Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery

While most foot and ankle injuries are treatable using nonsurgical care, certain situations may call for foot and ankle surgery. That’s when you need the best foot and ankle specialists to perform your surgery. At Catalyst Medical Group, a locally owned practice with two locations in Lewiston, Idaho, the valley’s leading foot and ankle specialists are ready to help. Thank you for visiting us online. Call the office to schedule your appointment today.

What is foot and ankle surgery?

Foot and ankle surgery refers to all surgical procedures from the ankle down. At Catalyst Medical Group, Dr. Washington has specialized training in both these areas. 

What conditions might require foot and ankle surgery?

Many different situations might lead to foot and ankle surgery, including trauma, damage from chronic disease, foot deformities, and wear-and-tear. Problems that may require surgery include: 

• Foot and ankle fractures
• Foot and ankle arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, post-traumatic arthritis)
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Morton’s neuroma
• Non-healing diabetic foot wounds or ulcers
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendon rupture
• Ingrown toenails
• Bone spurs
• Flatfoot

Foot and ankle problems are often the most frustrating ones to live with, because you rely on your feet and ankles as the foundation of all lower body movement. Fortunately, foot and ankle surgery can often return you to normal so you can move without fear or pain.

When should I see a foot and ankle surgeon?

Don’t walk on a potentially injured foot or ankle. Reach out to Catalyst Medical Group for help, if you have any of the following foot or ankle issues.

• Numbness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Skin color change
• Change in appearance

Whether symptoms are constant or come and go, treating the underlying issue is the best way to make sure they don’t come back or get worse.  

How does foot and ankle surgery work?

Catalyst Medical Group offers a large range of foot and ankle surgical options. Each procedure is different based on the problem and how it impacts your mobility and function. 

When possible, Dr Washington uses minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as arthroscopy. In arthroscopy, surgeons examine the inside of your foot or ankle using a special surgical tool, the arthroscope. 

The arthroscope’s tiny built-in camera sends live images of the surgical area to a monitor and surgeons use small surgical tools during the operation. An arthroscopy requires only tiny incisions, so it limits damage to the surrounding tissues in your foot and ankle. Smaller incisions also mean faster recovery.

Some procedures are more complicated due to the extent or location of the damage. In those situations, you might need open surgery with traditional techniques. 

Do you need help with foot or ankle pain? If your visit online didn’t address your needs, please call Catalyst Medical Group for additional guidance or to schedule an appointment.