The most common foot surgeries are for bunions, hammer toes, metatarsal surgery (at the ball of the foot), arthritis joints, neuromas, ingrown toenails, and heel spurs. Remember that surgery should be the last resort. Always try conservative care first. Complications can and do occur after foot surgery and there are never any guarantees when you have surgery.
Bunion surgery consists of removing the bony growth and trying to realign the bone to prevent the bunion from reoccurring. Sometimes that entails repositioning the bone or releasing the muscle and tendons.
Hammertoe surgery frequently entails removing the joint that is sticking up and placing the knucklebone back in proper alignment. This is a good procedure and works well.
Arthritis surgery consists of removing the joint disease and smoothing the bone. An arthritic joint is very painful and this procedure removes the problem.
Neuroma surgery involves removing the nerve tumor causing the problem.
Ingrown toenail surgery is the most common foot surgery routinely preformed in the office. The ingrown toenail is remove and a small amount of acid is applied to “kill” the growth center so the ingrown nail does not reoccur.
Heel spur surgery involves removing the bone spur causing the problem
and releasing the rubber band called fascia. This is a little more
difficult to perform and has a longer healing time.
The usual game plan for postoperative care for my patients is as follows:
Rest the foot as much as possible for the first 3 days and keep it
elevated. After that you can walk “SOME” as long as you are doing
well. Take the pain medication as instructed. Keep the foot
dry. Call Dr Levin if any questions arise. Usually the stitches
come out in 2 weeks. Normal healing is 2 weeks to 6 months or longer.
If any further questions, contact Dr. Levin.
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