When foot pain or deformities significantly impact mobility and quality of life, conservative treatments may no longer provide the relief that you need. In these cases, foot surgery may become the most viable option to alleviate discomfort, correct deformities, and restore function. It’s important to know when surgery may be your best option for treatment. Dr. Peter Caldwell at Iowa Foot & Ankle Clinic in Cedar Rapids, IA, can explain the types of foot surgery and when it might be needed.
Understanding Types of Foot Surgery
When you’re dealing with foot pain, foot surgery from your podiatrist in Cedar Rapids, IA, is typically the last option for care. When conservative methods no longer work, foot surgery may be your best option for easing your pain. It’s important to know what issues may need foot surgery and what your options might look like.
Bunions are characterized by a bony bump at the base of the big toe and can cause pain in your feet. Bunion surgery, or bunionectomy, involves realigning the bones of the toe joint to correct the misalignment. The bunions are also often shaved away and removed. This procedure aims to relieve pain, improve foot function, and prevent further progression of the bunion.
Hammertoe is a condition where the toe joints bend abnormally, which causes the toes to curl downwards. Hammertoe correction surgery involves releasing the tight tendons and realigning the toe joints to straighten the affected toes. This procedure aims to alleviate pain, improve toe alignment, and restore normal toe function.
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. In cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, plantar fascia release surgery may be recommended. This procedure involves partially cutting the plantar fascia to relieve tension and reduce inflammation, thus alleviating your heel pain.
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, which leads to pain, swelling, and infection. This procedure involves removing a portion of the toenail or the entire nail to alleviate pain and prevent recurrence.
Contact Our Podiatrist Today
Find out how your podiatrist can help. Contact Dr. Caldwell at Iowa Foot & Ankle Clinic in Cedar Rapids, IA, to learn about foot surgery and when it may be recommended. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (319) 363-3543.