Foot & Ankle Surgery Specialist in Mount Pleasant, SC
If chronic foot or ankle pain is limiting your mobility and affecting your quality of life, expert orthopedic care can help you return to the activities you enjoy. Blake Ohlson, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in advanced foot and ankle surgery for patients in Mount Pleasant, SC. Whether you're dealing with arthritis, sports injuries, fractures, tendon disorders, deformities, or chronic foot pain, Dr. Ohlson provides personalized treatment plans that prioritize conservative care whenever possible and advanced surgical solutions when necessary. His goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and help patients safely return to an active lifestyle using the latest orthopedic techniques.
What is Foot and Ankle Surgery?
Foot and ankle surgery is a specialized field of orthopedic surgery that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the foot and ankle. Foot and ankle surgery aims to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the overall quality of life for patients with foot and ankle disorders.
Anatomy
The foot and ankle are complex joints involved in movement, providing stability and balance to the body. They are flexible structures that consist of 26 bones, 33 joints, and many muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The foot is usually differentiated into 3 parts: the forefoot, comprising of 5 toes, the midfoot, comprising of 5 bones that form the arch of the foot, and the hindfoot, forming the heel and ankle. The ankle is a large joint made up of 3 bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus. Ligaments and tendons run along the surface of the feet promoting easy and flexible movement.
What are the Common Conditions Treated by Foot and Ankle Surgery?
Common foot and ankle conditions addressed by Foot and Ankle Surgery include:
- Traumatic Injuries: Fractures, sprains, and dislocations of the foot and ankle.
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis affecting the foot and ankle joints.
- Deformities: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet.
- Tendon and Ligament Disorders: Issues such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and tendon ruptures.
- Nerve Problems: Conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome and neuromas.
- Diabetic Foot Care: Managing complications from diabetes, such as ulcers and infections.
- Sports Injuries: Including stress fractures, ligament injuries, and other sports-related conditions.
What are the Common Procedures Performed in Foot and Ankle Surgery?
Common foot and ankle procedures performed by Foot and Ankle Surgery include:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems.
- Fusion Surgery: Fusing bones together to eliminate pain from arthritis or other conditions.
- Osteotomy: Cutting and realigning bones to correct deformities.
- Tendon Repair: Fixing torn or damaged tendons.
- Fracture Repair: Using screws, plates, or other hardware to stabilize broken bones.
- Bunion Surgery: Removing the bony bump and realigning the joint.
- Hammertoe Correction: Surgical straightening of bent toes.
- Plantar Fascia Release: Cutting part of the plantar fascia ligament to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis.
- Ankle Replacement: Replacing a damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant.
Preoperative and Postoperative Care
Preoperative Care: Includes diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRI), physical examinations, and discussions about the risks and benefits of surgery. Patients are often advised to stop certain medications and follow specific guidelines to prepare for surgery.
Postoperative Care: Involves pain management, physical therapy, and gradual return to normal activities. Patients may need to wear a cast or brace and use crutches to avoid putting weight on the operated foot or ankle.
Goals of Foot and Ankle Surgery
- Pain Relief: Alleviating chronic pain that interferes with daily activities.
- Restoring Function: Improving or restoring mobility and function of the foot and ankle.
- Correcting Deformities: Addressing structural abnormalities to improve alignment and functionality.
- Enhancing Quality of Life: Enabling patients to return to normal activities and improve their overall quality of life.
Foot and ankle surgeons are trained in both surgical and non-surgical techniques, and they often work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and podiatrists, to provide comprehensive care.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Foot & Ankle Surgery in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Choosing an experienced orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon is essential for achieving the best possible outcome. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive evaluation, advanced surgical expertise, and individualized care to help patients regain mobility and improve long-term foot and ankle health.
Patients choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Fellowship-trained expertise in orthopedic foot and ankle surgery
- Comprehensive diagnosis using detailed physical examinations and advanced imaging
- Personalized treatment plans based on each patient's condition, lifestyle, and recovery goals
- Expertise in both minimally invasive and traditional surgical techniques
- Treatment for acute injuries, chronic conditions, and complex foot and ankle disorders
- Focus on restoring mobility, stability, and long-term function
- Collaborative postoperative rehabilitation to optimize recovery
- Convenient care for patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and the surrounding Lowcountry
Dr. Ohlson is committed to helping patients understand their treatment options and providing individualized care designed to achieve lasting pain relief and improved function.
Foot & Ankle Surgery FAQs
When is foot and ankle surgery recommended?
Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments such as activity modification, physical therapy, medications, bracing, orthotics, or injections have not provided sufficient relief, or when a fracture, tendon injury, or deformity requires surgical correction.
What conditions can foot and ankle surgery treat?
Foot and ankle surgery can address a wide range of conditions, including fractures, arthritis, bunions, hammertoes, Achilles tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, tendon tears, ligament injuries, flatfoot deformities, ankle instability, sports injuries, and nerve compression disorders.
Are all foot and ankle procedures performed using minimally invasive techniques?
Not all procedures are minimally invasive. Whenever appropriate, minimally invasive or arthroscopic techniques may be used to reduce tissue disruption, minimize postoperative pain, and support faster recovery. The most appropriate approach depends on your specific diagnosis.
How long is recovery after foot and ankle surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Some patients return to normal activities within several weeks, while more complex reconstructive procedures may require several months of healing and rehabilitation.
Will I need physical therapy?
Yes. Physical therapy is commonly recommended following foot and ankle surgery to restore strength, flexibility, balance, and normal gait while promoting a safe return to daily activities.
Will I need to avoid putting weight on my foot?
Depending on the procedure, you may need to use crutches, a walking boot, or other assistive devices while the surgical site heals. Your surgeon will provide detailed weight-bearing instructions based on your recovery.
What are the benefits of foot and ankle surgery?
Successful foot and ankle surgery may relieve chronic pain, improve joint alignment, restore stability, enhance mobility, correct deformities, and help patients return to work, exercise, sports, and everyday activities.
Does insurance cover foot and ankle surgery?
Most medically necessary foot and ankle procedures are covered by insurance. Coverage varies depending on your diagnosis, treatment plan, and insurance provider. Our office can assist with insurance verification prior to your procedure.
Schedule a Foot & Ankle Surgery Consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If foot or ankle pain is affecting your ability to walk, exercise, work, or enjoy daily life, expert orthopedic care may help restore your mobility. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive foot and ankle evaluation and advanced surgical treatment for patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and nearby South Carolina communities.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and learn about personalized foot and ankle treatment options designed to help you move comfortably and confidently again.