Feet are one of the most complex areas of your body, with 26 bones and more than 33 joints arranged in columns and arches that vary in flexibility. As such, many common problems can occur in any part of your foot. Most often, problems in the foot or ankle resolve with conservative treatments like applying ice and wearing foot pads to prevent rubbing. The decision to have foot & ankle surgery Mill Creek, WA, depends on the severity of your symptoms, your response to initial treatments, and lifestyle choices. Surgery may be an option if you have any of the following foot problems.
Hammer toe
A hammer toe is a foot deformity where your toe becomes clawed instead of pointing forward. The deformity can affect any toe on your foot, but it commonly affects the second and third toe. Surgery may be necessary to restore movement if you can’t flex your toe. The type of surgical approach your specialist uses depends on the type and severity of the deformity. If your toe joint is flexible, the surgeon can treat the deformity by lengthening the tendons causing the imbalance. Alternatively, the surgeon may transfer the tendons from the bottom of the toe to the top of the toe to align the joint into a straight position. If your toe joint is rigid, the surgeon combines tendon lengthening with arthrodesis or joint fusion.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony lump at the base of your big toe that forms when some bones in the front part of your foot move out of position. Most cases of bunions stem from wearing small, tight shoes, but this problem can also develop due to the shape of your foot, a deformity, or a condition like arthritis. You might need surgery if your symptoms are severe and don’t improve with conservative treatments like medications, padding, or changing shoes. Surgery is not meant to improve the appearance of your foot but to relieve pain and improve function. procedure.
Ankle arthritis
Arthritis is a painful joint condition that makes your joints become stiff. Although there is no cure for arthritis, several treatment options slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms, including pain and swelling. You may discuss surgery with your doctor if your pain is disabling and does not improve with nonsurgical treatments. There are various surgical procedures to treat arthritis; your doctor may recommend multiple types. For example, arthroscopic debridement may help treat early stages of arthritis. Other surgical procedures for ankle arthritis include arthrodesis and total ankle replacement.
Achilles tendon disorders
The Achilles tendon or heel cord s a band of tissue at the back of your lower leg; it connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendinitis are the common disorders that affect this tendon. If nonsurgical approaches don’t restore the tendon to its normal condition, your foot and ankle surgeon may elect to surgery.
To learn more about surgery for foot pain, consult your specialist at Hansen Foot & Ankle.
