Why would I need Foot or Ankle Surgery?

Made up for 26 bones and 30-plus joints, feet are highly susceptible to various injuries. The same thing can be said about the ankles directly attached to some of the bones and tissues in your feet. Many aches and pains that can affect these structures respond well to medication, temporary splinting, activity modification, the use of custom orthotics, and therapeutic exercises. But if these conservative treatments aren’t effective, you may find yourself considering foot & ankle surgery in Richardson, TX.

Bunions

Often noticeable around the bottom of the big toe, bunions (hallux valgus) are prominent, bony lumps that can cause the affected toe to become deformed and painful, especially if the abnormality causes the toe to lean inward towards nearby toes. If surgery is necessary for bunions, procedures performed may involve:

• Surgically fusing big toe joints
• Removing a portion of the big toe bone
• Removing tissue or rheumatoid nodules if arthritis is a contributing factor

Hammertoes

Clawed or bent toes are commonly called hammertoes. If treated early, it may be possible to gently stretch the affected toe. Otherwise, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformed joint. Another option is to immobilize the affected toe with a procedure known as arthrodesis, or joint fusion surgery.

Plantar Fasciitis

Foot & ankle surgery in Richardson, TX, may also be necessary or recommended if you have plantar fasciitis, which is the irritation of thick tissues (plantar fascia) that form a connection between the heel bone and toes. If symptoms are painful and severe enough to affect your ability to walk or stand, the plantar fascia may be partially cut or released to relieve pressure.

Other Foot Issues

There are many other reasons why foot surgery may be performed. For example, there might be deformities affecting one or more of the five long bones you have in each foot (metatarsal bones). Foot surgery could also be needed if you have severe discomfort or issues with mobility related to:

• Foot/toe joint dislocations
• Ball of the foot pain related to Morton’s neuroma
• Mallet toe
• Severe pain related to flatfeet (“fallen arches”)
• Foot, nerve, tendon, or ligament damage

Ankle Arthritis

The cartilage that cushions ankle bones may be damaged over time by degenerative conditions like arthritis. If the damage is severe and other treatments aren’t managing symptoms, an ankle fusion may be suggested. Surgery may also involve arthroscopic (minimally invasive) techniques used to remove damaged or loose bodies of tissue.

Achilles Tendon Disorders

Amateur or competitive runners often experience tendon-related ankle pain. If the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method or similar forms of self-care aren’t effective, the damaged tendon may need to be repaired. Ankle tendons can also be severely damaged by age-related wear, sudden (acute) injuries or accidents, or degenerative diseases. Some other possible reasons for ankle surgery include:

• Ankle fractures
• The need to completely or partially replace the ankle joint
• Achilles tendonitis

If you’re in need of foot & ankle surgery in Richardson, TX, start with an initial consultation. This will allow you discuss what you’ve already tried to resolve your pain, learn what other non-surgical treatments you may be able to try before considering surgery, and explore your options with available procedures. Contact Eminent Medical Center today to schedule an appointment.