While many foot conditions and problems can be addressed through conservative methods like orthotics, braces, or a cast, others will require the services of a podiatric surgeon in Racine WI. Often, when pain of the ankle or foot is not helped through conservative methods, surgery is the best, or only option, to alleviate the pain. Common types of surgical procedures performed by podiatric surgeons are:
* Bunion Surgery -; Surprisingly, there are more than 100 different surgical procedures to remove bunions. Many people believe that bunions are growths, but they are the result of the big toe being out of alignment. This misalignment forces the big toe outward and rotate inward toward the smaller toes. Surgery involves making an incision at the joint and removing or realigning the bone and soft tissue.
* Fusion -; Bone fusions are typically performed to address arthritis pain in the ankle or foot. After removing the cartilage or diseased bone, at least two bones will be fused together, creating one new bone. Fusing the bones together is done with plates, screws, or pins, or a combination of these.
* Hammer Toe Surgery -; Conservative methods of treating hammer toes typically involves wearing shoes with a big enough toe box to accommodate the affected toes. Hammer toe develops due to an abnormal bending of the joint. Repair involves surgically removing part of the bone or fusing the joints together.
* Metatarsal Surgery -; Metatarsal bones are responsible for forming the arch in the foot and they work in conjunction with the foot’s ligaments and tendons to allow movement. When a podiatric surgeon in Racine WI performs surgery on these bones it is usually to address the weight bearing properties of the foot. For example, severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis cause extreme pain and removing the metatarsal heads alleviates that pain.
* Heel Surgery -; Click here to read about common heel surgeries including those regarding heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs are extra bone growths and plantar fasciitis surgery addresses complications due to inflamed connective tissue. Both of these conditions cause extreme pain upon walking affecting one’s ability to walk or stand comfortably or normally.
After podiatric surgery, surgeons suggest that patients adhere to the RICE formula: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Other supportive measures may include the use of splints, bandages, surgical footwear, crutches, canes, or casts. Your surgeon will determine when weight-bearing activities can be resumed.
