Need foot surgery? While many foot issues can be treated non-surgically, not all issues will improve and some require surgery. Surgical 
treatment becomes an option when other methods have not provided relief of pain, improvement of function or correction of a deformity. Surgery also may be undertaken to keep some foot disorders from worsening. Led by Dr. Barry Finkelstein, NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates (located in Bronx, NY) offers state-of-the-art podiatric care to the patients they serve. Here are 5 reasons why you may need foot surgery.
1. You have a bunion.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the first joint of the big toe. The main symptoms of a bunion are bone deformity, pain, and swelling. If your bunion isn't large or painful, you do not need surgical treatment. If other treatments do not relieve your pain, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove your bunion. Bunion surgery will correct the deformity, eliminate your pain and improve your foot function. Bunion surgery is usually performed in a surgery center or hospital under local or general anesthesia.
2. You have a hammertoe.
Hammertoe is a deformity that causes the toe joint to bend. Some causes of hammertoe are poorly fitting shoes, foot injuries, and medical conditions that affect the nerves and muscles. If non-surgical treatments don't help, your doctor might recommend surgery to straighten your toe. The type of surgery you have will depend on the severity of your hammertoe. If your toe is flexible, your doctor may be able to do a tendon transfer. If your toe is stiff, your doctor in Bronx, NY, has two options: joint resection or fusion. Surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure.
3. You have plantar warts.
Plantar warts are small growths that can develop on the feet. They develop when the skin is infected by a virus. Typically, the virus is often acquired in public places where people go barefoot such as swimming pools or locker rooms. Your podiatrist may recommend surgical treatment if your warts have not responded to non-surgical treatments. Surgery for plantar warts is usually quick and effective. Your doctor cuts away or destroys the warts by using an electric needle. The skin around the warts will be numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure.
4. You have a neuroma.
Neuromas are benign growths of nerve tissue that occur between the third and fourth toes. A neuroma causes a burning pain and numbness in the ball of the foot and between the toes. The nerves in this area (between the toes) can become inflamed and painful for a number of reasons, including repetitive activity, and improper footwear. Neuroma surgery involves removing the affected nerve in the ball of the foot. An incision is made on the top of the foot and the nerve is removed.
5. You have heel pain.
Heel spurs and platar fasciitis are problems that can develop in the area of the heel on the sole of the foot, causing pain and interfering with the ability to function. If other treatments don't relieve your pain, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery can provide relief from pain and restore mobility. A variety of surgical options are available for the treatment of heel pain. As with any major medical procedure, the decision to have surgery should be made after careful consideration, and in collaboration with your doctor.
6. You have tendinitis.
Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon, a thick cord that attaches muscle to bone. Most cases of tendinitis can be successfully treated with rest, medicines, and physical therapy. In some cases, where the tendons are so damaged or they just don’t respond to other treatments, an operation may be necessary. Tendon surgery is performed in a hospital or surgery center under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The surgery is generally well tolerated and successful in restoring strength and a range of motion to the tendons.
You don’t have to be plagued with foot problems forever. Call NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates at (718) 881-7990 right now to schedule a consultation with our podiatrist in Bronx, NY. We will help you get back on track in no time. You will experience exemplary service and state-of-the-art care at NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates.