About foot pain

As a result of the sheer number of parts present in your foot, there’s a large range of structures that can be damaged, through either wear and tear or impact injuries. To determine the type of foot surgery most relevant to you, Dr Kaplan will consider the best methods of restoring normal function to affected areas, as well as long-term pain management.Here are common types of foot surgery:

1. Fusion Surgery

Fusion surgery is necessary for treating extensive damage to the joints of the foot, where protective cartilage has worn away and resulted in bone-on-bone contact. An orthopaedic surgeon will remove the remaining cartilage before binding bone tissues together with plates and screws. A natural fusion process will take place in your body, thus preventing the movement that was causing you pain.

2. Achilles Tendon Repair

The back of your heel is connected to the calf muscles by the tremendously powerful Achilles tendon, which causes immense pain when torn. Surgical repair of the Achilles tendon involves reconnecting these torn ends. With adequate rest, the tendon may repair without surgery and an early non operative treatment plan, though there is greater risk of slower recovery or repeat injury.

3. Metatarsal Repair

Metatarsal bones are positioned between your hind-foot and toe phalanges. If you’re experiencing rheumatoid arthritis, or other issues causing significant deformity of the foot, you may feel sharp or burning pains in these bones. During metatarsal repair, a surgeon will cut, position and refasten the bone using plates, screws or pins.

4. Toe Deformity Correction

When toes become deformed, typically as a result of corns, calluses bunions, hammer toes, arthritis, normal balance and gait are compromised, which not only causes great pain but also increases the risk of further injury. During surgical correction of a toe deformity, the surgeon will straighten and reposition toes to alleviate pain and restore normal function.

5. Reconstructive Surgery

Even the smallest of foot and ankle irregularities can cause significant damage in the future, so you should consult with your health provider over anything causing you pain or discomfort. Problems affecting the strength, agility or endurance of your foot can be resolved with reconstructive surgery.