Foot & Ankle Deformity Correction Specialist in Mount Pleasant, SC
Foot and ankle deformities can cause chronic pain, difficulty walking, poor balance, and problems with daily activities if left untreated. Blake Ohlson, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in advanced foot and ankle deformity correction for patients in Mount Pleasant, SC. Whether your condition is congenital, injury-related, or the result of arthritis or progressive structural changes, Dr. Ohlson provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans designed to restore proper alignment, relieve pain, and improve mobility. When conservative treatments are no longer effective, advanced surgical techniques can help restore foot function and improve your overall quality of life.
What is Foot & Ankle Deformity Correction?
Foot and ankle deformity is the structural abnormality caused by misalignment of the bones of the foot and ankle.
The deformity can be:
- Congenital (inherited and present from birth)
- Acquired (due to injuries, neuro issues, muscular imbalances, infections, etc.)
Foot and Ankle deformity correction is the repair of the abnormality by restoring the normal alignment of the bones in the foot & ankle, surgically or non-surgically.
Indications for Foot & Ankle Deformity Correction
Notable indications for foot and ankle deformity correction can be:
- Difficulty walking due to an unusual gait
- Problems with balance or signs of disability
- Pain in the foot or trouble wearing shoes
- Thick, hard skin (callous) and pressure sores
- Inflammation of the foot and ankle bones
- Pain in the knees, hips, back and head
Preparing for the Procedure
To prepare you for the surgery, your surgeon is likely to:
- Check your general health and review your medical conditions through specific tests.
- Ask you to stop taking any medications or make changes to the dosage or timings.
- Tell you to have a dental check-up and get any problems dealt with to avoid infection.
- Advise you to arrange for safe transport home after the surgery.
- Recommend that you not eat or drink for a few hours before the operation.
Procedure for Foot & Ankle Deformity Correction
Mild deformities can be corrected with non-surgical treatments including physical therapy, orthoses (splints or braces or other artificial external devices), special footwear and medications.
If the deformity is severe, surgery is recommended. The procedure, known as an osteotomy, is performed under general or regional (affecting only the leg or foot) anesthesia.
During the procedure:
- A small incision is made at the site and the affected part is accessed.
- Extra or unwanted bone wedges and soft tissues are cut and removed.
- Bones are realigned, soft tissues are released, and tendons or ligaments are adjusted.
- The bones are held in the correct position and stabilized with tiny wires, pins or plates.
- The incision is closed with small stitches and a dressing or bandage is applied.
Postoperative Care
As you recover from the procedure, you will need to:
- Carefully follow the postoperative instructions
- Provide adequate rest to your foot and ankle
- Ensure minimal weight bearing during initial days
- Check your progress with your surgeon on a regular basis
Additionally, you may be told to use a splint, cast or a brace along with special shoes for a specific period to ensure a safe recovery and prevent the deformity from returning.
Benefits of Foot & Ankle Deformity Correction
Benefits of deformity correction include:
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Near normal, painless and stable foot and ankle
- Improved mobility or function of the foot and ankle
- Allows normal shoe wear and ensures better gait
- Cosmetically improved appearance of the foot and ankle
Risks Associated with the Procedure
As with any surgery, deformity correction comes with risks such as:
- Infection, swelling or stiffness
- Wound hematoma (bleeding)
- Problems of healing
- Blood clots in the leg
- Nerve injury with numbness
- Restriction of joint movement
- Shortened foot
- Development of arthritis later in life
- Additional surgery due to non- or mal-union
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Foot & Ankle Deformity Correction in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Correcting foot and ankle deformities requires specialized orthopedic expertise and individualized treatment planning. Dr. Blake Ohlson offers comprehensive care focused on restoring proper alignment, improving function, and helping patients regain confidence in their mobility.
Patients choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Fellowship-trained expertise in orthopedic foot and ankle surgery
- Comprehensive evaluation using advanced imaging and detailed physical examination
- Personalized treatment plans based on each patient's anatomy, lifestyle, and goals
- Expertise in both non-surgical management and advanced reconstructive procedures
- Modern surgical techniques designed to improve alignment and preserve function
- Comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation to support long-term recovery
- Care for congenital, traumatic, arthritic, and progressive foot and ankle deformities
- Convenient orthopedic care for patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and the surrounding Lowcountry
Dr. Ohlson works closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment approach, emphasizing conservative care whenever possible while offering advanced surgical solutions when necessary.
Foot & Ankle Deformity Correction FAQs
What is foot and ankle deformity correction?
Foot and ankle deformity correction is the treatment of structural abnormalities that affect the alignment, stability, and function of the foot or ankle. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may involve physical therapy, custom orthotics, bracing, specialized footwear, or corrective surgery.
What causes foot and ankle deformities?
Deformities may be present at birth (congenital) or develop later due to arthritis, traumatic injuries, tendon or ligament dysfunction, neurological disorders, infections, muscle imbalance, or progressive wear and tear.
When is surgery recommended?
Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments no longer relieve symptoms, when the deformity significantly affects walking or daily activities, or when progressive joint damage or instability is present.
What surgical procedures are used to correct foot and ankle deformities?
Depending on the condition, surgery may involve osteotomy (bone realignment), tendon or ligament reconstruction, soft tissue balancing, joint stabilization, or fixation with plates, screws, pins, or other orthopedic implants to restore proper alignment.
How long is recovery after deformity correction surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. Many patients require a period of limited weight-bearing, followed by physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and normal walking mechanics. Complete recovery may take several months.
Will I need physical therapy?
Yes. Physical therapy is often an important part of recovery and helps improve mobility, rebuild strength, enhance balance, and maximize long-term function after treatment.
What are the benefits of foot and ankle deformity correction?
Successful treatment can reduce pain, improve alignment, restore stability, enhance walking ability, improve shoe fit, correct gait abnormalities, and increase overall quality of life.
Does insurance cover foot and ankle deformity correction?
Most medically necessary deformity correction procedures are covered by insurance. Coverage varies based on your diagnosis, treatment plan, and insurance provider. Our office can assist with insurance verification before your procedure.
Schedule a Foot & Ankle Deformity Correction Consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If foot or ankle deformity is causing pain, difficulty walking, balance problems, or limiting your daily activities, early evaluation can help prevent further joint damage and improve long-term function. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive foot and ankle deformity evaluation and advanced treatment for patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and learn about personalized foot and ankle deformity correction options designed to relieve pain, restore alignment, and help you return to a more active lifestyle.