Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery Specialist in Mount Pleasant, SC
Chronic foot and ankle pain can make everyday activities difficult and significantly impact your quality of life. Blake Ohlson, M.D. offers minimally invasive foot surgery in Mount Pleasant, SC, utilizing advanced surgical techniques to treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions through small incisions. Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive foot surgery is designed to reduce soft tissue disruption, minimize postoperative pain, and promote a faster recovery.
Whether you are experiencing bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, tendon injuries, or other foot and ankle disorders, Dr. Ohlson develops personalized treatment plans focused on restoring mobility, relieving pain, and helping you safely return to your daily activities.
What is Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?
Minimally invasive foot surgery (MIFS) uses the latest advanced technology to treat foot and ankle pain caused by a variety of conditions. Special surgical instruments, devices, and advanced imaging techniques are used to visualize and perform the surgery through small incisions. The aim of MIFS is to minimize damage to the muscles and surrounding structures, enabling a faster recovery with less pain.
What are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?
The benefits of MIFS over a traditional open foot surgery include:
- Smaller surgery scars
- Lesser risk of infection
- Minimal blood loss during the surgery
- Minimal postoperative pain
- Quicker recovery
- Shortened hospital stay
- Quicker return to work and normal activities
What are the Indications for Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?
Some of the foot and ankle conditions treated using MIFS technique include:
- Bunions
- Hammer toes
- Metatarsalgia
- Big toe arthritis
- Flat feet
- Ankle arthritis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Toe deformities
How is Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery Performed?
Minimally invasive foot surgery is performed through very small incisions. Through these small incisions, segmental tubular retractors and dilators are inserted to retract muscles away from the operative area and provide access to the affected area of the foot. This minimizes the damage to the muscles and soft tissues and lessens blood loss during the surgery.
A scope, a thin telescope-like instrument with a video camera on the end is inserted through one of the tiny incisions to provide images of the operation field on the monitor in the operating room. Special tiny surgical instruments are passed through the working channel of the scope to perform the surgery. Sometimes, surgical microscopes may also be used to magnify the visual field. Once the surgery is complete, the tissues are placed back, as the various instruments are removed. The incision is then closed and covered with surgical tape.
What are the Risks and Complications of Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications involved with minimally invasive foot surgery. These may include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, as well as complications due to general anesthesia.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Choosing an experienced orthopedic surgeon is an important step toward achieving the best possible outcome from foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive orthopedic care using advanced minimally invasive techniques that emphasize precision, patient comfort, and long-term function.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Comprehensive evaluation of foot and ankle conditions
- Expertise in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's condition, lifestyle, and goals
- Smaller incisions designed to reduce tissue damage and postoperative discomfort
- Modern technology and advanced imaging for enhanced surgical precision
- Comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation to support optimal recovery
- Compassionate, patient-centered care from consultation through recovery
Dr. Ohlson's goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help patients return to their normal activities as safely and efficiently as possible.
Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery FAQs
What is minimally invasive foot surgery?
Minimally invasive foot surgery (MIFS) is an advanced surgical approach that uses specialized instruments and small incisions to treat foot and ankle conditions while minimizing disruption to surrounding muscles and soft tissues.
What conditions can be treated with minimally invasive foot surgery?
MIFS may be used to treat several conditions, including bunions, hammertoes, metatarsalgia, big toe arthritis, flat feet, ankle arthritis, Achilles tendon injuries, and various toe deformities.
What are the advantages of minimally invasive foot surgery?
Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive procedures typically offer smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, reduced blood loss, lower infection risk, quicker recovery, and a faster return to daily activities.
Am I a candidate for minimally invasive foot surgery?
Candidates are determined based on the specific foot or ankle condition, severity of symptoms, overall health, and response to conservative treatments. Dr. Ohlson will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment option.
Is minimally invasive foot surgery performed on an outpatient basis?
Many minimally invasive foot procedures are performed as outpatient surgeries, allowing patients to return home the same day. However, the exact treatment plan depends on the complexity of the procedure.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and the condition being treated. Because the surgery uses smaller incisions and causes less tissue disruption, many patients experience a faster recovery than with traditional open surgery.
Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
Depending on your procedure and recovery progress, Dr. Ohlson may recommend physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall foot and ankle function.
What are the risks of minimally invasive foot surgery?
Although minimally invasive foot surgery is generally safe, potential risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, delayed healing, anesthesia-related complications, and the possibility of requiring additional treatment.
Schedule a Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery Consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If chronic foot or ankle pain is limiting your mobility, minimally invasive foot surgery may provide lasting relief with less postoperative discomfort and a faster recovery than traditional surgical techniques. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment plans for patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities.
Contact our office today to schedule your minimally invasive foot surgery consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC, and learn whether advanced minimally invasive treatment is the right solution for your foot or ankle condition.