When Is Foot and Ankle Surgery Needed?

Foot and ankle surgery can help you improve your mobility and reduce pain. Our Newark, Glasgow and Wilmington, DE, podiatrists, Dr. foot surgery, ankle surgeryRaymond DiPretoro and Dr. Aahba M. Suchak of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center, explain when the surgery is needed.

Fractures

Ankle surgery may be needed to stabilize broken bones in your feet or ankles. Pins or other internal or external fixation devices may be used to facilitate proper healing.

Birth defects

Surgery may also be used to correct birth defects that affect your ability to walk normally or cause you pain. The type of surgery depends on the type and extent of the defect.

Arthritis

Arthritis, both osteo and rheumatoid, can cause significant joint deformity and pain. Surgery may be performed to remove bone spurs or inflamed tissues. In some cases, fusing two bones together may be helpful.

Bunions

Bunions cause a bony bump at the base of your big toe and often affect Newark, Glasgow and Wilmington women who have worn high heels or other tight shoes for years. Surgery removes excess bone and realigns the bones in the foot, eliminating the bunion.

Hammertoes

Do you have a toe that bends at a right angle, just like a hammer? Hammertoes are not only painful but also make it difficult to find comfortable shoes. Although you may be able to straighten your toe by pushing on it during the early stages of the condition, it may eventually become rigid. If that happens, surgery may be needed to realign your bones or release the tight tendon.

Achilles' tendon ruptures

Achilles' tendon ruptures are common in athletes, but you don't have to be an athlete to experience the injury. It can also happen if you have tight calf muscles or have certain diseases, such as diabetes or arthritis. Although ruptured tendons can heal on their own, in some cases, surgery may be needed to repair them.

Ingrown toenails

When the edge of your toenail becomes trapped in your skin, you'll need minor surgery to remove the edge. In some cases, removal of the entire nail may be recommended.

Could you benefit from foot and ankle surgery? Call Newark, Glasgow and Wilmington, DE, podiatrists, Dr. DiPretoro and Dr. Caristo of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center, at (302) 355-0056 to schedule an appointment.