The ankle is one of the most mechanically demanding joints in the body, responsible for bearing weight, absorbing impact, and allowing fluid movement across uneven surfaces. When injury, degeneration, or structural damage affects the ankle, even simple activities such as walking, standing, or climbing stairs can become painful and uncertain.
Patients often describe a loss of confidence in the joint, fear of reinjury, and frustration with persistent symptoms that do not resolve with rest or conservative care. At Family FootCare CT, ankle surgery is approached with precision, clinical judgment, and long-term function in mind.
Dr. James DeJesus, Dr. Betty M. Carreira, Dr. Michelle DeJesus, and Dr. Austin Davidow provide specialized ankle surgical care across our Danbury, Southbury, and Naugatuck locations.
With more than twenty-five years of experience, our team focuses on restoring stability, relieving pain, and helping patients return safely to active, independent lives.
DPM, FACFAS, FACFO
Over 30 years of experience in podiatric surgery, medical education, and clinical leadership
DPM
More than a decade of caring for patients across Connecticut as a board-certified podiatric surgeon
DPM
Up-to-date surgical training with a conservative-first approach, guided by current research
DPM
An exercise science specialist who combines advanced surgical training with genuine empathy
Understanding When Ankle Surgery Is Appropriate
Not every ankle condition requires surgery, and careful evaluation is essential. Surgery is considered when structural damage prevents the joint from functioning normally or when conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief.
These situations may include fractures that disrupt joint alignment, advanced arthritis, chronic instability, tendon rupture, or cartilage damage.
Successful ankle surgery depends on accurate diagnosis, appropriate procedure selection, and a structured recovery plan. At Family FootCare, imaging findings, physical examination, gait analysis, and patient goals are all integrated into the decision-making process.
Conditions Treated Through Ankle Surgery
Ankle surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures designed to address trauma, degeneration, and soft-tissue injury. Rather than offering a single solution, surgical care is tailored to the underlying cause of symptoms and the demands placed on the joint.
Ankle Fracture & Trauma
Ankle fractures and traumatic injuries can compromise joint stability and alignment, increasing the risk of long-term pain and arthritis if not properly treated. Surgical repair may be required when fractures are displaced, unstable, or involve the joint surface.
Restoring the ankle mortise and protecting cartilage are key goals of trauma-related ankle surgery.
Ankle Arthritis & Reconstruction
Degenerative ankle arthritis leads to progressive cartilage loss, stiffness, swelling, and weight-bearing pain. When nonoperative care no longer controls symptoms, surgical reconstruction may help restore function.
Options may include joint-preserving cartilage repair, ankle fusion, or total ankle replacement, depending on disease severity and patient activity level.
Selecting the appropriate reconstructive approach is critical for balancing pain relief with long-term mobility.
Ankle Tendon Surgery
The ankle relies on strong, coordinated tendons to maintain balance and motion. Injuries to structures such as the Achilles or peroneal tendons can lead to weakness, instability, and altered gait mechanics.
Surgical repair or reconstruction may be recommended when tendons are torn, degenerated, or fail to respond to conservative treatment. Timely tendon surgery aims to restore strength, protect surrounding joints, and reduce the risk of chronic dysfunction.
Surgical Principles and Long-Term Goals
Across all ankle procedures, the primary objectives are consistent: restore alignment, protect joint surfaces, stabilize soft tissues, and support predictable healing. Minimizing disruption to surrounding structures while achieving sufficient stability to allow rehabilitation.
Our surgeons carefully select techniques and implants based on anatomy, injury pattern, and patient needs, always prioritizing long-term joint health over short-term fixes.
Our Ankle Surgery Process
1. A Comprehensive Ankle Evaluation
Your care begins with a detailed assessment of ankle structure, motion, strength, and alignment. Advanced imaging is used to identify fractures, arthritis, tendon injury, or cartilage damage. Your surgeon explains findings clearly so you understand the cause of your symptoms.
2. A Personalized Surgical Strategy
If surgery is recommended, Dr. DeJesus or Dr. Carreira will walk you through the proposed procedure, why it is appropriate, and what outcomes you can reasonably expect. Decisions are never rushed, and all options are discussed transparently.
3. A Guided Path Back to Confident Movement
Recovery includes staged weight-bearing, protection of repaired structures, and rehabilitation focused on restoring strength, balance, and mobility. You receive a clear roadmap before surgery begins, helping you move forward with confidence.
Why Patients Trust Family FootCare for Ankle Surgery
Patients choose Family FootCare because our approach combines technical expertise with consistent communication and individualized care. Every surgical plan is built around the patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Our team is known for explaining complex conditions in clear language and supporting patients through every phase of treatment and recovery.
Related Conditions and Treatments
We provide a full spectrum of treatments tailored to the diverse lifestyles of Southbury residents.
Take the Next Step Toward Ankle Stability and Comfort
If ankle pain, injury, or instability is limiting your life, expert surgical evaluation can provide clarity and direction. Our team is ready to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
Schedule a consultation with our CT Ankle Specialists at our locations and take the next step toward stronger, more reliable movement.
Frequent Questions Answered Regarding Ankle Surgery
While many ankle issues are managed conservatively, surgery may be necessary for Chronic ankle instability, repeated sprains that have stretched or torn the ligaments beyond natural repair, severe fractures that require plates or screws to ensure the bone heals in the correct alignment, ankle arthritis, when wear-and-tear leads to bone-on-bone contact, causing debilitating pain, and tendon tears, significant damage to the peroneal or other supporting tendons that stabilize the ankle.
Ankle Fusion (Arthrodesis): The surgeon joins the ankle bones together into one solid bone. This is highly effective for eliminating pain caused by severe arthritis, though it does limit the up-and-down motion of the joint.
Ankle Replacement (Arthroplasty): The damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components (metal and plastic). This aims to relieve pain while preserving the natural motion of the ankle.
Yes. In many cases, our CT Podiatrists can utilize arthroscopic techniques. This involves using a small camera (arthroscope) and tiny instruments through small incisions to clean out debris, repair cartilage, or stabilize ligaments, often resulting in less scarring and a faster initial recovery.
Recovery timelines vary based on the procedure. For ligament repairs or minor “clean-ups,” you may be in a walking boot within a few weeks. For major reconstructions or fractures, you may need to remain non-weight-bearing (using crutches or a knee scooter) for 6 to 8 weeks to allow the bones or tendons to bond securely.
Chronic “giving way” of the ankle is a sign of ligament laxity that can lead to early-onset arthritis if left untreated. We recommend a consultation to determine if bracing, physical therapy, or surgical stabilization is the right path forward for you.
