What Is Surgery on the Foot Called?
Most people don't realize how common foot problems are. The feet are under a lot stress each day. From bunions to hammertoes, to fractures and chronic pain in the heel, they carry a great deal of weight. If conservative treatments like medication, orthotics or physical therapy do not work, doctors will recommend surgery. Patients often ask: What is the name of foot surgery?
The medical term used for foot surgery is . This term refers to a variety of surgical procedures used to treat conditions that affect the soft tissues, bones, joints and tendons of the foot. These procedures are usually performed by foot and ankle specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons or podiatrists.
Understanding what foot surgery is, what it involves and why it's done can give you more confidence in the treatment process.
Understanding Foot Surgery
Foot surgery is an invasive medical procedure that can be used to repair or replace damaged tissue, correct structural issues, and relieve pain. The human foot is composed of 26 bone, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Even small problems can cause significant discomfort.
Most foot problems begin with mild symptoms that gradually worsen over time. Most doctors recommend non-surgical treatment first, such as:
Rest and Activity Modification
Custom orthotics
Physical Therapy
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Changes in footwear
When these methods do not provide relief, surgery is the best option.
After months or years of suffering from persistent pain, patients often seek foot surgery Perth after they have been unable to walk, exercise, or stand for extended periods.
Who performs foot surgery?
Specialists trained to diagnose and treat foot problems can perform foot surgery. These procedures are performed by two of the most common professionals:
Podiatric Surgeons
These podiatrists have received additional surgical training focusing specifically on the foot or ankle.
Orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons
Orthpedic doctors who are specialists in the musculoskeletal and perform complex surgery on bones and joints.
Both podiatric and orthopedic surgeons aim to reduce pain and restore function, but they often concentrate exclusively on foot and leg health.
The clinics that provide foot surgery Perth usually have experienced podiatrists, who can manage both conservative treatment and surgical procedures.
Common Foot Conditions that Require Surgery
Some foot problems may require surgery if they are painful or severe.
Bunions
A bunion is an oblong bump at the base the big toe. The joint can become misaligned and cause the big toe leaning toward the other toes.
Bunions can lead to:
Persistent pain
Swelling, inflammation
Shoes are difficult to wear
If conservative treatment fails, surgery to realign a joint may be recommended.
The condition is often a major cause of discomfort when walking, and many patients will seek out foot surgery Perth to correct it.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe occurs when one or more of the toes bend down at the middle joint. The toe will become stiffer and more painful over time.
Symptoms include:
Toe pain
Calluses or corns
Shoes are difficult to wear
If the toe is rigid and cannot corrected by splints, orthotics or splints, surgery may be necessary.
Plantar Fasciitis in Severe Cases
One of the most common causes for heel pain is plantar fasciitis. The thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed.
Rest, stretching and orthotics are usually enough to improve most cases. In rare cases, where the pain lasts more than one year, surgery is considered.
When conservative treatment does not offer long-term relief, patients with chronic heel problems may consider foot surgeries in Perth.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail grows into surrounding skin. This can lead to redness, swelling and infection.
Simple procedures can treat minor cases, but severe cases or those that recur may require the surgical removal of a part of your nail.
One of the most popular minor surgical procedures that podiatrists perform is this procedure.
Foot Fractures
Accidents, sports injuries or falls can cause fractures or broken bones to the foot.
Some fractures may heal by immobilization while others require surgery.
Stabilize bones
Insert screws or plates
Ensure proper alignment during healing
Foot Surgery in Perth is often required for complex injuries to restore normal foot function.
Arthritis of the Foot
Arthritis of the foot can cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
If the damage to the joints is severe, joint replacement or joint fusion may be recommended.
There are many types of foot surgery
Foot surgery can include a variety of procedures, depending on the condition that is being treated.
Bunion Surgery (Bunionectomy).
The procedure is used to correct the misalignment in the joint of the big-toe. The surgeon will remove the excess bone and realign the joint. They may also use screws or pins to stabilize it.
Foot Surgery in Perth offers a wide range of foot surgeries, including Bunion surgery.
Tendon Repair Surgery
Tendons are the connective tissue between muscles and bones. Surgery may be needed to repair or replace a torn tendon.
This type of surgery can help restore normal strength and movement in the foot.
Joint Fusion Surgery
Joint fusion (also known as arthrodesis) is the permanent joining of two bones to eliminate painful joint movements.
This procedure is used most commonly to treat severe deformities or arthritis.
The Minimally Invasive Feet Surgery
Some foot procedures can now be performed with smaller incisions thanks to advances in medical technology.
The following are some of the benefits of minimally-invasive surgery:
Faster recovery
Pain after surgery is reduced
Scars are smaller
Modern clinics that offer foot surgeries in Perth use minimally-invasive techniques when possible.
What to expect before foot surgery
Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation before recommending surgery. This may include:
Physical Examination
X-rays
Ultrasound or MRI scans
Review of Medical History
It is important to determine the cause of your problem, and whether surgery would be the best solution.
The patient is also instructed on how to prepare themselves for the procedure. It may be necessary to stop certain medications, arrange transportation and prepare the home for recovery.
Recovery after Foot Surgery
The recovery time varies according to the procedure. Some minor procedures allow patients to walk immediately while others require several weeks with limited weight bearing.
Recovery is characterized by:
Wearing protective footwear such as a surgical boot
Elevating your foot to reduce swelling
Exercises for physical therapy
Consultations with the surgeon for follow-up
Most patients return to their normal activities gradually over a period of weeks or months.
The clinics that offer foot surgeries in Perth usually provide a detailed recovery plan to ensure proper healing.
Risks of foot surgery
Foot surgery is not without its risks. Some of these risks include:
Infection
Swelling
Nerve irritation
Delayed healing
When surgery is performed by specialists with experience and patients adhere to post-operative instructions, complications are rare.
When should you consider foot surgery?
Consult a specialist in the event that you:
Foot pain that persists for several months
Standing or walking with difficulty
Deformities like bunions and hammertoes
Ingrown or recurrent toenails
Inappropriate healing of foot injuries
Professional evaluations can help determine if conservative treatment will suffice or if Perth is the best option.
Final Thoughts
Foot surgery is the term used for medical procedures to treat structural problems, chronic foot conditions, and injuries. Surgery is often considered after non-surgical treatment fails, but it can be very effective at relieving pain and improving mobility.
Modern techniques and skilled specialists have made these surgeries safer and more precise. The goal of any surgery, whether it's to correct a bunions, repair a tendon or treat a fracture is the same. That is, helping the patient return to pain-free, comfortable movement.
Consult a specialist for foot surgery in Perth if you are experiencing chronic foot pain. This may help to improve your quality of life and provide long-term relief.