Foot & Ankle Surgery | Podiatric Surgeons

Foot & Ankle Surgery Overview

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When Conservative Care Isn’t Enough — What Surgery at Our Clinic Looks Like

For most foot and ankle conditions, we exhaust conservative options first: custom orthotics, physical therapy, injections, shockwave therapy, activity modification, and appropriate footwear. Surgery is recommended when conservative care has been appropriately completed and the problem is not resolving, when the structural nature of the problem makes conservative care ineffective, or when the condition is severe enough that proceeding to surgery is clearly in the patient’s best interest.

Our podiatric surgeons perform the full spectrum of foot and ankle surgical procedures — from minor in-office nail procedures to complex reconstructive ankle surgery — at two established surgical facilities serving the Twin Cities northwest metro. If surgery is recommended for your condition, this page explains what you can expect from the process, from the pre-operative evaluation through recovery.

Not sure if surgery is right for you? A second opinion before any elective surgical decision is always appropriate. We welcome that conversation. See our Second Opinion / Foot Pain Not Improving page.

Call 763-421-7300 | Book online

Procedures We Perform

Our podiatric surgeons perform both in-office minor procedures and outpatient surgical procedures at our affiliated surgical facilities. Common categories include:

Forefoot & Toe Surgery

Bunion correction (hallux valgus): realignment of the first metatarsal and great toe joint. Procedure selected based on the severity of the deformity — options range from soft tissue correction to osteotomy (bone cutting) or fusion with or without fixation hardware.
Tailor’s bunion (fifth metatarsal head): correction of the lateral bony prominence at the base of the little toe.
Hammertoe and claw toe correction: arthroplasty (bone resection) or arthrodesis (fusion) of the proximal interphalangeal joint to straighten chronically contracted toes. May include tendon lengthening or transfer procedures.
Hallux rigidus: surgical management of a stiff, arthritic big toe joint ranging from cheilectomy (bone spur removal) to joint fusion (arthrodesis) for advanced arthritis.
Morton’s neuroma excision: surgical removal of the thickened nerve tissue between the metatarsal heads when conservative management and injections have not provided lasting relief.
Sesamoid surgery: partial or complete sesamoidectomy for chronic sesamoid non-union or avascular necrosis that has not responded to conservative management and offloading.
Weil osteotomy: a surgical shortening and realignment of the lesser metatarsals to offload the metatarsal heads, reduce forefoot pain, and correct toe deformity. Often performed in combination with hammertoe correction or plantar plate repair.
Plantar plate repair: surgical repair of the plantar plate ligament at the base of the lesser toes, which can tear from chronic overloading and cause toe instability, crossover toe deformity, and forefoot pain. Often combined with Weil osteotomy.

Heel, Arch & Tendon Surgery

Plantar fascia release: partial plantar fasciectomy for refractory chronic plantar fasciitis.
Haglund’s deformity / insertional Achilles: resection of the posterior superior calcaneal prominence with repair of the Achilles tendon insertion, for painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy unresponsive to conservative care.
Achilles tendon repair: primary repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture, or reconstruction for chronic Achilles pathology. May include tendon transfer augmentation in complex cases.
Posterior tibial tendon repair: for adult-acquired flatfoot (PTTD) progressing despite conservative care. May include tendon debridement, flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, calcaneal osteotomy, and medial column realignment and/or fusion depending on stage.
Peroneal tendon repair: debridement, repair, or tenodesis of longitudinal peroneal tendon tears and subluxation.

Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery

Deformity Correction: comprehensive surgical correction of complex foot and ankle deformities, including adult-acquired flatfoot, cavus foot, and post-traumatic deformity. May include combinations of osteotomy, tendon transfer, and arthrodesis tailored to the specific deformity pattern and the patient’s functional goals.
Fusion (arthrodesis) for end-stage arthritis: joint fusion is the definitive surgical treatment for end-stage arthritis of the foot and ankle when pain and functional limitation are severe and other options have been exhausted. Fusion eliminates painful joint motion while providing lasting stability.
Ankle fracture repair: open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced or unstable ankle fractures, including bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures.
Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction: Brostöm-Gould procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability that has failed physical therapy and bracing.
Ankle arthroscopy: minimally invasive joint assessment and treatment — debridement of synovitis, osteophyte removal, loose body extraction, and cartilage procedures.
Tarsal tunnel release: surgical decompression of the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel for confirmed tarsal tunnel syndrome refractory to conservative care.
Charcot reconstruction: corrective osteotomy and arthrodesis for midfoot or hindfoot deformity from Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy in diabetic patients, to restore a plantigrade foot and prevent ulceration.

Where We Operate

Outpatient surgical procedures are performed at two affiliated facilities serving the Twin Cities northwest metro. Both are accredited outpatient surgical centers with dedicated anesthesia and nursing teams experienced in foot and ankle procedures. Most patients go home the same day as surgery.

Facility	Location	Contact
Mercy Hospital — Coon Rapids	4050 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55443	Pre-op call: 763-236-7186 Pre-op fax: 763-236-8645
Allina Health Surgery Center — Brooklyn Park	6001 96th Lane N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445	Pre-op call: 763-373-0400 (they will call/text you) Pre-op fax: 763-777-5770

Both facilities are accredited outpatient surgical centers. Your procedure location will be communicated at the time of surgical scheduling. Pre-operative instructions specific to each facility will be provided by the facility directly.

Before Surgery — What to Expect

Pre-Operative Evaluation & Testing

After surgery is scheduled, most patients require a pre-operative history and physical (H&P) completed by their primary care physician or an internist 5–30 days before the procedure date. Your surgical team may also order pre-operative lab work, EKG, or other testing depending on your health history. Results should be faxed to the appropriate facility using the fax numbers above.

Pre-op call required at both facilities. Mercy Hospital: call 763-236-7186 to schedule your pre-operative call. Allina Health Surgery Center — Brooklyn Park: they will call or text you with pre-op instructions. Be available by phone the night before and day of surgery in case of schedule changes. The anesthesiologist may also contact you before surgery to review your health status.

Medications Before Surgery

STOP taking aspirin (unless told otherwise by your doctor), fish oil, and all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) one week before surgery.
Blood thinners (Plavix, Eliquis, Coumadin, etc.): ask your doctor at your pre-operative physical for specific instructions. Do not stop these on your own.
Medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart conditions: ask your pre-op physical physician for specific instructions.
Medications you need to take the morning of surgery may be taken with a small sip of water only, unless otherwise instructed.
Pick up your pain medication prescription before surgery if applicable so it is ready when you get home.

The Night Before / Morning of Surgery

NOTHING to eat or drink after midnight before your surgery — no coffee, tea, juice, water, food, hard candy, or gum. This is strictly enforced by anesthesia.
Do not shave the surgical site for 3 days before surgery — shaving creates small skin openings that increase infection risk.
Do not bring valuables to the hospital or surgery center.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. A gown will be provided. Remove or leave at home dental implants.
You must have an adult escort. All patients must be accompanied by an adult who will drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after anesthesia. You cannot be discharged alone. Taxis, rideshares, or buses do not satisfy this requirement if you are traveling alone.
If you develop any sudden illness or infection (flu, cold, fever, open sore, rash near the surgical site), notify our office immediately at 763-421-7300. Surgery may need to be rescheduled.

Download the Pre-Op Instructions & Checklist for the complete list of instructions to review before surgery. Your surgeon will also go through this with you at your pre-operative appointment.

After Surgery — What to Expect at Home

Activity & Weight-Bearing

Your weight-bearing status after surgery depends on the specific procedure performed. Your surgeon will confirm your restrictions before discharge. Common post-operative activity instructions include:

Elevate your foot on 1–2 pillows, at or slightly above heart level, for the first 5 days after surgery. You may be up minimally to use the bathroom and eat. Elevation is the single most important thing you can do to manage swelling and promote healing.
Apply ice packs behind the knee (not directly on the surgical site) for 10–15 minutes per hour, with 40 minutes between icing sessions, to reduce pain and swelling.
Wiggle toes and move knees and hips several times each hour while awake to promote circulation.
Driving: do not drive after taking opioid pain medication. Do not drive with a cast or walking boot on your right foot. Do not drive a manual transmission with a cast on your left foot. Avoid car trips longer than 10–20 minutes in the first weeks after surgery — having your surgical foot below heart level increases swelling significantly.
Post-op shoe or boot: if provided before surgery, bring it with you the day of surgery. You will need it for discharge.

Wound Care

Keep the dressing clean and dry at all times. When showering, wrap the cast or dressing in a dry-wrap with a towel and plastic bag, or use a cast protector (available at most pharmacies, online, and through Corner Home Medical).
A small amount of bleeding is normal. Do not remove the bandage yourself unless specifically instructed to do so. If the bandage becomes saturated with blood or gets wet, call our office at 763-421-7300 or the after-hours line.
Protect the incision from sun exposure for 8 weeks after surgery to minimize scarring.
Swelling and bruising at the surgical site are expected and normal. Continue elevation.

Medications After Surgery

Alternating acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen: For most patients without contraindications, we recommend alternating acetaminophen 1,000 mg and ibuprofen 600 mg every 6-8 hours for the first 2–3 days — this combination provides better baseline pain control than either drug alone. Your surgeon will advise if this protocol is not appropriate for you based on your individual medical history (kidney or liver function, stomach history, diabetes, blood thinners, etc.).
Prescribed opioid medication is for breakthrough pain only, when scheduled alternating Tylenol/ibuprofen is insufficient. Take with food and a full glass of water. Opioids can cause constipation — increase fluids, fruit, and fiber if needed. Do not drive after taking opioid medication.
Aspirin 81 mg twice daily: begin the day after surgery (with food) for blood clot prevention if you are non-weight-bearing, unless your surgeon has advised against it or has recommended a more aggressive anticoagulation protocol based on your individual risk factors.
Vitamin D3 5,000 IU daily: if you are having a joint fusion or osteotomy, we recommend starting Vitamin D3 5,000 IU daily. This can — and ideally should — be started before surgery during your planning period, and continued daily until the fusion or osteotomy site has healed. Adequate Vitamin D supports bone healing and consolidation.

Blood Clot Prevention

The risk of blood clots (DVT) after foot and ankle surgery is low, but we take active steps to reduce it further. Let your surgeon know if you use nicotine products, are on hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, or have a personal or family history of blood clots. Call our office or seek emergency care if you develop calf pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

When to Call Us

Call 763-421-7300 immediately if you experience: temperature above 101°F, chills, or increasing redness, drainage, or odor from the incision • excessive bleeding or a saturated bandage • severe swelling or pain not controlled by medication • calf pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath • any other worrying symptom or concern.

After-hours contact: An after-hours physician contact number will be provided to you at your pre-operative appointment. Keep this number accessible during your recovery. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Post-Operative Resources & Equipment

Getting the right equipment before surgery makes your recovery significantly easier. We provide or recommend the following:

Item	Where to Get It	Notes
Knee scooter	Corner Home Medical (preferred) or pharmacy	Strongly recommended over crutches for most patients. Reduces fatigue and fall risk.
Crutches	Provided at discharge if needed / Corner Home Medical	Provided at the hospital or surgery center for non-weight-bearing patients.
Cast protector / shower sleeve	Corner Home Medical, most pharmacies, Amazon	Essential for keeping your dressing dry when showering. Buy before surgery.
Shower chair or bench	Corner Home Medical, Home Depot, Target	If you will need to sit while showering, especially in the first weeks.
Post-op shoe or boot	Provided by our office before surgery if needed	Bring it with you the day of surgery for discharge.
Ice pack / cold therapy wrap	Any pharmacy or sporting goods store	Apply behind the knee (not directly to the surgical site).
Disabled parking placard	MN Dept. of Motor Vehicles (with physician letter)	Ask your surgeon if you qualify for a temporary placard.

Corner Home Medical. We work with Corner Home Medical for post-operative equipment including knee scooters, crutches, shower protectors, and other durable medical equipment. Brochures are available at both clinic locations. Contact information is in our office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I actually need surgery?

Surgery is recommended when the condition will not resolve or cannot be adequately managed without it, and when the expected benefit outweighs the risks and recovery burden. We do not recommend surgery as a first option for conditions that respond reliably to conservative care. At your consultation, we will walk you through exactly why surgery is or is not being recommended for your specific situation, what alternatives exist, and what the evidence says about outcomes for your condition.

What anesthesia is used?

Most foot and ankle procedures are performed under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) — a combination of IV sedation and local nerve block — or under general anesthesia, depending on the nature and extent of the procedure. Minor procedures typically use local anesthesia only or MAC with a nerve block. More extensive reconstructive procedures, longer cases, or patient-specific factors may call for general anesthesia. The anesthesiologist at the surgical facility will review your health history and the planned procedure before surgery and will discuss the anesthetic approach with you. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and share any prior anesthesia history or concerns before the day of surgery.

How long is recovery?

Recovery varies significantly by procedure. Minor in-office procedures (ingrown nail removal, wound debridement) have essentially no recovery period. Soft tissue procedures may have a 2–6 week recovery with protected weight-bearing. Bone procedures (bunionectomy, osteotomy, arthrodesis) typically require 6–12 weeks of protected weight-bearing followed by several more weeks of gradual return to activity. Full return to all activities, including sports, may take 4–6 months for major reconstructive procedures. Your surgeon will give you a specific recovery timeline at your pre-operative appointment.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

For most procedures involving bone, tendon, or ligament repair, post-operative physical therapy is a recommended part of the recovery protocol. Therapy typically begins once you are out of the cast or boot and are permitted to bear weight. We provide physical therapy referrals and work with therapists across the metro who are experienced in foot and ankle post-operative rehabilitation.

What does surgery cost? Does insurance cover it?

Foot and ankle surgery is covered by most insurance plans when medically necessary and when appropriate conservative care has been completed and documented. Coverage depends on your specific plan, your deductible and out-of-pocket status, and the specific procedure. We submit prior authorization to your insurer before elective procedures and will communicate the expected coverage with you before the surgery date. For self-pay questions, contact our billing team.

Ready to Schedule a Surgical Consultation?

If you’ve been told surgery may be appropriate for your condition, or if you’ve been living with a foot or ankle problem that conservative care hasn’t resolved, the next step is a consultation. We’ll evaluate your condition thoroughly, explain your options clearly, and help you make a well-informed decision.

Call 763-421-7300 | Book online

Serving Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Ham Lake, Andover, Champlin, Blaine, Plymouth, Wayzata, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, Edina, and all Twin Cities communities.