Discomfort in the feet and ankles can happen for a number of reasons. The most common issues people have are conditions known as bunions, heel spurs, heel pain, hammertoe, ingrown nails and stress fractures. Sometimes the problem cannot be relieved alone, and the care of a Foot Specialist is needed. Some of the conditions develop through activities that put a strain on the feet or shoes that cause small changes. Foot problems can be inherited too.
Heel spurs are small growths on the bottom part of the heel bone. Spurs on the feet happen to a lot of athletes. The plantar tendon is stretched beyond capacity and causes strain to the heel bone. Bone calcification occurs on the heel to form a spur. The ligament can be relieved from the strain by doing proper warm-up routines before exercise and wearing athletic shoes. Some have to turn to surgery for relief when the condition has grown too serious, and no other methods have worked. Plantar fasciitis happens when there is inflammation in the band of tissue that stretches from the heel bone to toes. This can happen in combination with heel spurs. Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that takes pressure off the bone. A bone called the metatarsal is reshaped into a V. This process lifts the bone and puts in back in alignment with other bones. Decreased pressure stops heel calluses from forming.
Hammertoe is when there’s disfigurement in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th toes. The middle joint has a bend in it that gives it a hammer-like a shape. If the condition gets worse without treatment, surgery may be necessary. The surgery is usually minor and done in outpatient care. The Foot Specialist uses local anesthesia and makes additional accommodations with sedation if the patient needs it. Two to four incisions are made so the tendons can be rearranged to surround the toe the way they should. The tendons are straightened, so there is no more curling and elasticity in the toes is restored. Patients can walk right after surgery with surgical shoes. There is little or no pain during the healing process. Patients should elevate the foot as much as possible in the first week after surgery. Dressing stays clean and dry so there are no infections. Browse the site of website to learn about treatment for other foot disorders. You can follow them on Google+.
