The health of our feet plays a critical role in ensuring our overall well-being and active lifestyle. Foot pain not only causes discomfort, but can also seriously limit our mobility. Although many foot conditions can be successfully treated with conservative methods, there are cases where surgery is an inevitable solution to return to normal life.
Common foot conditions that require surgical treatment
Hallus hallux valgus (bunion)
Hallus hallux valgus is a condition in which the big toe deviates toward the outside of the foot, forming a visible “bump” on its inner side. This is not only a cosmetic problem, but also a source of pain and discomfort that prevents wearing regular shoes. Surgery may involve realigning the bones, removing excess bone, and restoring the joints and ligaments to their normal positions.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. Chronic pain, especially acute in the morning or after sitting for long periods, is the main symptom of this condition. In cases where conservative treatment does not provide relief, foot surgery to cut the plantar fascia may be needed to relieve tension and inflammation.
Foot Arthritis
Foot arthritis causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, making it difficult to walk and wear shoes. Surgery may be aimed at removing inflamed tissue, correcting joint deformities, or, in extreme cases, performing arthrodesis, a procedure in which the joint is completely immobilized in a certain position to relieve pain.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of the Achilles tendon, often caused by overuse. When conservative treatment fails and the condition progresses to a rupture of the tendon, surgery may be needed to repair or strengthen the Achilles tendon.
Hammer Toe
Hammer toe is a deformity in which the toe bends at the middle joint, which can cause pain and calluses. Surgery may involve removing calluses, realigning the joints, and fixing the toe in a normal position.
How to Know When It’s Time for Surgery
Key signs that surgery is needed include failure of conservative treatment over a long period of time, increasing pain, and a noticeable deterioration in quality of life. In such cases, a consultation with a specialist is necessary for a thorough evaluation and determination of the best course of treatment.
Preparing for Foot Surgery
Patients should undergo a comprehensive medical examination before surgery, including blood tests and sometimes an MRI or X-ray of the foot. Lifestyle and dietary changes, such as avoiding smoking and alcohol, are also important to help with recovery.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery after foot surgery takes time and patience. Important components include strictly following the doctor’s recommendations, wearing special shoes or boots to ensure proper foot support, and regular physical therapy exercises to restore mobility and strengthen muscles.
Life after foot surgery
After successful recovery, most patients experience significant pain relief and improved foot function, allowing them to return to an active lifestyle. However, it is important to continue to monitor the health of your feet, avoiding excessive loads and wearing comfortable shoes to prevent recurrence of problems.
The clinic offers patients access to advanced methods of diagnosis and treatment of foot diseases, including high-quality surgical intervention. With a team of experienced surgeons and modern equipment, it provides an individualized approach to each patient, striving for the most effective and safe treatment results.
Much attention is paid not only to the operations, but also to a comprehensive approach to recovery after surgery. Rehabilitation programs are developed individually for each patient to ensure fast and effective recovery, return to daily activities and prevention of future foot problems.
Foot surgery may be necessary for those who suffer from chronic pain and deformity that significantly impact their quality of life. Timely medical attention and careful adherence to all doctor’s recommendations for recovery allow most patients to successfully overcome the disease and return to a full active life.
