Foot & Ankle Conditions

Diabetic Foot Problems: Diabetes can be the cause of many foot-related problems. Nerve damage, which causes loss of feeling in the feet and legs, and/or vascular insufficiency, which delays or inhibits a diabetic’s ability for wounds to heal, are the two most typical causes for complications.

Fractures: A fracture is a broken bone. If not treated properly, a fracture can lead to long term disability. The bone may fail to heal (non-union) or it may heal in a poor alignment (mal-union). If a non-union or mal-union occurs, often times a surgical reconstruction is necessary.

The complex anatomical relationships of the multiple bones of the foot and ankle allow for pain-free walking, running, jumping, etc. When a fracture of one of these 30 bones of the foot and ankle occurs, it is essential to obtain a prompt evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment. Some treatment methods may be non-operative and/or involve physical therapy. If surgical reconstruction of the fractured bone(s) of the foot and ankle is required, a rehabilitation program may also be included in your treatment plan.

Hammertoes: Hammertoe syndrome is a general term used to describe a series of symptoms and joint changes involving the lesser toes of the foot. Hammertoes most frequently involve the second toe; however, multiple toes can be involved.

Hammertoes can be congenital (present at birth), but they are usually precipitated by improperly fitted shoes and/or hosiery; pressure or deforming force from adjacent toes (bunions, trauma, arthritis); or a neuromuscular disorder. Surgery becomes necessary when adequate pain relief and an acceptable level of comfort is not attained through non-surgical means.

Neuromas: A neuroma is an irritative process of a nerve branch. An inflamed, irritated nerve that supplies sensation to the third and fourth toes is called a Morton’s neuroma and is the most common neuroma. Numbness and burning are generally consistent findings and pain may vary from mild to severe. After examination and analysis of your situation, our surgeon will discuss possible methods of treatment and let you know if surgery is necessary based on the severity of your condition.

Tendonitis: Tendons attach the muscle to the bone in our bodies. It is through tendons that the muscles of the foot and ankle react to allow us to perform the motions necessary for walking.

Injuries to tendons usually start with an inflammation of the lining of the tendon that lead to inflammation within the tendon (tendinitis). Typically, both of these conditions are initiated by overuse of the secondary tendons or overactivity or increased stress on the tendon.

If left untreated, tendinitis can lead to a tearing within the tendon or a complete rupture of the tendon. If properly treated early with rest, activity modifications, directed physical therapy, and proper medication, the problem can be resolved completely. If untreated, long term structural abnormalities, such as flatfoot, can result. Surgery may be necessary to regain normal pain-free function of the foot and ankle in these cases.