When Is Foot Surgery Needed?

While most people experience foot problems at some point, there are cases where the pain and discomfort become so unbearable that a podiatrist must explore the benefits of foot surgery. Though non-invasive solutions are usually preferred, in some cases foot issues need surgical intervention to achieve positive short and long-term results. Dr. Tod Reed is a podiatrist at Cardinal Foot & Ankle in Muncie, IN, who will help you decide if foot surgery is needed in your case.

Common Foot Issues

Out of all of the parts of the body, the feet arguably get the hardest workout daily. They provide us with the necessary support to perform our most arduous physical activities, so, understandably, they would be vulnerable to issues that require medical treatment. These are some of the most common foot issues that podiatrists diagnose:

• Plantar fasciitis and similar heel-related issues.
• Achilles tendonitis.
• Flat feet.
• Bunions, calluses, and hammertoes.
• Foot fractures or sprains

Types of Foot Surgery

The goal of most foot surgeries is to fix tissue damage, repair broken bones, adjust joints or remove unwanted growths. These are some of the most common types of foot surgery:

• Bunionectomy (corrects the joint problems that create bunions).
• Heel spur excision (removal of heel spurs).
• Joint replacement or fusion for the ankles.
• Endoscopic plantar fascia release (a procedure for plantar fasciitis).
• Foot fracture surgery.

When Is Foot Surgery Needed?

When you and your Muncie, IN, podiatrist have explored all other non-invasive solutions, such as orthotics and bracing, surgery may be the next logical step. Also, when the pain in your feet is so unbearable that you find yourself unable to walk, walking differently, or additional damage is possible, you and your podiatrist may want to consider foot surgery.

See Your Podiatrist for a Foot Exam

To determine if foot surgery is needed, your doctor will need to do a thorough examination first including X-rays. Call (765) 287-8279 today to schedule a visit with Dr. Tod Reed, a podiatrist at Cardinal Foot & Ankle in Muncie, IN.