joint. If you have a tight muscle or Achilles tendon, the surgeon may also perform a lengthening procedure, to increase your range of motion.
Total ankle arthroplasty is performed on an inpatient basis under general anesthesia, and typically requires a one- or two-night hospital stay. It can take up to a year to fully recover from the procedure, and you will be asked to avoid high-impact activities, as they can damage the new ankle.