Foot surgeons treat a variety of conditions that affect the feet, ankles, and lower legs. These include sprains and fractures, arthritic problems, congenital defects, muscle and joint imbalances, and many other sources of pain and discomfort. The problems these specialists handle can have a great effect on life when left untreated. The feet support a person's weight when he or she stands, walks, or runs. Some conditions that affect the feet can cause the person to be unable to perform these daily functions when they are not treated quickly.
For most conditions affecting the human body, the earlier treatment is received the better. This is especially true of foot and ankle issues. Not all conditions require surgery, and foot surgeons provide multiple non-surgical treatment options for most conditions. One of the most common issues is arthritis, a leading cause of disability in America. It is often treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and exercise, or a combination of these and other treatments. Only when non-surgical treatments are ineffective is surgery considered.
In fact, surgery is the final treatment option for many foot and ankle issues. Even for fractures, the separated bones may be realigned and a short cast may be worn without any need for surgery. Some fractures are too severe and a foot surgeon must perform surgery to place metal plates and screws in place, supporting the broken bone. Ankle fractures have become more common in the last thirty or forty years, but is one example of a break that may or may not require surgery. A midfoot fracture can occur when a heavy box is dropped on the foot. This type of injury is often mistaken for a sprain because it is difficult to see on an x-ray. When a physician prescribes treatment for a sprain that is not providing relief, the sufferer may need to see a foot surgeon for the proper diagnosis.
Many foot problems can be caused by improper or ill-fitting shoes. Some are just the result of wearing shoes and standing or walking for long periods of time. Athlete's foot and other bacterial or fungal conditions arise because shoes become warm and humid the longer they are worn. This is a good environment for fungus to grow. Fungus and bacterial infections can be very hard to cure if they are not treated quickly. Corns and calluses are also common and form when the bony parts of the foot rub against the shoes. The foot surgeon can often treat these effectively and help the patient find shoes that fit better. Spurs can be caused by standing for a long time or by poorly fitting shoes. They are calcium growths on the bones of the feet. This type of condition may or may not be very painful. Foot supports, heel pads and heel cups can help correct this problem. Sometimes surgery is needed for spurs.
When a problem arises with the feet, ankle or lower leg, it is usually best to see a foot surgeon right away. His or her experience and education in this specialty can lead to a quick and proper diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the specific condition, some possible surgical treatments include bunionectomies, arthrodesis, and surgical reconstruction. In many cases, other types of treatment may be needed after surgery for the best recovery to occur. This can include braces and casts, physical therapy, and medications.
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