If you have an injury or illness that has affected one or both ankles, you may need to see a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon to help you discover the best possible treatment. Surgical treatments can relieve a great deal of your pain and help you get on the road to recovery so you can get back to living your life the way you choose. 

Ankle and foot pain can be caused by any number of medical conditions, and in some cases, depending on their severity, surgery may be your best option for recovery and pain relief. You may be referred to a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon if you experience any of the following injuries or symptoms: 

Fractures or dislocations. If bones in your ankle have been broken, an orthopedic surgeon may need to operate to help it heal. 
Arthritis. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can have detrimental effects on the joints in the ankles. In extreme situations, surgery could help you regain some range of motion and reduce your pain. 
Tendonitis. Though most cases of tendonitis can be resolved with rest and specific medications, surgery may be required in extreme cases. 
Sprains or strains. If you have rolled or twisted your ankle and caused a ligament tear, surgical repair may be required to help those ligaments heal and regain their strength. 
Foot issues related to diabetes. Due to the lack of circulation in the extremities that diabetes can cause, some patients may experience serious ulcers and even fractures that require surgical intervention. 
Stress injuries. Finally, repetitive use of your foot or ankle may also cause an injury or condition that requires surgical intervention. 

Surgery is often the best solution for many of the issues listed above. Not only does it immediately get to the bottom of the injury or condition, but it also allows you to start on the road to healing more quickly. Surgeries are more commonly performed as the result of a significant injury and may include things like total ankle replacement, foot and ankle reconstruction, limb salvage using bone grafts and/or metal implants, and tendon or ligament repair. 

Following your surgery, you will likely be advised to stay off the affected leg for a specific time and use crutches, a “boot,” or even a wheelchair to move for anywhere from a week to several weeks depending on the nature of your surgery. You may also receive physical rehabilitation to help you retain and regain your range of motion after your surgery.