Foot Surgery in Glendale, AZ
When conservative treatments have been exhausted and foot or ankle pain continues to limit your life, surgery may be the most effective path to lasting relief. At Sole Foot & Ankle Specialists, our board-certified podiatric surgeons combine advanced surgical expertise with a genuine commitment to minimally invasive approaches — delivering the best possible outcomes with the most comfortable recovery path available. We serve patients throughout Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria, and Sun City, AZ.
Our Approach to Foot and Ankle Surgery
At Sole Foot & Ankle Specialists, surgery is never our first recommendation — it is our last resort after conservative care has been given a thorough trial. When surgery is indicated, our podiatric surgeons are experienced in a wide range of modern surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures that significantly reduce recovery time, minimize post-operative pain, and lower the risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery.
Every surgical candidate undergoes a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including medical clearance, imaging review, and detailed discussion of the procedure, expected outcomes, and realistic recovery timeline. Our team coordinates your care from the pre-operative stage through final rehabilitation, ensuring you are fully informed and supported at every step.
Foot and Ankle Conditions We Treat Surgically
Our board-certified podiatric surgeons perform a broad range of procedures to correct structural deformities, repair injuries, and restore function:
Forefoot Surgery
- Bunion correction (bunionectomy): Realignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint to correct the deformity causing the bony prominence — including modern minimally invasive bunion correction techniques with accelerated recovery. Learn more on our Bunions page.
- Hammertoe correction: Tendon release, joint resection, or fusion to straighten bent toes. See our Hammertoes page.
- Neuroma excision: Removal of a Morton’s neuroma when conservative measures fail. Learn more on our Neuromas page.
- Metatarsal surgery: Osteotomy or repair of metatarsal fractures and deformities causing forefoot pain
Midfoot and Rearfoot Surgery
- Plantar fascia release: For severe, chronic plantar fasciitis unresponsive to all conservative measures. See our Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis page.
- Flat foot reconstruction: Tendon repair (posterior tibial tendon), osteotomy, and/or joint fusion to restore arch structure in severe flat foot deformity. Learn more on our Flat Feet page.
- Fracture repair (ORIF): Open reduction and internal fixation using screws, plates, or rods to stabilize foot and ankle fractures. See our Fractures page.
- Arthritic joint procedures: Joint fusion (arthrodesis) or joint replacement for end-stage arthritis. Learn more on our Arthritic Foot & Ankle Care page.
Ankle Surgery
- Broken ankle repair: ORIF stabilization of ankle fractures to restore anatomical alignment and joint function. See our Broken Ankle page.
- Ankle stabilization (Brostrom-Gould procedure): Ligament repair or reconstruction for chronic ankle instability that does not respond to bracing and rehabilitation
- Achilles tendon repair: Surgical repair of complete Achilles tendon ruptures or debridement of chronic insertional tendinopathy. See our Achilles Tendonitis page.
Wound and Soft Tissue Procedures
- Surgical debridement of infected or non-healing foot ulcers and wounds
- Skin grafting and advanced wound closure techniques for complex wound management
- Procedures related to peripheral arterial disease complications in coordination with vascular surgery
What to Expect: From Consultation to Recovery
Our surgical process is designed to be thorough, transparent, and patient-centered:
- Surgical consultation: Detailed discussion of your diagnosis, why surgery is recommended, the specific procedure planned, expected outcomes, and alternatives
- Pre-operative preparation: Medical clearance, pre-operative imaging, anesthesia planning, and preparation instructions
- Surgery: Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis — you go home the same day. Many are performed under local or regional anesthesia with sedation.
- Post-operative care: Wound care instructions, activity restrictions, pain management, and follow-up imaging to monitor healing
- Rehabilitation: Structured physical therapy to restore strength, range of motion, and function during recovery
- Return to activity: Evidence-based, stage-by-stage return to normal activity and sport guided by your recovery progress
Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Surgery
How do I know if I need foot surgery?
Surgery is typically recommended when a condition causes significant, persistent pain or functional limitation that has not responded to a comprehensive trial of conservative treatments (usually 3 to 6 months or more). Specific indications vary by condition — some fractures and tendon ruptures require prompt surgical attention, while most elective procedures (bunionectomy, hammertoe correction) follow exhausted conservative care. Our podiatrists make surgical recommendations only when the evidence clearly supports it and after thorough discussion with you about goals and expectations.
What is the difference between a podiatric surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon for foot surgery?
Board-certified podiatric surgeons complete 3 years of residency training specifically focused on the foot and ankle — more specialized foot and ankle training than most orthopedic surgeons, who divide their training across the entire musculoskeletal system. For surgical conditions of the foot and ankle specifically, a board-certified podiatric surgeon with FACFAS (Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons) designation provides the highest level of specialized surgical expertise.
Will my surgery be performed in a hospital or outpatient setting?
The majority of foot and ankle surgeries we perform are outpatient procedures — you arrive, have your surgery, recover briefly, and go home the same day. Complex reconstructive procedures or surgeries requiring general anesthesia may be performed at a surgical center or hospital. Your surgical team will explain the recommended setting during your pre-operative consultation based on the specific procedure and your health status.
How long will I be off my feet after foot surgery?
This depends entirely on the procedure performed. Minor procedures such as corn or wart removal may require no downtime. Hammertoe corrections typically allow immediate walking in a surgical shoe. Bunionectomy, fracture repair, or ankle stabilization may require non-weight-bearing for 2 to 6 weeks followed by a graduated return to full weight-bearing. Our surgeons provide detailed post-operative instructions and realistic timelines specific to your procedure.
What type of anesthesia is used for foot surgery?
Most foot and ankle surgeries are performed under local or regional anesthesia (nerve blocks) with or without intravenous sedation. This approach is safer than general anesthesia for most patients and allows for excellent post-operative pain control. General anesthesia is available for procedures requiring it. Your anesthesia preferences and medical history are discussed during pre-operative planning.
How long does recovery from foot surgery take?
Recovery timelines vary widely by procedure. Simple outpatient procedures may heal within 2 to 4 weeks. Bunionectomy or hammertoe correction typically involves 6 to 8 weeks in a surgical shoe with full recovery in 3 to 4 months. Major reconstructive procedures such as flat foot correction or ankle fracture repair may require 4 to 6 months for full recovery. Our surgical team provides procedure-specific recovery roadmaps during your consultation.
What can I do to prepare for foot surgery and speed up recovery?
Pre-operative preparation that improves surgical outcomes includes: optimizing blood sugar control if you are diabetic, quitting smoking (smoking significantly impairs wound healing and bone healing), maintaining healthy nutrition to support tissue repair, arranging for home help and transportation, and preparing your home environment (raised toilet seat, shower chair, sleeping arrangements that minimize stairs). Our team provides comprehensive pre-operative preparation guidance tailored to your specific procedure and personal situation.