While more conservative treatments are likely to be used first, surgery is an option for a variety of foot conditions as a last result. Bunion surgery is often used to realign the joints and reduce the pain caused by bunions. Hammertoes can also be treated with surgery where the tendons, bones, or joints may be moved to straighten the toes. Severe cases of neuroma may require a portion of the nerve to be removed as well. A podiatrist may elect to have a fusion surgery done to treat arthritis. This occurs when the bones of the feet are fused together so they no longer rub against each other causing pain. While surgery can be used for a variety of ailments, keep in mind that it is typically used as a last resort. Therefore, if you have any concerns with your feet, make sure to consult with a podiatrist to discuss the best possible course of treatment for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Michael F. Esber, DPM of Arizona Foot Health Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sun City West, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Falling can be a scary experience for those affected and may often lead to injury involving the feet and ankles. Elderly patients are more commonly affected by falling because their muscles have weakened over time. To help prevent falls, there are a few techniques you can begin to follow. Making sure your living environment is well lit, your floors are clear of any clutter, and that you have grab bars installed in your bathroom and shower, are all useful steps in preventing falls. For more advice on what preventive actions are best suited for you, please speak with a podiatrist.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Michael F. Esber, DPM from Arizona Foot Health Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Sun City West, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Ankle sprains are injuries to the ligaments that support the ankle, and are quite common among athletes. When you sprain your ankle, it is generally recommended that you avoid sports and other strenuous activities that put pressure on the affected ankle. Prior to returning to your typical activities, you will want your ankle sprain to be fully healed. Generally, this means that any swelling has gone down, you can bear weight on the affected ankle without limping, you have a full range of motion, your strength returns to normal, and your ankle is no longer causing you pain. You will also, of course, want to get permission from your doctor to return to your usual activities. For more information about ankle sprains and when to return to your normal routines, consult with a podiatrist.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Michael F. Esber, DPM from Arizona Foot Health Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sun City West, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Heel pain can be a common issue that a lot of runners experience. The style of your running stride, as well as overuse, can be factors in why you may be experiencing heel pain, however certain conditions may also be the cause. Fallen arches, or flat feet, as they're more commonly referred to, can create heel pain after a run due to the misshapen structure of the feet. The lack of an arch may put added stress or strain on the plantar fascia. The role of the plantar fascia is to connect the heel bone to the toes. If this tears, or becomes inflamed, another common heel condition known as plantar fasciitis may develop. For more information on what conditions may affect your heels, especially for runners, please consult with a podiatrist.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Michael F. Esber, DPM of Arizona Foot Health Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Sun City West, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
