The Orthopedic Surgical Partners specialist sees surgical advancements on the horizon for bunions and other foot deformities.
Dr. Amy Bruce: Solutions to Relieve Foot and Ankle Pain Can Enhance Your Quality of Life
Foot and ankle pain can be a silent disruptor of daily life, affecting everything from walking to enjoying sports and physical activities. Dr. Amy Bruce, a board-certified and fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon with Orthopedic Surgical Partners (OSP), understands the impact these conditions have on patients. From ankle sprains to recurring foot issues, Dr. Bruce discusses early interventions and advanced techniques to restore mobility and improve quality of life.
Dr. Bruce treats fractures, joint degeneration, flat feet, bunions, ligament injuries causing walking difficulties and other symptoms that disrupt daily routines. One of the most common injuries Dr. Bruce treats is an ankle sprain. It may sound like a minor issue, but it is far from it. “People can get them playing basketball or pickleball. Most people walk them off and treat them with elevation and rest. But sometimes they might need physical therapy or advanced imaging to ensure there is no associated foot or ankle fracture, which is common” Dr. Bruce said.
She also specializes in addressing recurring foot and ankle conditions and complications from previous surgeries or injury, which often require revision surgery. For example, many patients come in with chronic bunion pain after having undergone past procedures, only to see their bunion return.
Early Intervention and Technology Advancements
Patients often think their foot or ankle pain is just a minor inconvenience. However, Dr. Bruce advises that early intervention can make a significant difference. And as technological advancements are made with smaller incisions, the stress and risk of major complications with surgery are lessening every day.
“We are seeing big advancements to achieve really big outcomes with smaller incisions – it is going to be helpful across all aspects of foot and ankle surgery,” For procedures like removing bunions or for some ankle injuries, “smaller incisions allow patients early and increased joint range of motion and recovery is less painful,” she said. Smaller incisions also lower risk of complications, allow early return to normal activity, and scarring is minimized, she states.
Revision Surgery Specialist
Dr. Bruce specializes in revision surgery, a follow-up procedure that modifies, repairs, or reverses a previous, less-than-effective surgery.
It’s recommended to seek a second opinion from Dr. Bruce if a past procedure hasn’t resolved the issue or symptoms persist. “It’s helpful to get another evaluation to evaluate ongoing concerns and pain that impacts quality of life,” she said.
Enhanced Quality of life
“Your feet are your contact with the earth. They carry you everywhere. If you need to compensate due to pain, this can affect other body parts like your hip or your knee,” Dr. Bruce said.
And as advancements are made with smaller incisions and more technological advances to come, the stress and risk of complications with surgery are lessening every day.
Most important, through her work she hopes to help her patients lead healthy, functional lives.
