When you have foot problems and conservative treatments fail to work, surgery may be your only alternative. Surgery is a decision you can make along with your podiatric (po-dee-AH-trik) surgeon regarding foot problems that produce pain and discomfort or cause a physical deformity. Several types of foot problems that may require surgical repair are bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, toenail deformities, and bone spurs. Reconstructive surgery of your foot consists of complex surgical repair that may be necessary for you to regain full function or stability, reduce pain, and prevent further deformity and disease. There are many types of foot problems that might require this form of surgery, such as tendon repair or transfer, fusion of bone, joint implantation, bone grafting, skin or soft tissue repair, tumor removal, amputation, bone screws, pins, wires, staples, and other fixation devices, both internal and external. Also, casts may be used to stabilize and repair bone in reconstructive procedures. Before you have foot surgery, your podiatric surgeon will review your medical history and existing conditions to ensure that your surgery will obtain a successful outcome. This usually requires a full physical examination of the patient. Once your surgery is complete, your foot will undergo close scrutiny to make sure you have a speedy recovery. Bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, or canes may be necessary to ensure proper healing.
©2006 Crossroads Mobile. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
