Reconstructive Foot Surgery
Our feet carry the entire weight of our body, day in and day out. In time, this is bound to cause foot problems. These problems usually go away with medication and physiotherapy. But, sometimes, foot conditions may not respond to conservative treatment. In such cases, reconstructive surgery may be needed to alleviate pain and restore the function of your foot.
What is reconstructive foot surgery?
Reconstructive surgery is done for the foot and ankle to regain function or stability, reduce pain, and prevent further deformity. Foot diseases and severe foot conditions can make it difficult to live a full life and can be difficult and frustrating. They often require long-term care and rehabilitation. Foot reconstruction surgery like tissue reconstruction, function restoration, cosmetic rehabilitation, etc can help improve quality of life.
The podiatrist will assess the amount of damage and the severity of the foot condition before deciding on whether foot reconstruction surgery can help the patient. The type of surgery and the extent of reconstruction will depend on the severity of the condition.
Common Reconstructive Surgeries
Bunion Surgery
Bunion surgery is done when there is severe foot pain while walking or if you have chronic big toe inflammation, which isn’t relieved with rest or medicines.
Hammer Toe Surgery
Surgery may be needed if the deformity is very severe, and the toe is fixed and immobile, causing pain. It may involve eliminating a portion of one of the bones in the toe to align the toe again or could involve fusing the joints in the toe.
Surgery for clubfoot
Major reconstructive surgery for clubfoot involves extensive release of multiple soft tissue structures of the foot.
Nail Surgery
When there are problems with toe nails including deformed, damaged, or infected toes, it may need surgery through partial or total removal of the nail. When there is partial removal, it is called an avulsion. A total removal is called a matricectomy.
Heel Spur Surgery
Heel surgery can offer pain relief and restore mobility in the feet. The procedure may include plantar fascia release, with or without heel spur excision.
Tendon repair surgery
Tendon repair surgery is done to treat a torn or damaged tendon. It can ease pain and increase range of motion. Tendon repair surgery help people with tendon injuries that causes severe pain or makes it difficult for them to move a joint.
Bone fusion
Arthritis, age, wear and tear, etc could wear away the cartilage between the bones and can cause the bones to grind against each other, causing pain. Bone fusion will hold the bone in place and ease pain.
Joint implantation
Damaged bone and cartilage of the affected area are removed and replaced with metal components that recreate the surface of the joint.
Bone grafting
The surgical procedure involves using transplanted bone to repair and rebuild diseased or damaged bones.
Skin or soft tissue repair
Severe soft tissue injuries that requires surgery may be performed arthroscopically, which is a minimally invasive procedure and does not require an overnight hospital stay.
Osteotomy
Bone screws, staples, pins, wires, other devices for fixation, and/or casts may be used to stabilize and set right the bone in reconstructive procedures.
