Common Reasons You Might Need a Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Common Reasons You Might Need a Foot and Ankle Surgeon

If you experience foot or ankle pain, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to treat the condition. The doctor will always try less invasive treatments first when available, but sometimes surgery is the best option for treating severe or chronic disorders of the feet and ankles. The benefits of surgery are long-lasting pain relief, greater mobility and function of the foot and ankle, and sometimes Foot Surgeryeven an improved appearance of the foot.

Here are some common reasons for foot or ankle surgery:

Plantar fasciitis

If the plantar fascia becomes severely inflamed and causes chronic pain, sometimes surgery may be recommended to release the tendon. The surgery is outpatient and can often be completed in under one hour.

Hammer toes

When toes become permanently bent, they can rub against other toes causing blisters, infection, and trouble with mobility. Surgery to correct a hammertoe takes about an hour.

Bunions

Bunions occur when bony lumps develop on the sides of your foot or under your big toe. If bunions persist over a long period of time, it may cause deformity in your other toes. Surgery can straighten the toes and relieve the condition.

Arthritis

Ankle arthritis can be caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or even injury to the ankle. Depending on the type and severity of your arthritis, there are different types of surgeries that may correct the problem. Your podiatrist will discuss which surgery is right for you.

Neuromas (Nerve Tumor)

A neuroma is sometimes formed when the toes rub together and create an enlarged, yet benign, growth of nerves between the toes. This can sometimes be treated with cortisone or shoe inserts, but surgery may be necessary in extreme cases.

Other reasons for foot or ankle surgery:

  • Heel Spurs
  • Flat Feet
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Achilles Heel Pain
  • Sprains and Injuries
  • Foot or Ankle Deformities

When considering foot surgery, talk to your podiatrist about preparing for the surgery and what recovery will entail. Dr. Jeffrey Agricola of Prestige Podiatry of Indianapolis, IN is a board-certified podiatrist offering surgery for many types of foot and ankle disorders. Schedule an appointment with your podiatrist today to find out if foot or ankle surgery is the right step for you.