What Conditions Can Foot and Ankle Surgery Alleviate

It’s important to know when it’s time to consider foot and ankle surgery.

Surgery isn’t always necessary; however, it’s important to recognize when nonsurgical treatments just aren’t cutting it. This is when our Colorado Springs, CO, podiatrists Dr. Eric Gessner, Dr. Bryan Groth, and Dr. Jacob Fassman can step in and discuss whether foot and ankle surgery may provide you with the very best outcome for your health.

While there are many foot and ankle conditions that can be treated or managed through nonsurgical treatment options, there are instances where surgery may actually end up being the better approach. Some foot and ankle conditions that could benefit from surgery include:

Bunions

A bunion is a common foot deformity that pushes the joint at the base of the big toe out of alignment, causing the joint to stick out. A bunion can be managed through nonsurgical options such as splinting, icing, massage therapy, and proper footwear; however, if the bunion is very large, causes severe pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatment or is affecting mobility then it’s time to speak with out Colorado Springs foot doctors about whether surgery may be the next best option.

Ankle Arthritis

If arthritis is detected early enough this progressive condition that causes joint damage can be slowed through the use of medication; however, some forms of arthritis can cause significant joint damage that causes severe pain and difficulty walking. If arthritis has caused extensive joint damage then a podiatric surgeon may recommend surgery to repair and replace the damaged joint or joints.

Chronic Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes inflammation within the ligament of the foot known as the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and while rest and conservative care is often all that’s needed to make a full recovery, sometimes plantar fasciitis can become chronic. If your heel pain is unresponsive to other treatment options then surgery may be necessary to release the plantar fascia and reduce inflammation and tension.

It may be time to visit a foot and ankle surgeon if you are dealing with:

• Any abnormal changes in the structure or appearance of your foot or ankle
• Persistent or severe pain and swelling
• Tingling, numbness, or burning in the foot
• Decreased mobility
• A foot or ankle injury
• A health problem that impacts the health of your feet (e.g. neuropathy; diabetes)

With a brand new ADDITIONAL office location in Colorado Springs opening in March, Colorado Foot and Ankle will be able to provide foot and ankle care to even more patients. If you are dealing with foot and ankle pain or have any questions about foot and ankle surgery then schedule a consultation with us at (719) 475-8080.