Foot Surgery

The orthopedic surgeons at The Steadman Clinic specializing in foot and ankle injuries are internationally known and have operated on patients from premier athletes to the average individual. 

 

The ankle allows the body to have balance and stability when walking or standing, and must withstand the countless manipulations it experiences on a daily basis. The joint is made up of three bones, the tibia (shin bone), fibula (skinnier bone next to shin bone), and the talus (bone in foot that sits above the heel). The ankle joint allows the foot to move up and down while the subtalar joint, which sits below the ankle joint, allows the foot to move left and right. In addition to the bones of the ankle, there are a number of ligaments that provide support. 

 

The Steadman Philippon Research Institute has completed reports on foot and ankle injuries and recovery. 

 

 

Among the most common orthopedic injuries are ankle sprains, which are not typically considered major although if they are not treated properly can lead to additional damage. The difference between twisting an ankle and spraining an ankle is the ankle will become swollen and the pain will continue. Of the estimated one million ankle injuries a year, 85% are ankle sprains. 

 

Ankle sprains are classified as high ankle, lateral ankle, medial ankle and low ankle. High ankle sprains are injuries to the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula to the ankle joint. Medial ankle sprains are when the deltoid ligament is injured. Low ankle sprains are injuries to the ligaments that support the subtalar joint, which supports the the foot turning from side to side. 

 

Bunions are a very common injury that is often experienced by adults, although women have a much higher rate than men. A bunion is a bony bump that develops on the top of the large toe at the point that it connects to the foot. Bunions are typically caused by the continuous pressure over years of shoes that are too narrow which causes deformity to the toe, although when bunions develop at earlier years in life, heredity may be the cause. Once formed, bunions can also cause pain to the individual while walking or wearing tight shoes. Surgery to reduce the bunion is possible if the pain becomes too much for the patient to complete daily activities. 

 

The cause of Morton's Neuroma is partially unknown, although it a painful condition of a nerve on the bottom on the foot. It can occur from an injury to the sole of the foot, but a specific injury is not always the cause. The pain is felt in the area of the foot between the bone that connects the toe to the foot, in which the nerves in that location are responsible for providing feeling to the toes. Irritation can occur by the ligament above the nerve which then causes pain. Typically Morton’s Neuroma occurs in the third or fourth toes. 

 

Treating Morton’s Neuroma does not always require surgery, typically changing one’s footwear can relieve the pressure in the area. If surgery is required, the surgeon will remove the neuroma and cut the nerve in the place of the pain. This is typically an outpatient procedure and the patient will feel some numbness in the area for up to a few weeks. 

 

To further educate yourself on foot and ankle procedures, read below or visit the patient education section.

 

 

Find a solution to your ankle or foot pain by making an appointment with one of our surgeons today.

 

It is beneficial to bring x-rays and previous surgical information to your first appointment with the surgeon, so they can determine the best course of action.  Other items to bring to your appointment:

 

To find out if your insurance is accepted at The Steadman Clinic, be sure to visit our insurance page.