Why Should I Consider Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?

Foot pain is common, but the underlying causes and treatments can vary. Whether you’re dealing with bunions,  heel pain, hammertoes, neuromas, metatarsalgia, tarsal tunnel or even a dull ache, chronic foot pain can make walking painful and difficult. 

Here at Kyrou Podiatry Associates, A Division of Northern Medical Group, Dr. Christos Kyrou and Dr. Kamal Farha are experts in diagnosing and treating foot pain. Although we strive to treat foot conditions with conservative measures first, there are times when surgery is the best solution to eliminate pain. 

Not all surgical techniques are the same. Where appropriate, we use minimally invasive techniques. Read on to learn more about minimally invasive foot surgery and when you should consider it. 

What is minimally invasive surgery? 

Although minimally invasive surgery is still a surgical procedure, it differs from traditional open surgery. While open surgery requires long incisions to reach the part of your damaged or injured foot, minimally invasive techniques don’t use long incisions. 

While there are many types of minimally invasive surgeries, the premise is the same: a small incision is created, just big enough for special surgical tools to fit through the hole. Small tubes containing cameras and surgical tools are inserted through the hole. Sometimes, you may not even need stitches because the incision is so small.

Dr. Kyrou and Dr. Farha use minimally invasive surgical techniques to correct many different foot and ankle conditions. Dr. Kyrou is also one of a very few podiatrists throughout the country that is board-certified in minimal incision surgery. 

Who should consider minimally invasive foot surgery?

Common foot and ankle conditions that can be treated using minimally invasive surgical techniques include bunions, hammertoes, arthritis (in your toe or ankle), metatarsalgia and even tarsal tunnel release. Although surgery isn’t the first line of defense against plantar fasciitis, our team can use minimally invasive techniques to release your fascia if you do need surgery.

You might consider minimally invasive foot surgery if:

• You have one of the conditions listed above
• You’ve tried conservative treatment options without any relief 
• Your pain limits your mobility
• Your symptoms reduce the quality of your life
• You’re in good overall health and cleared for surgery 

Our team works with you to explore your treatment options, including conservative options, surgical interventions, and lifestyle modifications that continue to support healing.

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery 

There are many reasons to consider minimally invasive surgery: 

Quick recovery

Because there are smaller incisions and less damage to your soft tissues, your recovery time with minimally invasive procedures is often quicker than with traditional surgery.

Less pain and bleeding

Smaller incisions mean that your soft tissues aren’t disrupted as much. This leads to less bleeding and reduced post-operative (post-op) pain. 

Reduced need for screws or hardware

While there is a time and place for screws and hardware, most minimally invasive surgeries don’t require screens and hardware.  

Fewer post-op complications

Minimally invasive surgeries lead to fewer post-op complications, such as infections. This is especially important if you’re at high risk for post-op complications. 

If you have diabetes, you have a higher risk of soft tissue complications. Researchers found that using minimally invasive techniques reduced these risks for high-risk patients.

Is minimally invasive surgery right for you?

While the thought of any surgery can be a little daunting, it’s important to focus on the end result. Surgery can help correct the issues that cause chronic foot pain, and that’s something worth focusing on!

To learn more about minimally invasive foot surgery, call 845-231-0310  to reach any of our five locations: Wappingers Falls, Poughkeepsie, Pawling, Mahopac, and Carmel, New York. You can also request an appointment online.