Reconstructive Foot Surgery
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA
Foot pain can limit far more than your mobility. It can impact your independence, confidence, and ability to enjoy life. At New Orleans Podiatry, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Edward Lang specializes in reconstructive foot surgery to correct structural problems, relieve discomfort, and restore function when conservative treatments are no longer enough.
Whether you’re dealing with ball of foot pain (metatarsalgia), a torn plantar plate, flat feet that affect your balance, tight soft tissue limiting your stride, or another condition, our reconstructive procedures target the root cause. Every surgical plan is customized to your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
Our approach is designed to improve overall foot function while minimizing downtime and postoperative pain. With precise surgical techniques and attentive post-operative care, we help patients walk more naturally, stand longer without fatigue, and return to the activities they love, whether that's dancing at Jazz Fest or taking part in competitive sports.
Corrects structural foot deformities and addresses chronic pain caused by foot disorders, injury, or congenital issues.
Restores balance, alignment, and foot function while helping to alleviate pain and prevent further damage.
Limited weight bearing for the first few weeks followed by a gradual return to activity.
Most patients transition to full mobility within 8–12 weeks, with ongoing improvement as healing continues.
Reconstructive foot surgery refers to any surgical procedures designed to repair, realign, and stabilize the foot and ankle. Foot and ankle problems can develop due to injury, deformity, or degenerative conditions. The goal is to restore function, improve biomechanics, and reduce long-term discomfort.
Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, surgery may involve bone grafting, bone fusion, tendon graft work, ligament repair. When possible, arthroscopic surgery is performed through tiny incisions to minimize swelling and scarring.
Surgical intervention is recommended when conservative treatment options like physical therapy, orthotics, or activity modifications have failed to correct the problem. Dr. Lang offers comprehensive treatment plans and precise diagnostic techniques to help you determine when foot or ankle surgery may be the best choice.
The exact process for foot reconstruction surgery varies based on the condition being treated. Most procedures are performed under general anesthesia or sedation. Surgery performed in our outpatient facility allows patients to return home the same day.
Dr. Lang begins with precise joint preparation and alignment, addressing any bone deformities or damaged connective tissues. Depending on the case, this may involve soft tissue repair, bone fusion using internal fixation or external fixation, tendon transfer, or joint implantation. In many cases, arthroscopic surgery is used to minimize the size of the surgical site and reduce postoperative pain.
Reconstructive procedures target conditions of the foot and ankle, including the entire sole, toes, arch, heel, and surrounding soft tissue. Dr. Lang may recommend foot reconstruction surgery for conditions such as:
For the right patient, reconstructive surgery can be key to restoring a more comfortable and active lifestyle. Benefits include:
You may be a candidate for surgical treatment if you have pain and mobility problems that have not improved with conservative treatments. Ideal candidates are in good general health, free from uncontrolled systemic disease, and able to commit to physical therapy and appropriate exercises during recovery. Dr. Lang will carefully review symptoms, medical history, and goals to help you determine the best path forward.
After surgery, most patients will need to keep the treated foot elevated in the first few weeks to minimize swelling, avoid strain, and prevent blood clots. Recovery time depends on the complexity of the surgical procedure. Weight-bearing is usually limited during early healing.
Good post-operative care includes wound management, wearing supportive footwear, and performing appropriate exercises to restore mobility and strength. Dr. Lang and his team offer attentive, concierge-level support for your entire recovery, promoting a smooth healing process and optimal results.
Reconstructive surgery can restore your freedom to move without pain and resume the activities you love. Once healing is complete, many patients experience dramatic improvements in stability, balance, and overall foot function, making it easier to walk, stand, and stay active without discomfort.
By correcting underlying deformities, repairing damaged tissues, and restoring proper alignment, foot reconstruction reduces strain on surrounding joints, improves the way your foot and ankle work together, and helps prevent future injuries. Patients frequently report a renewed sense of confidence and quality of life, from enjoying long walks to participating in sports or simply going through their day without thinking about their feet.
Recovery timelines vary but generally range from 8–12 weeks before returning to full activity. Physical therapy plays a key role in restoring strength and flexibility.
While postoperative pain is normal, it’s managed effectively with supplements, medication, red light therapy, ice, and elevation during the first few weeks. Many patients experience less discomfort than they had before surgery through long-term relief of chronic discomfort.
Yes, most patients return to normal walking patterns once healing is complete and foot function has been restored.
Yes. Flat feet is one of our most common reconstructive procedures, often involving bone fusion, tendon repair, or soft tissue balancing. Restoring the arch in children and adults with flat feet can improve comfort, mobility, and endurance when walking.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, nerve damage, blood clots, or delayed bone healing. Choosing an experienced, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and closely following post-operative care instructions significantly reduces these risks.
We always explore conservative treatment options first, such as orthotics, regenerative medicine, and activity modification, before recommending surgical intervention.
In many cases, foot reconstruction surgery provides long-lasting results by correcting the underlying cause of pain and instability. However, maintaining results depends on proper post-operative care, wearing supportive shoes, and following your physical therapist’s recommendations.
Call Us: (504) 897-3627
Text Us: (504) 897-3627
Mon-Thurs: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri: 7:00 AM - 12 PM (phones on until 5 PM, texting is provided after hours until 9pm)
