Foot and Ankle Surgery in Sugar Land TX
Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery services offered in Sugar Land, TX
Most foot and ankle problems improve with rest and conservative treatment, but reconstructive foot and ankle surgery might be necessary if you break a bone or dislocate a joint. At Vargas Foot Specialists, double board-certified podiatrist Marco Vargas, DPM, has more than 20 years of experience performing reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. To make an appointment, call our office in Sugar Land, Texas, or book online today.
What is reconstructive foot & ankle Surgery?
Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery uses small incisions and special surgical tools to repair problems affecting your feet or ankles. As a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Vargas has the training and expertise to identify the underlying cause of your discomfort and help you feel better.
What are some examples of reconstructive foot and ankle surgery?
At Vargas Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Vargas offers several types of reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, including:
- Posterior tibialis tendon surgery
- Achilles tendon repair surgery
- Ankle replacement surgery
- Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction
- Bunion surgery
Dr. Vargas also performs ankle fusion surgery to relieve pain caused by ankle instability.
How do I prepare for reconstructive foot and ankle surgery?
Before recommending reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Vargas performs a preoperative exam.
During the exam, inform Dr. Vargas of the prescription medication, supplements, and vitamins you take and any underlying medical issues like diabetes or high blood pressure. These conditions won’t prevent you from undergoing surgery, but they may increase the risk of complications, so Dr. Vargas must be aware.
Dr. Vargas might ask you to avoid eating, drinking, or taking medication at least 12 hours prior to your operation.
What happens during reconstructive foot and ankle surgery?
Dr. Vargas performs reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at a nearby hospital or surgical facility.
Before the procedure begins, he administers general anesthesia into a vein in your arm, putting you to sleep. Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Vargas makes a series of small incisions near your foot or ankle and uses special tools to remove diseased or damaged tissue and make repairs.
After finishing the surgery, Dr. Vargas closes your incisions and moves you to a recovery room for observation. You might need to stay in the hospital for several days, depending on the procedure you have.
What can I expect after reconstructive foot and ankle surgery?
After reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, it’s normal to experience pain, swelling, and bruising. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and take your medication as prescribed. Once your foot or ankle begins healing, you enroll in physical therapy. Physical therapy teaches you stretches and strengthening exercises that promote healing and recovery.
To see if you’re a candidate for reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, make an appointment at Vargas Foot Specialists by calling our office or booking online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is foot or ankle surgery necessary?
Surgery may be considered when an injury is severe, a structural problem limits mobility or symptoms continue despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. The decision depends on your diagnosis, overall health and treatment goals.
What conditions can foot and ankle surgery treat?
Surgery may address bunions, fractures, Achilles tendon injuries, ankle instability, damaged ligaments, tendon dysfunction, structural deformities and advanced joint damage or arthritis.
Is surgery always the first treatment option?
No. Dr. Vargas may first recommend footwear changes, activity modification, rehabilitation, custom orthotics, medication or other non-surgical therapies. Surgery is generally considered when conservative care is unlikely to help or has not provided adequate improvement.
What happens during a surgical consultation?
Dr. Vargas reviews your symptoms, medical history, medications and previous treatments. He also examines the affected area and may request diagnostic imaging to determine whether surgery is appropriate.
How should I prepare for foot or ankle surgery?
Preparation may include completing medical testing, reviewing medications, arranging transportation and preparing your home for recovery. Follow the specific instructions provided by Dr. Vargas and the surgical facility.
Where is foot and ankle surgery performed?
Depending on the procedure and the patient’s medical needs, surgery may be performed at a hospital or an accredited surgical facility. Dr. Vargas will explain the recommended location during surgical planning.
How long does recovery take after foot or ankle surgery?
Recovery varies based on the procedure, the severity of the condition and your overall health. Some patients require several weeks or months before returning to unrestricted activities.
Will I be able to walk after surgery?
Your ability to place weight on the treated foot depends on the procedure. You may need a surgical shoe, boot, crutches or another assistive device while the foot or ankle heals.
Will physical therapy be required after surgery?
Physical therapy or prescribed rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to restore mobility, strength and balance. The timing and duration will depend on the procedure and your progress.
What are the possible risks of foot and ankle surgery?
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, swelling, nerve irritation, delayed healing, blood clots, stiffness and incomplete symptom relief. Dr. Vargas will discuss risks specific to the recommended procedure before surgery.
Where can I schedule a foot and ankle surgery consultation in Sugar Land, TX?
Vargas Foot Specialists provides surgical evaluations and personalized treatment planning at 4655 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite 650, Sugar Land, TX 77479.
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Foot and Ankle Surgery in Sugar Land, TX
Many foot and ankle conditions can be managed through conservative treatments. However, surgery may be considered when an injury is severe, a structural problem affects mobility or symptoms continue despite appropriate non-surgical care.
Vargas Foot Specialists provides foot and ankle surgery consultations in Sugar Land, TX. Dr. Marco A. Vargas is a double board-certified podiatric surgeon with experience diagnosing and treating complex foot and ankle conditions.
When Foot or Ankle Surgery May Be Considered
Following a comprehensive evaluation, surgery may be recommended for conditions such as:
- Severe or painful bunions
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Ankle instability or damaged ligaments
- Foot and ankle fractures
- Joint damage or advanced arthritis
- Structural foot deformities
- Tendon dysfunction
- Injuries that have not improved with conservative treatment
- Complications requiring specialized diabetic foot care
The recommended procedure depends on the diagnosis, severity, overall health, and individual treatment goals.
Types of Foot and Ankle Procedures
Dr. Vargas performs or coordinates a range of reconstructive procedures based on each patient’s needs. These may include:
- Bunion correction
- Achilles tendon repair
- Posterior tibial tendon surgery
- Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction
- Ankle replacement
- Ankle fusion
- Repair of fractures or joint injuries
Some procedures may use smaller incisions or minimally invasive techniques when appropriate. Dr. Vargas will explain the recommended approach, its potential benefits and risks, and whether other treatment options should be considered first.
Preparing for Surgery and Recovery
Before surgery, Dr. Vargas reviews your medical history, current medications, and any health conditions that could affect healing. Diagnostic imaging may be ordered to evaluate bones, joints, tendons, or ligaments and assist with surgical planning.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure. Your care plan may include temporary activity restrictions, protective footwear, medication, rehabilitation exercises, and follow-up appointments. Following the postoperative plan helps protect the repaired area and support recovery.
Conservative Care Before Surgery
Surgery is not always the first step. Depending on your condition, Dr. Vargas may initially recommend footwear changes, rehabilitation, custom orthotics, MLS Laser Therapy, Shockwave and EPAT Therapy, or biologic therapy.
When surgery is necessary, we select the procedure based on your diagnosis and the level of correction or repair required.
Serving Sugar Land and Nearby Communities
Vargas Foot Specialists provides surgical evaluations for patients from Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Richmond, Rosenberg, Southwest Houston, and communities throughout Fort Bend County.
If a foot or ankle condition continues to affect your mobility, schedule an appointment at our Sugar Land office to discuss your treatment options.
