When should you see a foot and ankle specialist?
Any foot or ankle condition can deteriorate without proper treatment. Unfortunately, many treatable problems might require surgery if you continue using your foot in spite of an existing issue. For this reason, you shouldn’t hesitate to call Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists even if your symptoms seem mild.
If you develop any of these symptoms, it’s time to consult with a foot and ankle specialist:
- Signs of a sprain or fracture (pain, swelling, discoloration, inability to bear weight)
- Difficulty walking
- Persistent pain
- Burning, tingling, or numbness
- Abnormal bump
- Deformity of your foot or ankle
- Sores that don’t heal
Which foot and ankle conditions are treated with surgery?
If you have a fracture or torn ligament, your doctor at Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists may recommend immediate surgery. For all other foot conditions, the first line of treatment consists of conservative measures, which may include customized orthotics, immobilization, injections, or various other alternatives.
If your symptoms don’t improve, then you may need surgery. The surgeons at Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest surgical techniques to treat foot and ankle conditions such as:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Heel pain (bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, tendon conditions)
- Corns and calluses
- Morton’s neuroma
- Arthritic degeneration
- Torn tendons and ligaments
- Foot and ankle fractures
What is reconstructive foot surgery?
Complex foot problems often require reconstructive surgery to regain optimal function, improve stability, alleviate pain, or to prevent or repair foot deformities. Reconstructive surgery may include multiple surgical methods, such as:
- Tendon repair
- Bone fusion
- Bone grafting
- Debridement (removing damaged tissue)
- Joint replacement
- Removing or straightening the bone
- Skin graft or repair
- Osteotomy (shortening or lengthening the bone)
What are the benefits of arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is performed using a few small incisions and special surgical tools contained in narrow tubes that can be inserted through the incisions. The arthroscope holds a camera, so it provides a 3D, magnified view of the treatment area.
Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose the cause of your symptoms, and then it can treat the problem. The benefits of arthroscopic surgery include quicker healing time, minimal scarring, and less postoperative pain.
If you need foot surgery, call Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists or book an appointment online.
