Foot and ankle surgery is a type of orthopedic surgery that involves the foot and ankle. It treats several injuries and conditions, including arthritis, fractures, sprains, cartilage damage, and more. The foot and ankle are made up of several bones that allow us to move around. The bones in your feet are connected by ligaments that help control movement. When these ligaments become damaged or torn, it can cause pain and swelling in your foot or ankle. In some cases, foot and ankle surgeon Alamo Heights may opt to perform an arthroscopic procedure on the ankle joint, so they can repair damaged ligaments without making an incision on your skin.
Here are the conditions that are treated through foot and ankle surgery.
Conditions treated through foot and ankle surgery
Foot and ankle surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including:
Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects the nerves in the foot and ankle. It can occur when a nerve in the lower leg becomes compressed by bone, ligament, or other structures.
A tarsal tunnel release is performed to free up the nerve and relieve pressure. The procedure may be done as an outpatient surgery or through one of several overnight hospital stays.
Hallux rigidus: Hallux rigidus is a condition that causes the big toe to be permanently bent upwards. It can occur in both adults and children. The most common cause of hallux rigidus is injury or irritation to the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot. Hallux rigidus can also be caused by hereditary factors, previous surgery on your feet, or trauma, including repetitive overuse injuries such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
Arthritis of the metatarsalgia (heel spurs): The metatarsal bones are the long bones in the front of your foot and ankle. These bones connect your toes and first metatarsal bone (the one that sticks out most at the bottom of your foot). A bone that connects to another bone is called a joint. The arthritic condition is characterized by inflammation of these joints, which can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
Plantar fasciitis (heel pain): Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes heel pain and inflammation. It can cause the heel to become tender and painful and lead to other problems in the foot and ankle.
Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, which connects the heel bone to the toes. The plantar fascia is a thin band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes and acts like a cable that holds your foot firmly in place. When it is overstretched or injured, it can become inflamed and painful.
Some people have an injury or issue with their foot or ankle that causes significant pain. Others may have a chronic condition that prevents them from living normal lives. In either case, a foot and ankle surgeon can help you find relief from your pain, enhance your mobility and improve your quality of life. For more information about foot and ankle surgery, contact Marque Allen, DPM, FACFAS.