What Surgeries Do Podiatrists Perform?
Podiatrists treat a great variety of foot problems. These foot specialists offer their patients valuable preventative care. They’re experts in treating the specific injuries and ailments that happen to your feet. They can also perform some surgeries to improve your foot and ankle health.
Your podiatrist will always prescribe the least invasive treatments first. However, certain injuries and illnesses require surgery. Here are a few examples of injuries that may require surgical treatment.
Heel & Ankle Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are abnormal growths that can form on bones anywhere in your body, usually near joints. Inflammation is the main cause of bone spurs. Bone spurs on your feet can become painful if they rub against your shoes.
Mild cases of bone spurs can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies. More severe or painful bone spurs should be looked at by a podiatrist. They can recommend a course of treatment or surgery if necessary.
There are other treatments to try before surgery. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy. They will probably provide you with home remedies like stretching and icing. If those are not helpful you might also be fitted for orthotics or splints.
If nothing else works, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to treat bone spurs. Many individuals get surgery for bone spurs. It is usually recommended for people who have severe pain or mobility problems.
Plantar Fascia Release
One surgery that can treat bone spurs is a plantar fascia release. This surgery is used for bone spurs caused by plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist will reduce tissue tension by cutting the ligament that connects your toes to your heel. They will also remove the bone spur.
This is a surgery that your doctor can perform with a local anesthetic on your foot. They will make a small incision near your heel on one or both sides. They will smooth the bone and remove any damaged tissue.
You will be in a non-weight-bearing boot or walking boot for a few weeks. The boot type and recovery time depend on if you had open or endoscopic surgery. About 75% of people who get this surgery have relief from foot pain afterward.
Gastrocnemius Recession
Your podiatrist might also recommend a procedure called gastrocnemius recession. This treatment is also related to plantar fasciitis. It targets improving the range of motion in your ankle. Plantar fasciitis can be related to tight calves, which is what this surgery aims to help.
You will be put under twilight or full anesthesia but will be able to go home after the procedure. Your surgeon will make a small incision on the inside of your calf. They will then use a special tool to lengthen the gastrocnemius muscle in your calf.
After the surgery, you will be placed in a walking boot. You’ll also be given a splint to use at night. You should expect about six weeks to heal, but you can begin to transition to normal shoes after two weeks.
No matter what surgery you have, your podiatrist will have a plan for recovery. It will include rest, physical therapy, and stretches to do at home.
Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails are usually painful and tender. Most people can treat ingrown toenails with at-home methods like foot soaks. Some people will have recurring problems with ingrown toenails and might need surgery.
Partial or full removal of your toenail is a common surgical treatment for ingrown toenails. Your podiatrist may recommend ingrown toenail removal if you are susceptible to infections or have recurring ingrown toenails.
Neuropathy Pain
When your nerves are damaged or destroyed, it can cause disabling pain and weakness. When this happens in limbs like your hands and feet, it is called peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy in feet is very common in people with diabetes.
It’s very important to monitor neuropathy symptoms if you have diabetes. Unmanaged damage from peripheral neuropathy can cause foot ulcers, or in the worst cases, foot amputation. Your doctor can perform regular tests to make sure that your nerve damage is not progressing.
Your doctor will help you make a plan to manage your pain and prevent further nerve damage. A treatment plan for peripheral neuropathy will likely include physical therapy, especially if you have muscle weakness.
Your podiatrist may also recommend the use of a TENS machine. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. This is a machine that stimulates your nerves through a sticky skin patch with a minor electrical current.
If the damage to your nerves is because of a tumor or other growth, surgery may be required. Surgery can relieve the pressure on your nerve, which should help your symptoms.
Should I Contact a Podiatrist for My Foot Injury?
Your primary care doctor can treat most health issues you have. If you have specific issues related to your feet, they will probably refer you to a podiatrist. They’ll be able to address your specific foot issues and help you find relief.
If you have questions or concerns about your feet and ankles, you should reach out to a specialist that has the expert knowledge you need. The doctors at Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute are happy to answer your questions.