Common Conditions For Needing Ankle Surgery

Bunions and hammertoes, ankle arthritis, Achilles tendon diseases, and plantar fasciitis are some conditions that may necessitate surgery.

Bunions

Bunions are bony lumps that form on the side of the foot and at the base of the big toe. They are caused by a disease known as hallux valgus, which causes your big toe joint to flex inward which would require ankle surgery in Houston. If your problems persist for an extended length of time, your toe may need to be surgically repaired. This entails straightening your big toe and metatarsals through a procedure known as an osteotomy. Although this may stiffen your joint, it works to relieve discomfort.

Most surgeries may be done in a day and can take up to an hour. Your foot will be bandaged, and you must wear a Velcro surgical shoe for the next four to six weeks.

Rheumatoid nodules may form if your bunion is caused by rheumatoid arthritis. These solid, pea-sized lumps can form at pressure sites like your big toe joints, the back of your heels, or your toes, but they are surgically removable.

Bunions can also refer to swellings or bursae on the joints of your foot, but they are not the same as hallux valgus bunions and do not require surgery.

Hallux valgus is not the same as hallux rigidus, big toe joint osteoarthritis. Hallux rigidus creates rigidity in your big toe, making it difficult to move. Surgery can be performed to remove painful osteophytes (new bone growth) that can occur if treated early, allowing more joint flexibility to recover. In more severe cases, fusion surgery (connecting bones together to form one rigid bone where there were two) provides good pain relief, but the joint will no longer flex as you walk, preventing you from wearing high-heeled shoes.

Hammer’s Toes

Hallux valgus can cause your other toes to become clawed or permanently crooked, in addition to bunions. This is referred to as a hammertoe. Hammertoe injuries can be mitigated by:

Arthroplasty – eliminating the malformed joint between your toe bones (phalanges), leaving the flexible joint arthrodesis – fusing your phalanges, making your toe more stable but limiting your ability to wear flat shoes after the surgery.

Both surgeries are done in a day and usually take an hour to complete. For the first three days, you should minimize your walking. Your sutures will be removed two to three weeks after surgery, and you will require another dressing for another two to six weeks.

Metatarsal

In some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis) can harm the joints in your forefoot. The metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) are tiny joints that can become dislocated when affected by arthritis. The agony and discomfort caused by this are commonly characterized as walking on stones.

The particular surgical method and follow-up you’ll require will depend on the severity of your disease. Still, surgery on your big toe and removal of the heads of your MTPJs is frequently performed to make your foot more comfortable and walking easier.

If your symptoms are severe and you need alternative treatments, contact us.