If you’re having issues with your foot and ankle areas and it’s not getting better after through various conservative treatments, then the next step is to undergo surgery.
A surgical procedure is usually the last resort in treating foot and ankle problems. And if you’re considering having a surgical method of treatment today, then we suggest that you continue reading this post as we are going to give a rundown of the different types of foot surgery and see which procedure will be the best solution for addressing your existing foot injury.
Bunions Foot Surgery
A bunion is a swollen bump along the big toe. And it often affects women because of wearing high heels and ill-fitting shoes. Bunions are also called Hallux Valgus and it can cause your big toe to be deformed and point towards the rest of the toes if left untreated.
If you are suffering from bunions, the best way of correcting this deformity is by having an Osteotomy to align the big toe to its normal position.
The recovery time for this type of surgical procedure is 6 weeks.
Metatarsal Foot Surgery
The metatarsals are basically the longest bones in your foot. And these bones are located between the tarsal and phalanges bones.
At some point, the metatarsophalangeal joints may become arthritic which causes joint inflammation called synovitis. Eventually, this condition will cause the joint to be dislocated, and you will suffer from pain and discomfort as a result. And the solution to this medical condition is to undergo metatarsal foot surgery.
The details of this type of surgical procedure will depend on the kind of injury. You may consider non-surgical options, but surgery is the ultimate option. And when this happens, the specialist will remove the heads of the metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJ) and shortening of the affected bones so you won’t feel like you’re walking on pebbles anymore.
Fusion Surgery
Next on this list of the different types of foot surgery is often considered to relieve from arthritic pain.
Arthritis can cause your cartilage to wear off and “rubbing” your bones as you move around, which causes extreme pain and discomfort. The aim of this surgical procedure is to stiffen or combine the joints between the arthritic bones.
And this surgery is not only limited to treating arthritis as fusion surgery is also done to address other medical conditions like fractures causing wear and tear to the bones and cartilage, rheumatoid arthritis, and flat feet.
Hammertoe Foot Surgery
Hallux valgus or bunions not only causes the joints to be deformed for it also bends the toes unnaturally. And what’s even worse is that it can cause the toes to be clawed or deformed. And this painful condition is called a hammertoe.
Good thing, there are surgical remedies for repairing hammertoe such as arthroplasty (the reconstruction or complete replacement of a joint to restore the flexibility of the joint) and arthrodesis (surgically immobilizing the affected joint by ossification or fusing of the adjacent bones).
A hammertoe surgery typically takes 1 hour to perform. And once the surgery is complete, it is recommended to limit your walking activities for the next few days. And the recuperating period for hammertoe foot surgery, including removal of stitches and occasional dressing is about 6 weeks.
Heel Or Plantar Fascia Surgery
This surgical process is done when other treatments are ineffective. There are many types of foot surgery involving the heel, but the most common is the kind that deals with the plantar fascia or the tissues that connect the heel bones to the toes.
During plantar fascia surgery, the doctor will remove or release the inflamed part of the tissue. It’s a relatively straightforward process, so the doctor will simply bandage after performing surgery and then you’ll only need to rest for a couple of days or until the wound is completely healed.
Ankle Surgeries
Swelling and pain in the ankle is the result of osteoarthritis (the thinning of the cartilage covering and the thickening of the bones underneath) or rheumatoid arthritis. Aside from that, these conditions may also be a result of an injury that is very common for athletic individuals who are engaged in sports and other physical activities.
If you are experiencing either of these conditions, then it is advised to undergo ankle surgery. Likewise, this kind of surgical remedy is recommended if you’re facing ongoing symptoms of severe swelling and pain.
Neuroma Surgery
A neuroma is basically a thick layer of tissue that covers the nerves inside the toes. And when inflamed, it causes a painful sensation at the ball of the foot as well as a burning feeling and numbness at the toes. Also called Morton’s neuroma, this condition can arise from the frequent wearing of stilettos and high-heeled shoes.
If you have a condition like this, then most doctors will recommend you to try out non-surgical solutions like placing special paddings or insoles to help relieve the pressure on the affected nerve and taking of anti-inflammatory medicines. But if all remedies have exhausted and it still doesn’t work, then the doctor will advise you to have neuroma surgery and remove a small portion of the nerve that’s causing pain.
Achilles Tendon Disorders
An Achilles tendon injury is very common since it often affects professional basketball and soccer players. And though it is usually associated with sports, a rupture in the Achilles can also be a result of the usual “wear and tear” due to aging or frequent walking.
In case your Achilles tendon is ruptured or swelling, the doctor will recommend you to have surgery to repair the damaged tendon. And once the procedure is complete, then you can expect to move around using crutches for at least a couple of weeks.
Tibialis Posterior Dysfunction Surgery
And the last entry on this list of the different types of foot surgery is something that is also associated with sports since if often affects athletes who are engaged in high impact activities like basketball, football, and etc. When the tibialis posterior tendon is swollen or inflamed, it can affect the instep arch and result in a “flat-footed” appearance.
Icing may help to relieve the pain, but if the condition persists, then the doctor will advise you to undergo fusion, osteotomy, or tendon transfer to repair or replace the affected tendon.
These surgical procedures will have your foot in a cast. But after 12 weeks, the pain will definitely be gone.
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