Rearfoot Surgery

Rearfoot surgery may be recommended when pain, deformity, injury, or instability affects the back portion of the foot and ankle. This area includes the heel bone, hindfoot joints, tendons, ligaments, and nearby supporting structures that help with balance, walking, and proper foot alignment.

At The Podiatry Center, Dr. Julie Greenwood provides comprehensive foot and ankle care, including advanced treatment for complex rearfoot and ankle conditions. Her clinical expertise includes forefoot, rearfoot, and ankle reconstruction, with a strong passion for diabetic limb salvage and helping patients restore mobility, comfort, and function.

Rearfoot surgery is usually considered when conservative treatments such as bracing, orthotics, physical therapy, medication, injections, or immobilization are no longer providing enough relief. The exact procedure depends on the condition being treated, the severity of the problem, and the patient’s overall health and activity needs.

Surgery may involve repairing damaged tendons, correcting abnormal bone position, stabilizing joints, removing painful deformities, or fusing arthritic joints to reduce pain and improve stability. In some cases, rearfoot surgery is needed after a fracture heals incorrectly or when a deformity continues to worsen over time.

Common conditions that may require rearfoot surgery include advanced hindfoot arthritis, subtalar joint arthritis, severe flatfoot deformity, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, chronic ankle or hindfoot instability, Achilles tendon injuries, heel bone fractures, tarsal coalition, malunions, nonhealing fractures, and progressive deformities that do not improve with nonsurgical care.

Because the rearfoot plays such an important role in standing, walking, and weight-bearing, proper diagnosis and treatment planning are essential. Dr. Greenwood works closely with each patient to evaluate the cause of their pain, review treatment options, and determine whether surgery is the best path forward.

The goal of rearfoot surgery is to improve alignment, reduce pain, restore stability, and help patients return to daily activities with greater confidence.

FAQs

What is rearfoot surgery?
Rearfoot surgery refers to procedures that treat problems in the back part of the foot, including the heel, hindfoot joints, tendons, and supporting structures.

When is rearfoot surgery needed?
It may be needed when arthritis, deformity, tendon damage, instability, fractures, or chronic pain do not improve with conservative treatments.

What is the goal of rearfoot surgery?
The goal is to reduce pain, improve alignment, restore stability, and help patients walk and function more comfortably.