Foot / Ankle Surgery
The feet and ankles form the foundation of your entire body, carrying you from place to place and helping you participate in the activities you love. When disease or injury occurs, it impacts your ability to function and diminishes your quality of life. With more than 50 bones and joints in this area alone, not to mention the tendons and ligaments required to keep the foot and ankle in check, it is easy to see how things can go wrong. Fortunately, there are also plenty of ways to treat foot and ankle conditions and injuries to reduce pain and improve mobility. At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, we offer full diagnostics and a comprehensive list of treatment options to meet your needs and give you the best possible results.
Conditions that Require Treatment
There are numerous conditions and injuries we diagnose and treat at the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, including but not limited to:
Bunions
Bunions are large, painful bumps that form on the outside of the foot next to the large joint in the big toe. They usually occur after wearing shoes with tight or pointed toes. Bunions are often treated by changing footwear and using orthotic devices. However, surgery is an option when conservative treatments don’t offer sufficient relief.
Toe Deformities (hammer toes, claw toes, stiff big toe)
Toe deformities can be caused by the abnormal position of the foot bones due to poor-fitting shoes or some diseases or injuries. These issues can cause considerable discomfort and lead to other problems over time. Surgery may be needed to correct the deformity and bring the toes back into proper alignment.
Achilles Tendonitis
This overuse injury affects the back of the foot, causing aching after periods of activity. It is frequently seen in weekend athletes or those that participate in physical activity sporadically. Medication and physical therapy are usually recommended, while surgery is reserved for cases that do not resolve.
Achilles Tears and Ruptures
The Achilles tendon connects muscles from the calf to the heel. When the tendon tears or ruptures completely, you might experience intense pain that will restrict your movement. While nonsurgical repair can be an option for some, surgery is usually recommended for these injuries to ensure the best possible result.
Heel Spurs
These bony growths are caused by calcium deposits that form on the bottom of the heel. They may be accompanied by pain, inflammation, warmth to the touch and swelling. However, some heel spurs are asymptomatic also. In most cases, heel spurs can be treated with conservative methods, but surgery may be recommended in severe cases.
Foot and Ankle Sprains and Fractures
Sprains are injuries to the soft tissue of the ankle, while fractures are a break in the bone. Sports are a common culprit in these types of injuries, particularly soccer, basketball and football. They can also be the result of a fall or overuse of the joint. Surgery is required for some fractures, but most injuries of this nature can be treated without surgical intervention.
Treatment Options for the Foot and Ankle
To address a wide range of concerns, the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio also offers a variety of treatment options:
- Ankle Arthroscopy
- Immobilization, using a brace, splint or cast
- Orthotic Devices
- Medication
- Injections
- Surgery
While surgery is always an option in treating the foot and ankle, it is not typically our first choice. Surgery is reserved for cases where other treatments will not be successful, or a course of alternative therapies have not produced the desired effect.
Foot and ankle injuries and conditions can be painful and debilitating. If you are suffering, now is the time to contact the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio at 419-222-6622. We provide full diagnostic services and multiple treatment options to meet your needs.
