When it comes to foot and ankle health, few people know more than a podiatrist. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing medical and surgical conditions of the feet and ankles. From routine foot care to complex surgeries, the specialist is the professional to turn to when it comes to foot, ankle, and lower leg ailments. Here are 10 surgeries Podiatrists can perform.
1. Hallux Valgus Correction
Hallux valgus, also known as a bunion, is a bony deformity of the big toe joint. This condition is caused by a misalignment of the bones of the big toe, resulting in a bump on the side of the foot. A podiatrist may recommend surgery if the bunion becomes painful or interferes with your daily activities. During the procedure, the specialist repositions the bones of your big toe and removes any excess bone.
2. Hammertoe Correction
A hammertoe is a deformity of the middle joint in the toe that causes the toe to bend downward. If the condition becomes painful or limits mobility, surgery may be recommended. The surgeon straightens the toe by cutting the tendon causing the deformity and then repositioning the toe joint.
3. Achilles Tendon Repair
The Achilles is the strongest and thickest of all tendons in the human body. It connects the heel to the calf muscle. If the tendon becomes torn or ruptured, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon. The podiatrist makes an incision in the back of your heel and sutures the torn ends of the tendon together.
4. Ankle Fracture Repair
Ankle fractures or broken ankles occur when your ankle is twisted, turned, or bent beyond its normal range of motion. Surgery may be necessary to repair the ankle if a fracture is severe. The specialist places plates into the bones of your ankle to hold them in place while they heal.
5. Ankle Arthroscopy
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat various ankle issues. The specialist will make several small incisions in your ankle and insert a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached. This allows the podiatrist to view the inside of the ankle and perform various treatments. Some of the treatments involve repairing ligaments, removing inflamed tissue, or removing loose pieces of bone or cartilage.
6. Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that causes pain in the heel and arch of your foot. A podiatrist may recommend surgery if the condition worsens and other treatments have not been successful. The surgeon makes an incision in the heel and removes any inflamed or scar tissue causing pain in your foot. Visit a foot Podiatrist if you feel discomfort in your heels for a checkup and treatment.
7. Tendon Transfer
A tendon transfer is a surgical procedure used to repair a tendon that has been damaged or torn. The podiatrist takes a tendon from another part of your body, such as the leg, and attaches it to the damaged tendon. This allows the damaged tendon to function and improves your mobility.
8. Neuroma Excision
Neuroma excision is a surgical procedure to remove a neuroma, a noncancerous growth of nerve tissue. The process involves cutting away the growth of nerve tissue and is usually performed under local anesthetic or general anesthesia.
9. Toenail Removal
A podiatrist may recommend surgery to remove the nail when your toenail becomes severely ingrown. They make an incision in your toe and remove the nail. The surgery also involves using pins and screws to hold your tissue in place while the nail grows back.
The procedure begins with the specialist numbing the toe with a local anesthetic. Then, the podiatrist uses a scalpel to cut around the edges of the toenail, then uses forceps to lift the nail away from the nail bed. The nail may need complete removal or only work on the affected part. This reduces the discomfort of your foot.
10. Foot Reconstruction
Foot reconstruction is a surgical procedure to reconstruct the foot after trauma or surgery. The procedure involves reconstructing the bones and soft tissues of the foot and is usually performed under general anesthesia. Your recovery time can vary, but it takes several weeks before the patient can return to full activity.
Choosing Podiatrists
Podiatrists are skilled and experienced in different treatments and surgeries. From routine foot care to complex surgeries, the specialists are committed to providing patients with the highest quality of care. If you’re looking for a podiatrist to help with your foot or ankle health, consider engaging a certified specialist.
