Elective Foot Surgery: 6 Common Conditions You Didn’t Know You Could Fix
While conservative treatments like medication, orthotics, and physical therapy are often the first line of defense for foot and ankle pain, some conditions may benefit from elective (optional) podiatric surgery.
We at Amarillo Foot Specialists conduct these minimally invasive procedures to correct structural deformities, alleviate chronic suffering, and improve function for our patients. Let’s delve into some candidates whose surgical eligibility isn’t commonly known.
Who is a Candidate for Elective Surgery?
If you've exhausted non-surgical options and continue to experience pain or limitations, elective podiatric surgery might be right for you. Common reasons to consider surgery include:
Severe bunions: These bony bumps at the base of the big toe can cause pain, inflammation, and difficulty wearing shoes. Bunionectomy involves realignment of the joint and bone removal for permanent correction.
Hammertoes: Toes that curl abnormally can create friction and pressure points. Hammertoe surgery straightens the toes and improves comfort.
Plantar fasciitis: Chronic inflammation of the plantar fascia can lead to debilitating heel pain. In severe cases, plantar fasciotomy may be performed to release tension in the ligament.
Arthritis: When arthritis affects the foot and ankle joints, surgical options like joint fusion or joint replacement may offer relief and restore mobility.
Neuromas: Benign nerve growths between toes can cause pain, numbness, and burning sensations. Surgical removal of the affected nerve tissue can alleviate these symptoms.
Flat feet: When flat feet cause pain, discomfort, and limited mobility, corrective surgery can be an option to improve arch structure.
Benefits of Elective Surgery
Beyond pain relief, correcting structural deformities and restoring proper alignment leads to improved function. This means a return to pain-free walking, running, and participating in all your daily activities without limitations, especially for athletes.
Interventions like bunionectomy and hammertoe surgeries can can even offer aesthetic improvement to the appearance of your feet. Also, non-invasive surgical techniques mean fast recovery times and little to no scarring.
Elect Your Next Step
If conservative treatments haven't provided relief, consult an expert podiatrist to discuss your options and determine if elective surgery is right for you.
Sick and tired of foot pain? Contact Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists in Amarillo, TX, for a consultation. Don’t hesitate to reach us at (806) 322-3338.