7 Common Types of Foot Surgery
What are the common types of foot surgery?
The foot and ankle are two of the most complex areas of the body. As a result, there are several different ways to injury or damage these areas that can require surgery.
Here are some of the most common types of foot and ankle surgery.
1. Metatarsal Foot Surgery
The metatarsal bones are a group of five long bones in the foot. You find them between the "tarsal bones'' and the phalanges of the toes. When the small joints in your forefoot (the metatarsophalangeal joints) become arthritic, the joint lining (synovitis) can become inflamed. When this results in metatarsophalangeal joint dislocation, the result is pain, discomfort, and a “walking on pebbles” sensation.
The severity of the injury will determine the specifics of the metatarsal foot surgery. Dr. Elton and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery will always recommend conservative, nonsurgical treatments whenever possible, but the goal is to have you comfortable walk again.
Common surgery for a metatarsal injury involves removing the heads of the metatarsophalangeal joints and surgery to the big toe.
2. Bunions Foot Surgery
Bunions occur at the base of the big toe, and they are bony lumps resulting from "hallux valgus." What's that, you ask. Hallux valgus causes the big toe joint to become deformed when it bends towards the other toes. This, in turn, causes the bunions.
Bunions often affect females because of footwear choices -high heels being a major culprit.
Fortunately, surgery for bunions is not complicated. Most bunions are corrected with an osteotomy, where the big toe and metatarsals are straightened.
Recovery time for bunion surgery takes about six weeks.
Additional reading:
3. Hammertoe Foot Surgery
In addition to bunions, hallux valgus can also cause hammertoe. Hammertoe is a condition where the toes are at a permanent bend. This can sometimes result in clawed or deformed toes.
Hammertoe is quite painful, especially when walking. This condition can be repaired surgically with an arthroplasty (a procedure that restores your joint flexibility) or arthrodesis (surgery to remove the deformed joint between your toes).
While these surgeries sound extreme, they are fairly straightforward - often outpatient and taking only an hour to perform. Recovery for hammertoe surgery is a maximum of six weeks.
Learn more about how Dr. Elton treats hammertoe.
4. Plantar Fasciitis Foot Surgery
Plantar fasciitis is when the tissue from the heel to the toe (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed where it joins your heel. Surgery for plantar fasciitis is rare and reserved for extreme cases.
During plantar fasciitis surgery, the ligament is released from the heel bone to relieve the tension and encourage new growth in the fascia. This surgery is only recommended by Dr. Elton when all other treatments have failed to relieve chronic pain.
Recovery for plantar fasciitis surgery depends on the type of surgery performed. Patients often need to wear a boot or special shoe for a few weeks after surgery. A full recovery can take anywhere from three to ten weeks.
Discover if your heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis.
5. Ankle Arthritis Surgeries
Ankle surgeries are commonly performed for the following conditions:
Osteoarthritis: Called a wear-and-tear disease, osteoarthritis occurs when the cushioning cartilage between the ankle bones wear away, resulting in bone rubbing on bone.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that causes the lining of your joints to inflame, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling in the ankle.
Ankle arthritis (and all arthritis) is a degenerative disease that can only be managed, not cured. When the painful arthritic symptoms can no longer be managed conservatively, Dr. Elton will recommend surgery.
The following surgical procedures can be used to treat ankle arthritis:
Ankle Fusion
Triple Fusion
Ankle Replacement
Dr. Elton will walk you through each procedure and recommend the one that’s best for you and your lifestyle.
Read more about Ankle arthritis and its treatments.
6. Achilles Tendon Disorders
Your Achilles tendon is always working. It helps you walk, run, and just move about your day. When the Achilles tendon ruptures (often as a result of wear-and-tear), the results can be dramatic - resulting in pain, swelling, and inability to walk normally.
If the tear is partial, nonsurgical treatment options - such as wearing a boot - can help the Achilles tendon heal on its own. However, these methods are often slower in recovery and can lead to re-tearing of the tendon later in life.
Dr. Elton will often surgically repair the torn Achilles tendon by stitching it together. A full recovery for Achilles tendon surgery often takes four to six months with physical therapy.
More in-depth information about ruptured Achilles tendons can be found here.
7. Morton’s Neuroma Foot Surgery
Morton's neuroma occurs when the tissue around the nerves of the toes becomes overly thickened. It can be quite painful, with many patients reporting a “pebble in the shoe” feeling. Other symptoms include numb or tingly toes and a burning feeling in the ball of the foot.
Surgery for Morton's neuroma will depend on the severity of the condition and the patient’s lifestyle. However, more than 80% of all Dr. Elton’s cases improve with nonsurgical treatment.
Learn more about Morton’s neuroma!
8. Tibialis Posterior Dysfunction Foot Surgery
The tibialis posterior is a muscle that supports your instep arch. The tibialis posterior tendon connects that muscle to the bone. When you injury that tendon (either by a fall or through overuse), the tibialis posterior tendon can become inflamed - resulting in a swollen, painful foot arch.
Tibialis posterior dysfunction often occurs in high-impact sports athletes, such as soccer or basketball players. If left untreated, tibialis posterior dysfunction can weaken the tendon and compromise the instep arch. This is what’s known as “flatfoot.”
Surgery for tibialis posterior dysfunction can involve:
Osteotomy
Tendon transfer
Fusion
After diagnosing the severity of your tibialis posterior dysfunction, Dr. Elton will recommend a surgery that gets you back to doing the activities you love - pain free!
Schedule a Consultation With a Foot and Ankle Specialist
Dr. Elton and his team are known throughout Eagle and Summit County for their skill, expertise, and compassion. If you are experiencing a foot or ankle condition that's limiting your quality of life, contact Team Elton today!
Located in three convenient clinics in Edwards, Vail, and Frisco, Colorado, Dr. Elton is often available for same or next-day appointments. Call (970) 476-7220 to schedule your appointment!