Foot and ankle problems can severely impact a person’s quality of life, limiting their ability to walk, run, or even stand comfortably. From injuries to deformities, foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these conditions. Turkey is home to some of the best foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons, who are skilled in performing a wide range of surgeries to correct deformities, relieve pain, and restore mobility. At Uncalı Hospital in Antalya, we offer advanced treatments for various foot and ankle conditions, including bunions (hallux valgus), ankle arthritis, and other foot deformities, providing patients with effective solutions to regain their active lifestyle.
What is Foot and Ankle Surgery?
Foot and ankle surgery involves various surgical procedures designed to correct deformities, repair injuries, and treat conditions affecting the bones, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues of the foot and ankle. These surgeries are often recommended when non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medication, or orthotic devices fail to provide sufficient relief.
Common foot and ankle conditions that may require surgery include:
- Bunions (Hallux Valgus): A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate toward the other toes. Over time, this condition can become painful and lead to further deformity, requiring surgical correction.
- Ankle Arthritis: Arthritis in the ankle joint can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, often making it difficult to walk or bear weight on the affected joint. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to replace or fuse the joint.
- Flatfoot Deformity: Flatfoot is a condition where the arches of the feet collapse, leading to pain and discomfort. Surgery may be needed to reconstruct the arch and improve foot function.
- Achilles Tendon Injuries: Injuries to the Achilles tendon, such as tears or ruptures, often require surgical repair to restore normal movement and strength.
- Fractures and Dislocations: Severe fractures or dislocations in the foot or ankle may require surgical intervention to realign the bones and stabilize the joint.
Foot and ankle surgery aims to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent further complications by addressing the underlying causes of the patient’s condition.
Who is Foot and Ankle Surgery Suitable For?
Foot and ankle surgery is suitable for individuals who:
- Have Chronic Foot or Ankle Pain: Persistent pain due to arthritis, deformities, or previous injuries that limits daily activities and affects quality of life.
- Suffer from Foot Deformities: Conditions such as bunions (hallux valgus), hammertoes, or flatfoot deformities that cause discomfort, swelling, and difficulty in wearing shoes.
- Have Not Responded to Conservative Treatments: When non-surgical treatments such as medications, orthotic devices, or physical therapy have not provided sufficient relief, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue.
- Experience Instability or Limited Mobility: People who suffer from ankle instability or recurrent injuries, such as sprains or fractures, that lead to impaired mobility may benefit from surgical repair.
At Uncalı Hospital, our team of foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons evaluates each patient’s condition through physical exams, imaging studies (such as X-rays or MRIs), and a review of medical history to determine the most effective treatment plan.
Types of Foot and Ankle Surgery
There are several types of foot and ankle surgery that are commonly performed to address specific conditions:
- Bunion Surgery (Hallux Valgus Correction): Bunions are bony deformities at the base of the big toe that can become painful over time. Surgery typically involves removing the bony bump, realigning the bones of the toe, and correcting the joint position. There are different surgical techniques, including osteotomies (bone cutting), depending on the severity of the deformity.
- Ankle Fusion Surgery (Arthrodesis): For patients with severe ankle arthritis, where cartilage has worn away, resulting in bone-on-bone friction, ankle fusion surgery may be recommended. This procedure involves fusing the bones of the ankle joint together to eliminate pain, though it limits some range of motion.
- Ankle Replacement Surgery: In some cases, ankle arthritis can be treated with a total ankle replacement, where the damaged joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant. This procedure can relieve pain while maintaining a more natural range of motion compared to ankle fusion.
- Flatfoot Reconstruction: For patients with flatfoot deformity, surgery can help rebuild the arch and improve foot function. This may involve tendon transfers, bone realignment (osteotomies), or joint fusion.
- Achilles Tendon Repair: Achilles tendon injuries, such as tears or ruptures, often require surgical repair to reconnect the tendon and restore function. The procedure typically involves stitching the torn tendon back together or grafting healthy tissue to aid in the repair.
- Fracture Repair Surgery: When fractures in the foot or ankle are severe or displaced, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and stabilize them with screws, plates, or pins. This ensures proper healing and helps prevent long-term complications.
How is Foot and Ankle Surgery Performed?
The approach used in foot and ankle surgery depends on the type of condition being treated, but most procedures follow a general process:
1. Pre-Surgery Consultation:
The patient will have a detailed consultation with the surgeon, who will assess the foot or ankle condition and discuss the treatment plan. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, will be used to get a detailed view of the bones, joints, and soft tissues.
2. Anesthesia:
Foot and ankle surgeries are typically performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia (spinal or epidural), depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s health.
3. Surgical Procedure:
During the surgery, the surgeon makes incisions around the affected area to access the bones, tendons, or joints. The procedure may involve cutting or realigning bones, repairing tendons or ligaments, removing damaged tissue, or replacing the joint with a prosthetic implant.
4. Closing the Incisions:
Once the surgery is complete, the incisions are closed with stitches or steri-strips. The foot or ankle is usually wrapped in a bandage or cast to protect the area and aid in healing.
The length of the surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure, but most foot and ankle surgeries take between 1 to 3 hours to complete.
Pre-Surgery Preparations
Before undergoing foot and ankle surgery in Turkey, patients will need to follow specific pre-surgery guidelines to ensure the best outcome:
- Medical Evaluation: A full medical evaluation, including blood tests and imaging, will be conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and confirm the diagnosis.
- Medication Adjustments: Patients may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Fasting Before Surgery: If general anesthesia is used, patients will need to fast for a certain period before the surgery to ensure safety during the procedure.
Our medical team at Uncalı Hospital will provide personalized pre-operative instructions to help patients prepare for their surgery and recovery.
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
Recovery from foot and ankle surgery requires patience and a commitment to rehabilitation. Here’s what patients can expect during the recovery process:
- Immediate Aftercare: After surgery, the foot or ankle may be placed in a cast, splint, or bandage to protect the area and allow for proper healing. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and mild pain, which can be managed with pain medication.
- Mobility Restrictions: Depending on the surgery, patients may need to use crutches or a walking boot to avoid putting weight on the foot or ankle during the early recovery phase. Physical therapy may be recommended to improve mobility and strengthen the foot and ankle.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Patients will need to attend follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor healing progress and ensure the foot or ankle is recovering as expected. The surgeon may adjust the treatment plan based on the patient’s recovery.
- Long-Term Recovery: Full recovery from foot and ankle surgery may take several weeks to months, depending on the procedure and the patient’s overall health. Most patients can return to normal activities after 3 to 6 months.
Foot and Ankle Surgery Cost in Turkey
One of the main reasons why patients choose foot and ankle surgery in Turkey is the affordability of the procedure. Foot and ankle surgery costs in Turkey are significantly lower than in Western countries, while maintaining high standards of care and expertise.
The cost of foot and ankle surgery in Turkey can vary depending on the type of surgery, the complexity of the procedure, and the hospital’s location. On average, patients can expect to pay between $2,500 and $7,000 for foot and ankle surgery in Turkey.
At Uncalı Hospital, we offer competitive pricing with all-inclusive packages that cover the surgeon’s fees, hospital stay, anesthesia, and post-surgery care.
Why Choose Uncalı Hospital for Foot and Ankle Surgery in Turkey?
Uncalı Hospital in Antalya is a leading provider of foot and ankle orthopedics in Turkey, offering state-of-the-art treatments, experienced surgeons, and personalized care. Here’s why you should choose Uncalı Hospital:
- Best Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgeons
- Comprehensive Care: From pre-surgery consultation to post-surgery rehabilitation, we provide full support throughout the entire treatment process.
- Modern Facilities: We use advanced surgical techniques and technologies to ensure minimal discomfort, quicker recovery times, and optimal results.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Mobility
If you’re considering foot and ankle surgery in Turkey, Uncalı Hospital offers world-class care and affordable pricing. Our dedicated team is here to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Our Doctors
OP. DR. MUSTAFA TUNCER
Orthopedics and traumatology
OP. DR. CENGİZ YILMAZ
Orthopedics and traumatology
OP. DR. BURAK KORKMAZ
Orthopedics and traumatology
OP.DR. NİYAZİ ÖZTÜRK
Orthopedics and traumatology
4.8/5 Average Rate
I had my stomach surgery on Thursday. I would like to thank my doctor Murat Kağan Bilgeye very much. I would also like to thank all the friendly nurses and cleaning ladies separately. Our dietician Ms. Özlem and Ms. Büşra, you are good to be there, with love, Nilüfer U.
Sandra Polat
I brought my mother from 600 km for Cengiz teacher and his team, I am glad that you brought her, she turned her years of indecision and fears into confidence in an instant, she had two knee prosthesis surgeries. Thank you very much to Cengiz teacher for his tolerance, Sabri and professionalism.
Irmak Sav
I had stomach surgery at the private uncalı meydan hospital to Murat Kaan Bilge. I would like to thank my doctor and his team, who did not lack his support from the beginning to the end of the surgery, and then all the nurse friends who came to check on me every hour and took all my trouble, and the housekeeper sisters who made our room sparkling every day🌸
Feyza Nur
Dr cengiz yılmaz performed hip replacement surgery the next day I was able to stand up the next day, the interest is at the highest level, 24 hour nurses are following up, people feel safe, the hospital rooms are clean and spacious, thank you to Mr. Cengiz.
Ugur Eper
We would like to thank our ophthalmologist Mr. Süleyman Karaman for his friendliness and interest. Our operation process was very comfortable with his support before and after the operation. We wish you continued success.
Tolgahan Peker
Frequently Asked Questions
Countries like Turkey, the U.S., and Germany are known for offering high-quality ankle replacement surgery with experienced surgeons and advanced medical facilities. Turkey stands out due to its affordable prices and internationally accredited hospitals, making it a popular destination for medical tourism.
The recovery time for foot and ankle surgery typically ranges from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the surgery. Full recovery, including physical therapy and a return to normal activities, may take up to 3 to 6 months.
Yes, ankle surgery is generally considered a major surgery, especially when it involves procedures like joint replacement or fusion. However, with modern surgical techniques, recovery times and risks have been reduced significantly.
While some pain and discomfort are normal after ankle surgery, pain is generally well-managed with medication. Most patients experience significant pain relief after the initial healing phase, especially if the surgery was performed to correct a painful condition like arthritis.
