The foot is one of the most important parts of the body, allowing humans a significant degree of independent movement. The average person walks a distance equal to three times around the earth in his lifetime, creating a lot of stress and wear on the 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 other structures that make up the foot. Painful foot problems can arise and when conservative treatment fails, there are some surgical options, according to APMA.
Surgical Considerations
When conservative measures fail, such as padding, corrective shoe-gear, wearing orthotics and medication, or when the pain or deformity becomes disabling, surgery may be considered. Over time, conditions related to arthritis, including bunion deformity, can cause pain and disability, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hammertoe deformity, nerve problems and chronic ingrown toenails can also cause enough pain and disability that correcting them through surgery becomes a viable option.
Planning the Surgery
Not every patient is a surgical candidate, so prior to any foot surgery the surgeon will evaluate the health history and order some pre-operative blood testing, according to APMA. Having diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems may exclude someone from having corrective surgery. Pre-operative testing usually consists of an EKG, chest x-ray, urinalysis and blood work to confirm the potential for healing.
Types of Foot Surgery
According to the Mayo Clinic, when a bunion forms at the big toe joint, becoming enlarged and bumpy, it can push the other toes over as it moves towards them. Surgery is an option when it becomes disabling as well as making it difficult to find shoes that fit. Other arthritic deformities can respond well to surgery, such as hammer toe and mallet toe, which occur in the smaller toe joints, causing them to bend down in an abnormal position. A painful entrapped nerve, a neuroma, can form between the bones in the forefoot from wearing too-tight shoes and may require surgery. Heel spurs, an overgrowth of bone on the base of the heel, may require surgery to alleviate pain. Chronic ingrown toenails, which cause pain and increased risk of infection, can be corrected surgically.
Complications of Foot Surgery
Because all foot surgeries require making a surgical incision, or wound, that needs to heal, there is the risk of complication. The most common complication of any foot surgery is pain and swelling. According to the Ohio State Medical Center, other complications include painful scars, numbness in the toes, recurrence of the deformity and rarely, infection, blood clot, allergic reaction to the anesthesia or gangrene. Call the surgeon immediately if there are any sign of complications.
Recovery From Surgery
Following any foot surgery, follow all post-operative instructions given by the surgeon. Many foot surgeries are performed as an outpatient, allowing you to go home after a short recovery period. The surgeon will apply a bandage that will protect the operative site and keep it clean. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, rest and keep the foot elevated. Walking may be extremely limited for the first few days. Any stitches will be removed in 2 to 3 weeks. Keep any post-op appointments to ensure proper healing.
