As the part of your body that gets the most pressure and stress, your feet are vulnerable to a lot of health problems that can be very painful and cripple your ability to perform daily activities. The good news is that there is a large medical field dedicated to foot surgery, which will help you get back on your feet again, literally.
Some Types of Foot Surgery
Because of the many different medical issues that can affect the feet, there are several types of foot surgery. Here are descriptions for a few of them.
Metatarsal Surgery – This surgery is performed on the bones of the foot, called metatarsals, often for the purpose of evenly redistributing the weight to relieve a number of issues, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Heel Surgery – There is a variety of conditions that heel surgery can heal. Depending on the nature of the complaint, your podiatrist will choose, from different methods, the one that would be best for you.
Fusions – If you are suffering from arthritis in your foot, having a fusion done is probably the best option for you. In a fusion, cartilage is removed from the joint and the surgeon will use artificial materials to secure the bones together and prevent more problems in the future.
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
If you have a medical condition in your foot, you should first get a podiatrist, or foot doctor, to examine it. The podiatrist will determine the severity of the problem, whether you should get surgery, and which kind of foot surgery is best for you. Before you get surgery, your doctor will order a number of tests and examinations to ensure the best possible outcome of the surgery. After the surgery is completed, the amount and intensity of the aftercare will depend on your particular issue and the kind of surgery you had performed. However, regardless of the kind of surgery you had, it is always recommended to get plenty of rest, use ice and compression on the foot, and keep it elevated as much as possible.
Do you or someone you know have a painful foot issue? If so, you may want to look at foot surgery options. Visit our website at www.suburbanortho.com to learn more. information and answers to all your questions. You can also follow us on Google+ to know more.
