Foot & Ankle Surgery
A broken bone changes your morning. A bunion changes your year. When conservative treatment has run its course, Essex Union Podiatry's board-certified surgeons in New Jersey step in with the precision your feet deserve.
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What Is Foot & Ankle Surgery?
Foot and ankle surgery is a subspecialty of podiatric medicine that corrects structural deformities, repairs traumatic injuries, and eliminates chronic pain through operative intervention. Procedures range from soft tissue repair to complex bone realignment, depending on the condition's severity and the patient's functional goals.
Essex Union Podiatry performs these procedures at accredited surgical centers across New Jersey. Our surgeons evaluate every case with imaging, biomechanical assessment, and a thorough review of prior treatments before recommending surgery.
That evaluation matters. Roughly 80 percent of the foot and ankle conditions we see respond to conservative care. Surgery enters the conversation only when nonsurgical options have been exhausted or when the condition demands immediate structural correction.
Conditions We Treat Surgically
Bunions and Toe Deformities
Essex Union Podiatry offers Lapiplasty bunion surgery for three-dimensional bunion correction. Hammertoe repair, tailor's bunion correction, and metatarsal realignment round out our deformity portfolio.
Fractures and Trauma
Acute fractures, stress fractures, and nonunion repairs fall within our scope. Our surgeons perform open reduction and internal fixation when casting alone cannot restore alignment.
Joint Disease
End-stage arthritis in the ankle or midfoot may require fusion or total ankle replacement. Essex Union Podiatry evaluates joint disease progression and recommends the approach that preserves the most function.
Tendon and Ligament Repair
Achilles tendon tears, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and lateral ankle instability often require surgical reconstruction. Our team repairs these structures using techniques that prioritize long-term stability.
Revision Surgery
Prior surgeries that failed or produced complications deserve a second look. Essex Union Podiatry accepts revision cases and builds a corrective plan based on what went wrong and what the patient needs now.
Our Foot & Ankle Surgery Process
Comprehensive Evaluation
Every surgical candidate at Essex Union Podiatry starts with a detailed exam. Dr. Galante or one of our board-certified podiatrists reviews imaging, medical history, and prior treatment records.
That review identifies whether surgery is the right path or whether an unexplored conservative option remains.
Surgical Planning
Once surgery is confirmed, the team selects the procedure, surgical site, and anesthesia approach. Patients receive a written surgical plan that covers expected recovery time, weight-bearing restrictions, and follow-up milestones.
Procedure Day
Most foot and ankle surgeries at Essex Union Podiatry are outpatient procedures performed at accredited surgical centers. Patients arrive in the morning and return home the same day.
Post-Operative Recovery
Recovery protocols vary by procedure. Our team schedules follow-up visits at one week, four weeks, and eight weeks post-surgery. Each visit includes wound assessment, imaging when needed, and adjusted activity clearances.
Essex Union Podiatry stays involved until the patient returns to full function.
Benefits of Foot & Ankle Surgery
Permanent Structural Correction
Conservative treatments manage symptoms. Surgery corrects the underlying structure. For conditions like severe bunion deformity or ankle instability, that correction eliminates the source of pain rather than masking it.
Restored Mobility
Patients who postpone surgery often adapt by changing how they walk. Those compensations cascade into knee, hip, and back problems. Essex Union Podiatry's surgical interventions restore natural gait mechanics before secondary damage sets in.
Minimally Invasive Options
Not every surgery requires a large incision. Essex Union Podiatry uses minimally invasive techniques when the condition allows, reducing tissue disruption, post-operative pain, and recovery time.
Board-Certified Expertise
Dr. Galante's dual board certification, through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, means Essex Union Podiatry patients receive care from a surgeon who meets the highest credential standards in the field.
Real Patient Results
Actual before and after results from Essex Union Podiatry patients.
Why Choose Essex Union Podiatry for Surgery
Fellowship-Trained Surgeons
Our podiatrists hold credentials from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Galante trained with physicians who served the NY Jets and NY Giants, bringing sports medicine rigor to every procedure.
Conservative-First Philosophy
Essex Union Podiatry recommends surgery only after conservative options have been properly tried. That philosophy means when we do operate, the decision is backed by evidence and shared with the patient.
Four NJ Locations
Pre-operative consultations and post-surgical follow-ups happen at whichever of our four offices is most convenient. Rahway, Springfield, Caldwell, and Jersey City each offer full diagnostic capabilities.
Common Questions About Foot & Ankle Surgery
How long does recovery take after foot surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure. Minor soft tissue repairs may allow weight-bearing in two weeks.
Complex reconstructions or joint replacements typically require six to twelve weeks before returning to normal activity. Essex Union Podiatry provides a procedure-specific recovery timeline at your surgical planning appointment.
Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?
Most foot and ankle surgeries at Essex Union Podiatry are outpatient. Patients go home the same day with detailed post-operative instructions and a scheduled follow-up within one week.
Does insurance cover foot and ankle surgery?
Most commercial insurance plans and Medicare cover medically necessary foot and ankle surgery. Essex Union Podiatry's office team verifies coverage and provides cost estimates before scheduling.
Can I get a second opinion before deciding on surgery?
Yes. Essex Union Podiatry welcomes second-opinion consultations. Bring your imaging and prior treatment records to any of our four NJ locations, and our surgeons will review your case independently.
Patient Experiences
Essex Union Podiatry's surgical patients frequently cite the thoroughness of the pre-operative evaluation and the accessibility of the post-operative team. Our doctors answer questions before, during, and after the surgical process.
Read patient reviews from New Jersey patients who trusted Essex Union Podiatry with their foot and ankle surgery.
Schedule Your Surgical Consultation
Essex Union Podiatry is accepting new surgical consultations at all four New Jersey offices. Whether you need bunion treatment or a second opinion on a recommended procedure, our board-certified surgeons are ready to evaluate your case.