7 Most Common Types of Foot Surgery

The foot and ankle are among the most complicated parts of the body. As a result, there are various ways to injure or damage these areas, which may result in the need of surgery.
Here are some of the most common foot and ankle surgeries.

1. Metatarsal Foot Surgery

The metatarsals are a collection of five long bones of the foot. You can find them between the "tarsal bones" and the toe phalanges. When the little joints in your forefoot (metatarsophalangeal joints) become arthritic, the joint lining (synovitis) may become inflamed. When the metatarsophalangeal joint is dislocated, it causes pain, discomfort, and the sensation of "walking on pebbles".

Common surgery for a metatarsal injury includes removing the metatarsophalangeal joint heads and operating on the big toe.

2. Bunions Foot Surgery

Bunions are bony lumps that form at the base of the big toe as a result of "hallux valgus." When the big toe bends toward the other toes, it deforms. This, in turn, produces bunions. Women frequently get bunions as a result of their footwear choices, with high heels being a major issue.

Fortunately, bunion removal surgery is straightforward. The majority of bunions are repaired with an osteotomy, which straightens the big toe and metatarsals. The recovery time for bunion surgery is typically six weeks.

3. Hammer Toe Foot Surgery

In addition to bunions, hallux valgus can result in hammer toe. Hammer toe is a condition in which the toes are permanently bent. This can lead to clawed or malformed toes.

Hammer toe is really painful, especially while walking. This problem can be treated surgically with an arthroplasty (a technique that restores joint flexibility) or arthrodesis (removal of the malformed joint between your toes).

While these surgeries sound drastic, they are usually outpatient and take approximately an hour to complete. Hammer toe surgery has a maximum recovery time of six weeks.

4. Surgery for Plantar Fasciitis in the Foot

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissue that connects the heel to the toe (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed where it meets the heel. Surgery for plantar fasciitis is uncommon and reserved for severe instances.

During plantar fasciitis surgery, the ligament is freed from the heel bone to reduce tension and promote fascia formation.

Recovery from plantar fasciitis surgery is determined by the type of surgery performed. Patients frequently need to wear a boot or special shoe for a few weeks after surgery. A full recovery can take anywhere between three and ten weeks.

5. Ankle Arthritis Surgeries

Ankle operations are typically performed for the following conditions:

Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear disease, develops when the cushioning cartilage between the ankle bones wears away, causing bone to scrape against bone;
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune illness that inflames the lining of your joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the ankle.

Ankle arthritis, like other arthritis, is a degenerative illness that can only be treated rather than cured. When the painful arthritic symptoms can no longer be treated conservatively, surgery is the last resort. Ankle arthritis can be treated using ankle or triple fusion or ankle replacement

6. Achilles Tendon Disorders

Your Achilles tendon is constantly working. It enables you to walk, run, and just move throughout your day. When the Achilles tendon ruptures (usually as a result of wear and tear), the consequences can be severe, including pain, swelling, and the inability to walk normally.

If the damage is only partial, nonsurgical treatment options such as wearing a boot can help the Achilles tendon recover naturally. However, these procedures are frequently slower to recuperate and can result in re-tearing of the tendon later in life.

7. Foot Surgery for Morton's Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is caused by excessive thickening of the tissue surrounding the toe nerves. It can be highly painful, with many patients describing a "pebble in the shoe" sensation. Other symptoms include numbness or tingling in the toes and a burning sensation in the ball of the foot.

Surgery for Morton's neuroma will be determined by the severity of the condition and the patient's lifestyle.