Foot and ankle disease is an abnormality where the bones of the foot collapse. The collapse usually happens due to a slight trauma or injury in the foot. This can happen to any person and at any age. Surgery is usually an option if the foot and ankle are severely injured or are giving you pain, and you can’t bear weight on them.
Here are some common scenarios when foot and ankle surgery may be considered;
Ankle injuries
Ankle injuries are common in athletes and can happen at any time. Whether you’re playing basketball, tennis, or soccer, you could tear your ankle ligaments if you’re not careful. Torn ligaments may need to be surgically repaired, but they are also very common after a person has damaged their ankle in another way. For example, if a person has had a previous injury to the lower leg, there is a higher chance that they will have another similar injury. According to a podiatrist in Columbia, MD, a torn ligament in the ankle may require surgery if it is causing other symptoms, such as pain or difficulty walking.
Tumors or infections
Tumors or infections of the foot and ankle are also common causes of surgical intervention. One common type of tumor that can affect these areas is called a hemangioma, which occurs when blood vessels begin to grow abnormally on the part of the body like a mole or birthmark, and look like clusters of grapes. These tumors can be painful and difficult to treat without surgery due to their location near nerves or arteries that run through one’s foot or ankle.
Flat feet
Flat feet are a common foot deformity. The arch of your foot flattens, causing your big toe to point inward and the other toes to point outward. This condition is usually caused by an inherited condition called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), which causes bones in the foot to grow improperly. The most common symptom of this condition is pain when you walk upstairs or stand for long periods. You may also have difficulty walking on uneven surfaces or wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow.
Arthritis
Arthritis of the foot, ankle, and knee is a common condition that affects both men and women, but it’s more common in women than men. This occurs when small tears in the cartilage of your joints become inflamed and begin to separate from one another. This can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and tissue damage that limits movement. Arthritis is treated at Howard County Foot & Ankle with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or prescription medications.
Injuries to the foot or ankle can occur during sports activities such as running, basketball, or football. They can also result from work activities such as gardening or working at an assembly line where there is repeated lifting or twisting of the feet. These types of injuries are commonly referred to as stress fractures. They occur when muscles supporting a bone become injured due to repetitive stresses placed on them during physical activity.
Conclusion
To sum up, please schedule a visit with your podiatrist if you have experienced any of the above symptoms as signs that you might need foot and ankle surgery. There are certain precautions to avoid surgery, such as taking care of your feet and wearing proper footwear. If these do not work, then surgery may be your best option. These treatments are almost always successful in treating many foot and ankle conditions, although it’s usually better to prevent them in the first place.
