Quick answer
Ankle and foot surgery repairs or reconstructs damaged bones, ligaments, tendons or joints in the ankle and foot. It is usually advised for displaced fractures, ligament tears that keep the ankle unstable, Achilles tendon ruptures, severe arthritis and deformities, when rest, braces, physiotherapy and medicines do not help enough. Many foot and ankle problems improve without surgery, so the first step is an accurate diagnosis.
Dr. Praful Kilaru
Yashoda Hospitals, Malakpet, Hyderabad
Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Examination, X-rays and, if needed, an MRI or CT scan
Ankle and Foot Surgery at a Glance
Condition
Common surgery
Usual recovery
Displaced ankle fracture
Fixation with plates and screws
Bone heals in about 6–12 weeks
Repeated ankle sprains / loose ankle
Ligament repair or reconstruction
Sports in about 3–4 months
Achilles tendon rupture
Tendon repair
Walking in a boot for 6–8 weeks; sports in 6–9 months or more
Ankle cartilage damage or impingement
Ankle arthroscopy (keyhole surgery)
Walking in 1–3 weeks; sports in about 6–12 weeks
Severe ankle arthritis
Ankle fusion or ankle replacement
Main recovery in about 3–6 months
Bunion or foot deformity
Corrective osteotomy
Normal shoes in about 6–8 weeks; full recovery up to 6 months
These are typical timelines. Your own recovery depends on the injury, the procedure, bone quality, diabetes or smoking, and how closely you follow the rehabilitation plan.
What Is Ankle and Foot Surgery?
The ankle and foot contain 26 bones, more than 30 joints and many ligaments and tendons that work together every time you stand, walk or run. Ankle and foot surgery is a group of operations used to fix these structures when they are broken, torn, worn out or out of shape.
The aim is to relieve pain, make the ankle stable, correct deformity and help you walk normally again. Some procedures are done through small keyhole incisions, while others need an open operation.
Which Conditions May Need Ankle or Foot Surgery?
Ankle and foot fractures
Broken bones that are displaced, involve the joint surface or are unstable often need fixation. Serious or multiple fractures are explained on our complex fracture treatment page.
Ligament tears and ankle instability
Repeated sprains can leave the ankle loose and prone to giving way. If physiotherapy does not restore stability, ligament repair or reconstruction may help.
Achilles tendon rupture
A sudden pop at the back of the heel, often during sport, may be a torn Achilles tendon. Treatment can be surgical or non-surgical depending on the tear and your activity level.
Ankle arthritis
Wear-and-tear osteoarthritis, arthritis after an old fracture, or rheumatoid arthritis can make the ankle painful and stiff.
Foot deformities
Bunions, flat foot and other deformities may need correction when they cause pain or difficulty wearing shoes.
Non-healing fractures and diabetic foot problems
Fractures that have not healed after earlier treatment, and selected diabetic foot problems, may need reconstruction or limb-salvage surgery.
Symptoms That Need an Orthopedic Assessment
Seek urgent care
Go to an emergency department if you cannot put weight on the foot after an injury, the ankle looks deformed, there is numbness or a cold foot, or, if you have diabetes, a foot wound shows redness, swelling, fever or discharge.
Not sure what is causing your symptoms? Our conditions guide explains common causes of joint pain.
Does Every Ankle or Foot Problem Need Surgery?
No. Many sprains, minor fractures, tendon problems and early arthritis get better with simpler treatment:
Learn more about our physiotherapy and rehabilitation support. Surgery is considered when the bones are out of place, the ankle stays unstable, a tendon is fully torn, or pain continues despite proper non-surgical care.
Types of Ankle and Foot Surgery
Procedure
What it does
Commonly used for
Fracture fixation (ORIF)
Holds broken bones in place with plates, screws or nails
Displaced ankle, heel and foot fractures
Ligament repair / reconstruction
Tightens or rebuilds torn ankle ligaments
Chronic ankle instability
Ankle arthroscopy
Keyhole camera surgery inside the ankle
Cartilage damage, impingement, loose fragments
Achilles tendon repair
Stitches the torn tendon ends together
Achilles tendon rupture
Osteotomy
Cuts and realigns bone to correct shape
Bunions, flat foot and other deformities
Ankle fusion
Joins the ankle bones so they heal as one
Severe arthritis or failed earlier surgery
Ankle replacement
Replaces the worn joint with an implant
Severe arthritis in selected patients
Your surgeon will explain which procedure suits your problem after examining you and reviewing your scans.
Ankle Fusion vs Ankle Replacement
Feature
Ankle fusion
Ankle replacement
How it works
Joins the bones so the joint no longer moves
Replaces the joint surfaces with an implant
Pain relief
Usually very good
Usually very good
Ankle movement
Up-and-down movement is lost
Some movement is kept
Who it suits
Most patients, including younger and active people
Selected older, less active patients with good bone
Long-term
Durable once healed
The implant may wear and need revision
Both are options for severe ankle arthritis. Read more about joint fusion surgery.
How Are Ankle and Foot Problems Diagnosed?
History and examination
Dr. Praful asks how the problem started and checks swelling, tenderness, movement, stability and the way you walk.
X-rays
Standing X-rays show fractures, joint space, alignment and arthritis.
MRI or CT scan
An MRI shows ligaments, tendons and cartilage. A CT scan shows complex fractures in detail. These are advised only when they will change the treatment.
Treatment plan
Non-surgical and surgical options are explained, with the expected recovery, so you can decide with full information.
What Happens During Ankle Surgery?
Most ankle and foot operations are done under spinal or regional anaesthesia, sometimes with a nerve block that keeps the foot numb for several hours afterwards. The operation usually takes one to three hours depending on the procedure.
Many patients stay in hospital for one to three days. You will be shown how to use crutches or a walker and how much weight you can put on the foot.
Recovery After Ankle and Foot Surgery
Recovery happens in stages. For the first two weeks, keep the foot raised to control swelling and protect the wound. Depending on the surgery, you may wear a cast or boot for about six weeks, and weight-bearing is increased step by step as the bone or tendon heals.
Physiotherapy then restores movement, strength and balance. Most people return to desk work in about two to six weeks and to sport after three to six months or more. Supportive footwear helps during recovery; see our guide to the best shoes after leg surgery. Good nutrition also supports bone healing; read about the diet for bone fracture recovery.
Important
Do not put full weight on the foot until your surgeon allows it. Walking too early on a healing fracture or repair can cause it to fail.
What Are the Risks of Ankle and Foot Surgery?
Controlling blood sugar, stopping smoking and following your weight-bearing instructions lower these risks.
What Affects the Cost of Ankle and Foot Surgery in Hyderabad?
You can get a written estimate for your own surgery after a consultation and review of your scans.
Why Consult Dr. Praful Kilaru for Ankle and Foot Surgery in Hyderabad?
Dr. Praful Kilaru is a Senior Consultant Joint Replacement and Complex Trauma Surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals, Malakpet, Hyderabad, with 18 years of orthopaedic experience and an AO Trauma Fellowship from Davos. Ankle fractures, foot and ankle reconstruction and fractures that failed to heal after earlier surgery are a regular part of his trauma practice.
At your consultation, you can discuss:
Learn more about Dr. Praful Kilaru's orthopaedic practice in Hyderabad, or see our sports injuries treatment page if your problem started during sport.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ankle and Foot Surgery
What is the most common ankle surgery?
Fixing a broken ankle with plates and screws is one of the most common ankle operations. Ligament repair for repeated sprains and ankle arthroscopy are also common.
Do I need surgery for a broken ankle?
Not always. Stable fractures with the bones in a good position can heal in a cast or boot. Displaced or unstable fractures, or those that involve the joint surface, usually need surgery to heal correctly.
Can a torn ankle ligament heal without surgery?
Most ankle sprains, even with ligament tears, heal with a brace and physiotherapy. Surgery is considered when the ankle keeps giving way despite good rehabilitation.
How long does it take to recover from ankle surgery?
Bones and repaired tissues usually heal in about 6–12 weeks. Return to normal walking often takes two to three months, and sports or heavy work three to six months or more.
When can I walk after ankle surgery?
It depends on the surgery. Some patients can put weight on the foot in a boot within days, while after fracture fixation or fusion you may need crutches for about six weeks. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe.
Is ankle surgery painful?
You will not feel pain during surgery. Afterwards, pain is controlled with medicines, nerve blocks, elevation and ice, and it usually eases a lot within the first two weeks.
How long will I need to wear a boot or cast?
Usually about six weeks after fracture fixation, tendon repair or fusion, and less after arthroscopy. The exact time depends on how the bone or tendon is healing.
Do plates and screws need to be removed after ankle surgery?
Usually not. They are removed only if they cause pain or irritation, or in certain situations your surgeon will explain.
Is ankle fusion or ankle replacement better?
Neither is best for everyone. Fusion is durable and suits most patients, while replacement keeps some movement and suits selected patients. The choice depends on your age, activity, bone quality and deformity.
Can diabetic foot problems be treated with surgery?
Selected diabetic foot problems, such as deformity, infection or collapse of the foot, may need surgery to prevent further damage. Good blood sugar control and early treatment are essential.
Which doctor should I see for ankle or foot pain?
An orthopedic surgeon can assess ankle and foot pain, arrange the right scans and explain both non-surgical and surgical options.
Does insurance cover ankle and foot surgery in Hyderabad?
Most health insurance policies cover medically necessary ankle and foot surgery. Check your policy's waiting period and limits with your insurer and the hospital's insurance desk.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Treatment choices, recovery times and results vary from person to person and should be discussed with your surgeon.
