Can diabetic foot be treated without amputation?

In most cases yes. With early diagnosis and specialized treatment, amputation can be avoided in over 90% of cases.

What conditions does a foot & ankle surgeon treat?

These include diabetic foot ulcers, foot deformities (such as bunions), ankle injuries and fractures, Achilles tendon ruptures, and chronic foot pain.

Does foot & ankle surgery require a long recovery?

It varies by procedure — often a few weeks for minor procedures and 3-6 months for complex reconstructions, with close follow-up for diabetic patients.

When do I need foot or ankle surgery?

When conservative treatment fails to relieve pain, deformities affect walking, or there are acute injuries (fractures, extensive ligament tears).

What are the most common foot deformities?

Hallux valgus (bunion), hammer toe, flat foot, cavus foot, and toe deformities — all treatable surgically.

How long is recovery after foot surgery?

Depends on procedure. Minor interventions: 2-4 weeks. Major reconstructive surgery: 8-12 weeks. Patients usually walk with a special medical shoe within days.

Can ankle sprains be treated without surgery?

Yes in most cases. Mild to moderate sprains respond to RICE, compression, and physiotherapy. Surgery only for complete ligament tears.

How is diabetic foot treated?

Multi-disciplinary: antibiotics, debridement, pressure offloading, blood sugar control, and reconstructive surgery when needed to save the foot.

Foot and Ankle Surgery in Riyadh

The foot and ankle are among the most injury-prone parts of the body and most impactful on quality of life. Dr. Hazim Sakalla specializes in foot and ankle surgery with the latest techniques at SMC Hospital in Riyadh.

When Do You Need Foot or Ankle Surgery?

Conservative treatment (medication, physiotherapy, braces, injections) fails.
Pain affects walking and daily activities.
Deformities are progressive.
Acute injuries (fractures, complete ligament tears).
Diabetic foot with non-healing ulcers.
Chronic infections unresponsive to treatment.

Common Foot Deformities

Hallux Valgus (Bunion)

Deviation of the big toe. Treated surgically with osteotomy.

Hammer Toe

Abnormal toe bending. Treated with tendon release or joint fusion.

Flat Foot

Arch collapse. Usually conservative; severe cases need surgical reconstruction.

Cavus Foot

Excessively high arch. Needs neurological evaluation, sometimes reconstructive surgery.

Sports Ankle Injuries

Ankle Sprain

Most common. Mild: RICE. Severe: may need ligament repair surgery.

Lateral Ligament Tears

ATFL most commonly torn. Complete tears need surgical repair for athletes.

Chronic Ankle Instability

Recurrent sprains after prior injury. Treated with ligament reconstruction.

Ankle Fractures

Simple: cast. Complex: surgical fixation with plates and screws. See sports injury prevention.

Tendon Inflammations

Achilles Tendinitis

Back-of-ankle pain. Common in runners. Conservative treatment; complete rupture needs surgical repair.

Plantar Fasciitis

Sole pain, especially first steps in morning. 90% respond to conservative treatment.

Diabetic Foot: Specialized Treatment

Multi-disciplinary approach: debridement, antibiotics, pressure offloading, hyperbaric oxygen, vascular reconstruction, foot reconstruction to avoid amputation. See diabetic foot prevention guide.

Types of Foot and Ankle Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery — small incisions, less scarring, faster recovery.
Ankle arthroscopy — camera-guided, minimal-trauma surgery.
Fracture fixation (ORIF) — plates and screws for unstable fractures.
Reconstructive surgery — rebuild after severe injury or complex deformity.
Ankle replacement — alternative to fusion for severe arthritis.
Arthrodesis (joint fusion) — for specific cases of advanced ankle arthritis.

Recovery

Minor surgery (bunion, toes): special shoe immediately, 4-6 weeks recovery.
Reconstructive surgery: 4-8 weeks in cast, 3-6 months full recovery.
Fracture surgery: early movement with internal fixation, 6-12 weeks recovery.

Why Choose Dr. Hazim Sakalla?

Sub-specialty in foot and ankle surgery and lower limb reconstruction
PhD in Orthopedic Surgery, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
25+ years experience
Master of modern techniques including minimally invasive surgery and ankle arthroscopy
Extensive experience in diabetic foot care and limb salvage
Clinic at SMC Hospital, King Fahd District, Riyadh

Book Your Consultation

If you have a foot or ankle problem, book with Dr. Hazim Sakalla at SMC Healthcare in Riyadh via WhatsApp +966 56 122 5544.

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Foot and Ankle Surgery in Riyadh: Complete Guide