Orthopedic Specialists

Don't Let Foot and Ankle Pain Hold You Back

February 7, 2025

A bare foot with a severe bunion on the big toe

Say Goodbye to Foot and Ankle Pain With the Help of Dr. Hensley

Are foot or ankle issues keeping you from living life to the fullest? Dr. Nathan Hensley at Orthopedic Specialists offers advanced treatments that can help you get back on your feet. Specializing in total ankle replacements and 3D bunion corrections, Dr. Hensley uses innovative techniques to provide personalized care and quick recovery. Whether struggling with ankle pain or bunions, his expertise can make a big difference. Let’s dive into what these treatments involve and how they can improve your quality of life!

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Total Ankle Replacements

A total ankle replacement (TAR) is a surgical procedure where a damaged ankle joint is replaced with an artificial implant. This surgery is ideal for patients with ankle arthritis, osteoarthritis, or those suffering from post-traumatic arthritis due to previous injuries. If conservative treatments like medications and physical therapy no longer provide relief, a total ankle replacement might be your best option.

What Happens During the Surgery?

The procedure typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Dr. Hensley will remove the damaged portions of your ankle joint and replace them with durable metal implants and a plastic spacer to act as cartilage. Using preoperative CT scans, Dr. Hensley customizes the surgery to ensure the best results. The recovery period usually involves splinting, followed by a protective boot, with patients returning to regular shoes in about 6 weeks.

Why Consider an Ankle Replacement?

If you’re experiencing severe ankle pain that interferes with daily activities, an ankle replacement can restore mobility and alleviate discomfort. This surgery is particularly effective for those with arthritis or joint degeneration. After surgery, many patients regain the ability to move freely and return to activities they enjoy.

3D Bunion Correction

Bunions are painful bumps that form at the base of the big toe. They occur when the bones in the foot misalign, often causing swelling and discomfort, especially when wearing shoes. While many people think of bunions as just a cosmetic issue, they are actually a deformity of the joint, not just a bump of extra bone. Traditional bunion surgery often addresses the bump itself, not the underlying issue.

Introducing Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction

Dr. Hensley offers the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction, a groundbreaking procedure that fixes the root cause of bunions. Unlike traditional bunion surgeries that simply remove the bump, Lapiplasty® realigns the bones and stabilizes the joint using specialized instruments and titanium plates. This innovative approach restores the foot’s natural shape and function.

What Makes Lapiplasty® Different?

Lapiplasty® uses advanced technology to rotate the bone back into its correct position, effectively straightening the toe and narrowing the foot. Patients benefit from a faster recovery time with most walking in a protective boot just two weeks after surgery. Addressing the source of the problem offers better long-term results with less chance of recurrence.

Fast Recovery, Great Results

With Lapiplasty®, patients often return to regular shoes in 6-7 weeks and can resume low-impact activities around 3 months. Full recovery typically takes around 4-6 months, depending on the individual. The result? A pain-free foot with restored function.

Take the First Step Towards Pain-free Feet and Ankles

Don’t let foot or ankle pain keep you from living your best life. With Dr. Hensley’s expertise, you can find relief and restore mobility with cutting-edge treatments. He is seeing patients in Fort Dodge, Webster City, and Belmond. Contact Dr. Hensley at Orthopedic Specialists by calling 515-955-6767 or visit Orthopedic Specialists for more information.

Schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward a pain-free life. 

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