Common Foot Problems That May Require Surgery!

While some problems of the foot and ankle can be treated without any surgeries, many issues can be addressed only through surgical corrections. Hallux valgus or bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the big toe. Surgery is required to remove the bunion or the bony prominence. The operation is known as the bunionectomy. Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis. In the next stage lumps called osteophytes appear around the joint edge. To remove the osteophytes, surgical treatment is necessary. The deformed lesser toes demand imbalance thus requiring surgery to treat it. You doctor would advice on the procedure to be followed in your particular case.

Achilles tendon is one of the strongest muscles in the body. It is subjected to stress in daily activities. When a problem develops in and around the tendons, one can feel the pain and discomfort. Inflammation or swelling can develop around the tendon that would eventually lead to pain. In such a scenario, surgical intervention may be required when all other methods such as massages and physical therapy fail. The recovery period for this condition is quite long, be patient and stay positive to ensure complete relief post-surgery.

A Neuroma is an enlarged nerve that is situated between the third and the fourth toes. It is caused by an irritation of the nerves and being entrapment in the bones. It can sometimes become harrowing. The pain cannot be felt in the initial stage of the problem, but as the nerve becomes large with time, the pain becomes excruciating. It can be removed surgically under local anesthesia. Surgical removal of neuromas results in permanent resolution.

Lumps, cysts, bumps and even ganglions are few foot problems which can be treated both with and without surgeries. People often complain of bumps and lumps that cause pain as they rub and press along the shoe. The non-surgical methods include medicines, ointments, change of footwear, etc. The lumps, cysts, etc. arise due to soft tissue formations and bony prominence. When all the non-surgical treatments fail, then surgical procedures are used to remove such prominence and tissue formations. Consult your physician when you feel a lump bothering your foot.