Foot Conditions That May Require Surgery

Foot pain can occur as a result of various factors, including strenuous physical activity, inappropriate footwear or underlying health issue, among others. Regardless of the cause, persistent foot pain should not be ignored, as it could signal a more serious condition that requires professional medical attention.

Here’s what you should know about common foot conditions that can require surgery and what to expect from diagnosis through treatment.

The most common foot conditions that can be relieved through surgical procedures include:

• Bunions: A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe, causing it to deviate towards the other toes. This condition can become painful over time and may require surgical correction if conservative treatments fail to provide relief.
• Hammertoes: This condition is characterized by an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe. If left untreated, hammertoes can become rigid and may require surgery to correct.
• Plantar Fasciitis: This condition causes heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone.
• Achilles Tendon Disorders: These conditions affect the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. Depending on the severity, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the disorder.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Foot Conditions

Your doctor will gather a detailed medical history to understand how your symptoms developed and when they began. Next, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination of the foot, and in some cases, the ankle, to identify deformities, swelling, bruising or other signs of injury and to evaluate your range of motion. Some conditions cannot be seen simply by looking at the patient and will require diagnostic imaging to get pictures of the soft tissue and bones. This includes imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds.

Once a diagnosis has been made, you will receive a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include conservative treatments such as physical therapy, orthotic devices (help provide support for injured joints in the body) or medication. However, when these methods do not provide adequate relief, surgical intervention can be considered a viable option.

Benefits of Surgery

When non-surgical treatment options have been insufficient, surgery can help improve your mobility while providing long-lasting pain relief.

Other Benefits of Surgery Include:

• Quality of life: Patients' quality of life often increases with better mobility and functionality of their feet.
• Appearance: For patients with foot deformities, surgery not only provides better function and comfort but also can enhance self-confidence.
• Footwear selection: Many people with foot or ankle problems are limited in the shoes they can wear. Surgery may allow them to find a greater selection of footwear options.

When to Seek Care

Foot pain can be a common occurrence after a busy summer, so it's crucial to seek care if the pain persists or worsens. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications and allow you to comfortably continue daily activities.

Southwest General Medical Group, Inc. (SGMG) includes experienced podiatrists providing medical and surgical treatment options for your feet. To schedule an appointment, call 440-816-2735.