Many people develop foot problems due to how they walk, running long distances, or from other underlying conditions. Over-the-counter medication and at-home treatments can treat most of these foot issues. If symptoms persist after trying at-home remedies, visit a foot and ankle institute for evaluation. Here are a few reasons foot doctors might recommend surgical treatment:
Understanding Reconstructive Foot Surgery
Reconstructive foot surgery is performed to restore function or stability, lessen discomfort, and prevent further problems. Severe foot ailments can make life challenging because they require long-term care and rehabilitation. Patients can enhance their quality of life through tissue reconstruction, function restoration, and cosmetic rehabilitation.
A podiatrist evaluates the extent of damage and the severity of the foot disease to determine if surgery is necessary. Based on the severity of the problem, several surgical procedures and reconstruction levels may be required. Reconstructive foot surgery can treat the following issues:
- Flat feet
- Charcot foot
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Unstable ankles
- End-stage arthritis
Situations a Doctor Would Recommend Foot Surgery
Doctors at a foot and ankle institute evaluate two main aspects to determine whether a patient requires surgery. If you meet any of the parameters, your doctor will recommend surgery as a viable option.
When Pain is Affecting Your Lifestyle
Podiatrists recommend foot surgery if the symptoms you are experiencing affect your quality of life. Foot problems may affect your ability to engage in daily activities like walking or standing. Reconstruction surgery will restore your ability to do these tasks, thus improving the quality of your life.
While the condition may not affect daily activities, it could hinder you from other activities like sports or athletics. Surgery is an effective method of regaining your ability to perform those tasks. Athletes with foot or ankle injuries often pursue surgery for this reason.
When Other Treatment Options Aren’t Effective
Conservative, noninvasive methods are preferred for treating painful foot disorders. Doctors often advise trying conservative therapy for a few months before recommending surgical alternatives. Noninvasive treatment options may include physical therapy, pain medication, acupuncture, and custom orthotics.
Your podiatrist will suggest surgery if you’ve tried conservative treatment methods and they haven’t worked. If you seek medical assistance for your foot discomfort early on, you have a better chance of avoiding surgery, as many foot conditions worsen over time if left untreated. If your disease reaches a particular threshold, noninvasive therapy stops being a viable option.
Common Reconstructive Foot Surgeries
Podiatrists use reconstructive techniques to relieve discomfort, inflammation, and foot pain. These foot issues are brought on by an infection, arthritis, congenital defects, or accidents. Here are common surgical procedures that a podiatrist can perform:
Bone Fusion, Osteotomy and Grafting
The most common treatment for rheumatoid arthritis of the foot or ankle is bone fusions. During bone fusion, the joint’s cartilage is entirely removed by the foot surgeon. They then use pins, plates, or screws to fuse the two joint bones so that they are immobile.
With a bone osteotomy, a podiatrist precisely removes part of the foot’s bones. This procedure is used to treat hammertoe, heel spurs, and bunions. Bone grafting involves replacing bone that has deteriorated because of illness or trauma.
Tendon and Ligament Surgery
Tendon foot surgery helps repair severe injuries that involve lengthening or shortening tendons. Rerouting tendon movement to enhance the foot and ankle’s functionality and range of motion is also possible. People with flat feet may have stretching or ripping in the ligament supporting the foot’s arch. A podiatrist can restore this ligament by surgically rerouting other tendons to support the arch of the foot.
Soft Tissue Foot Repair Surgery
Foot injuries involving the skin or soft tissues are not uncommon. Your podiatrist may suggest surgery based on the kind and extent of the damage. This surgery can treat warts, ganglion cysts, and foot fungus.
Visit a Foot and Ankle Institute Today!
Visit a foot and ankle institute today to evaluate your foot problem. Early discovery and management of some foot and ankle problems can reduce the need for reconstructive foot surgery. If the problem is severe or fails to respond to treatment, your doctor will suggest surgery. Schedule a consultation today to know the best course of action for your feet.
