Common Foot Conditions That May Require Podiatric Surgery

In most cases, foot surgery is the last resort, but sometimes it becomes necessary when more conservative options have failed to restore a patient’s function and comfort. Dr. Tod Reed of Cardinal Foot & Ankle in Muncie, IN, can provide surgery when it is deemed necessary. 

Bunions

 For most people who have bunions, they do not pose much of a problem. They can be managed with comfortable shoes. But for other people, the deformity has become so painful that it can't be lived with. Surgery will relieve the pain, improve the stability of the foot, help improve the ability to walk, and improve the appearance of the foot. Surgery will straighten out the toe and bring the bones back into the correct position. 

Hammertoes

 Hammertoes often respond well to conservative treatments, so surgery for them isn’t common. When necessary, an incision is made in the top of the toe, the bones are straightened, and they are wired together until they can fuse. This surgery may need to be repeated to keep the toe straight.  

Ingrown toenails

 Ingrown toenails are something that certain people have a predisposition to. It usually happens to the nail in the big toe and the nail grows into the flesh. For some people, there is no pain and the nail can be managed at home. For others, an infection can develop, and the toe will throb, fill with pus, and be miserable. The most common way to get rid of an ingrown toenail is with surgery to remove part or all of the nail. This surgery is performed in the office under local anesthesia. 

Diabetic foot ulcers

 When you have diabetes, the potential to develop a foot ulcer is increased by the lack of adequate circulation in the foot. Healing also takes a long time, and the ulcer may need to be debrided, which is a form of surgery. In this type of surgery, the dead cells and infection around the wound are removed with a scalpel. This may have to be done more than once over a period of weeks or months until the ulcer can heal. 

Morton's Neuroma

 Morton's Neuroma is a nerve condition in the foot. It feels like a stone is in your shoe, but none is there. It may be necessary to remove a piece of the nerve to give you relief. 

Dr. Reed of Cardinal Foot & Ankle provides foot surgery in Muncie, IN, as well as has a full-service podiatric practice.  Give our office a call at (765) 287-8279 to make an appointment today.