Foot surgery, while typically considered a last resort, can be a game changer for people suffering from chronic foot issues. From severe pain to limited mobility, a variety of causes can necessarily require surgical intervention. If you’re experiencing any foot issues, it is important to know about the most common reasons for foot surgery.
According to a foot surgeon Fort Worth, the 6 common reasons for foot surgery are:
Plantar fasciitis: In this condition, the person feels excruciating heel pain, particularly after a prolonged period of inactivity. When physiotherapy and orthotics seem ineffective, surgical procedures are then considered.
Bunions and Hammertoes: Bunions and hammertoes are common orthopedic foot abnormalities that can be painful and hinder daily tasks. A bunion is a bony lump at the base of the big toe that causes the toe to tilt toward the other toes. Hammertoes, on the other hand, are a result of atypical bending of the toe’s middle joint, which causes pain and difficulties wearing shoes. When these diseases induce persistent pain or impair mobility, surgery is usually recommended.
Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two common types of arthritis that cause pain in the joints and limit mobility due to swelling. When non-surgical treatments like medicine and physical therapy fail, surgical procedures like joint fusion or replacement become necessary.
Ankle instability: Ankle instability can occur as a result of recurrent ankle sprains or injuries that compromise the ligaments anchoring the joint. People suffering from ankle instability encounter frequent sprains and pain. To restore stability and avoid further damage, repairing the damaged ligaments becomes imperative with surgery.
Achilles tendon disorders: The Achilles tendon is the longest in the body and is prone to damage and illness. Tendon ruptures and inflammation can cause discomfort and edema in the Achilles tendon. Surgery is needed in severe cases of ruptured tendons to restore proper functioning of the foot.
Neuromas: Neuromas are benign nerve tissue growths that can produce pain and a burning feeling in the ball of the foot. In cases of severe discomfort, the neuromas are removed surgically.
If you’ve been struggling with any of the conditions listed above for quite some time and haven’t witnessed improvements with non-surgical remedies, you may want to consider surgery. While surgery should be the last resort, it can significantly alleviate your condition. To determine the best course of treatment for your foot condition, visit an experienced foot surgeon.
