A foot surgeon is a doctor who specializes in foot and ankle care. A foot surgeon diagnoses and treats any medical conditions involving the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the foot. A foot surgeon can also diagnose, treat and prevent conditions related to the skin of the feet that may cause pain or discomfort. Some people wonder why they should go to a foot surgeon for help with their feet when they see their family physician instead. This article looks at some of the conditions a board-certified foot surgeon in New York, NY, can help treat.
Achilles Surgery
An Achilles tendon rupture is one of the most common problems that require surgery. It happens when the long, inflexible Achilles tendon at the back of your foot ruptures or tears away from the bone. The result is severe pain, and an inability to stand on your toes put weight through your foot, or walk. Recovery can take three months to a year. A foot surgeon can repair a completely torn Achilles tendon or partially torn Achilles tendon.
Ankle Surgery
The ankle is a complex joint with several bones and ligaments that help hold it together. Because of this complexity, the ankle can often be injured or broken in many different ways. For example, falling from a height onto your feet can damage your ankles; falling on uneven ground can strain the ligaments around the ankle; twisting your foot while playing sports can cause a sprain, or breaking your foot during a fall can break one of the many bones in the ankle. A fracture to any of these bones around the ankle can be treated by surgery to restore normal function and provide stability for healing to take place.
Arthritis Surgery
Many types of arthritis affect the joints in the foot and ankle, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gouty arthritis. Symptoms of this condition include pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, and stiffness. Treatment for this condition typically involves medications to reduce inflammation, reduce pain or slow the progression of the disease. If these treatments fail, you may require surgery to repair the arthritic joint.
Bunions Surgery
A bunion is a painful bump that forms on the inside of your foot at the base of your big toe, where it attaches to the foot. Bunions develop when shoes rub up against this spot and push it into the bone. Bunions are one of the most common causes of foot pain and can be triggered by shoes that are too tight, high-heeled, or pointed at the end. Surgery is usually done to correct a bunion on your big toe so it does not continue to cause problems in your feet, ankles, or legs.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are used to treat a variety of foot and ankle problems. They can provide relief from pain and discomfort, increase function in your ankles and feet, reduce the risk of injuries and even improve balance. Custom orthotic devices are prescribed by your doctor and fabricated by qualified lab technicians using precise measurements. The custom orthotic is then inserted in your shoe between your foot and the sole, making it possible to wear most types of shoes with comfort.
In summary, a foot surgeon specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the foot and ankle. They can conduct bunion, arthritis, ankle, and Achilles surgeries in addition to providing custom orthotics.