Our feet are prone to injuries, and most often they can be treated with rest and medication. But a rare foot condition may complicate things. More often than not, the podiatrist may give conservative treatment for rare foot conditions – surgery may not be a necessity.
Here, we take a look at the need for surgery in some rare foot conditions.
Algodystrophy
Algodystrophy is a rare disease that affects the limbs, namely the arms, hands, legs, and feet. It affects adults after a trauma or injury and can continue for months before disappearing as quickly as it began. It causes a stabbing sensation in the affected part of the foot, making mobility difficult. The discomfort may be present with alternating burning and cold sensations
Treatment with foot orthoses and physical therapy can help restore balance and stability to the feet and lower limbs. This prevents stiffness and abnormal alignment from affecting the foot and lowers the risk of further complications.
Surgery may not be needed for this rare foot condition.
Tarsal Coalition
Tarsal coalition manifests as a hard or partially rigid connection between two bones where there should have been soft tissue that allows the joint to move. Though it is a genetic condition, the pain and discomfort may not show up until later in life. The foot becomes stiffer with time and less mobile, and therefore, the surrounding joints have to exert more pressure to compensate, which can cause early wear and tear and osteoarthritis.
Physical therapy, medication, and orthopedic shoes can help to an extent.
In certain situations, surgery may be needed.
Bessel-Hagen Disease
Bessel-Hagen disease is a benign tumor characterized by a bony development. Also called osteochondromas, it is a hereditary genetic disease. The tumor may compress nerves or obstruct movement when a muscle or tendon is pinched causing pain and mobility issues.
Medication, foot orthoses, and physical therapy can alleviate some of the symptoms and counterbalance the condition’s effects on lower limb alignment to an extent.
Surgery may be needed if mobility is compromised.
There are excellent podiatrists for rare foot conditions in Los Altos and they will be able to offer the best options for treating rare foot conditions in Los Altos. Surgical intervention may be necessary if the condition is very severe or if it seriously impairs the mobility of the foot.