Health experts recommend that everyone walk at least 10,000 steps a day to stay healthy (one mile is equivalent to about 2,000 steps); therefore, we should be walking about 5 miles each day. This may seem like a lot but with all the running back and forth between work, home and errands it’s amazing how easy this is to do. However, if we are suffering from foot or ankle problems, 
just living the healthy active lifestyle we want can be hard. If you feel like you’ve tried every treatment possible without much success, then you may be contemplating whether surgery is the best choice for you. Here are some of the most common foot and ankle surgeries we perform in West Houston, and what you should expect from these procedures:
Bunions
The National Institute of Health found that about 4.5 million people deal with bunion problems each year. A bunion is characterized as a hard protruding bone that develops near the base of the big toe, which may even cause the toe to turn inward towards the other toes. If symptoms are severe or persistent, surgery may be necessary. The majority of bunion surgeries are performed outpatient and only take about an hour. After the procedure, your foot will be wrapped and you’ll need to wear a boot for about four to six weeks after surgery to keep pressure off your foot.
Hammertoes
Injuries, arthritis and even poorly fitted shoes can cause hammertoes. A hammertoe causes the affected toe to curl down and bend, and it often inflicts the second or third toe. If hammertoes make it difficult to move your toes or walk, then surgery is the best option. During surgery we will realign the toe and remove the deformed bone.
This surgery is also performed outpatient, so you won’t have to worry about a hospital stay. Recovery usually takes a few weeks and you may have to wear a special shoe after surgery. You will want to keep your foot elevated as much as possible, and you may even need crutches. If you’re considering hammertoe surgery we will be happy to sit down and talk with you about the recovery and healing process.
Ankle arthritis
Did you know that arthritis is the main cause of disability in America? Arthritis can happen to anyone no matter their age. While physical therapy, orthotics and steroids are often used to treat symptoms, there are some forms of ankle arthritis that don’t respond to nonsurgical treatments. When this happens, surgery is the optimal choice. One type of surgery is joint replacement, in which the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial ankle joint. This will increase range of motion and stability in the foot and ankle.
It’s important to keep in mind that foot and ankle surgery can be uncomfortable and that recovery can take several weeks. But keeping your feet elevated, going to physical therapy and following your doctor’s recommendations will ensure that your recovery is as speedy as possible. If in doubt, always call our office if you have any questions about your upcoming procedure or proper post-surgical care.