Foot and ankle surgery can be used to treat many conditions that affect the foot and ankle. Read on to learn more about foot surgery and the types of treatments offered at Brotzman Sports Medicine.
Dr. S. Brent Brotzman is helping many return to the activities they love. If you would like to know how he can help you, schedule an appointment at Brotzman Sports Medicine in Austin, Texas today!
Foot and ankle surgeons are skilled at treating several conditions of the ankle and foot. The conditions they treat range from foot conditions, such as hammer toes or bunions, to ankle injuries, such as an ankle sprain. They can also provide treatment for those with ankle arthritis that can cause swelling and pain in the ankle joint.
Foot and ankle surgeries could include various procedures, including the following:
We provide several foot surgeries at Brotzman Sports Medicine. Surgery can be an excellent option to relieve discomfort and restore function. Below are some of the foot conditions that we treat.
The Achilles tendon is the strong fibrous cord connecting the calf muscle to the heel. You use it to walk, run, and jump. Despite its strength, the Achilles tendon can tear or rupture. This can happen through sudden forceful movements during sports or physical activity. If you have naturally tight Achilles tendons, you may be more likely to have an injury.
The Achilles tendon can also degenerate in a condition called tendinitis or tendinopathy. This can happen through overuse and repeated stress on your tendon.
Surgery is often recommended for Achilles tendon tears. If the tendon has ruptured, your surgeon will stitch the tendon back together. In the case of a degenerated tendon, your surgeon may remove the damaged part of the tendon and repair the rest with stitches. Your surgeon could replace the whole or part of the tendon if there is severe damage.
Achilles tendon repair surgery may be done as a minimally invasive surgery.
Your foot will be immobilized in a walking boot for at least 4-6 weeks. Light rehab will begin after 2 weeks and you should be back to full activity within 4 to 6 months. However, it may take up to a year to return to full strength.
A hammer toe is a deformity of one of the smaller toes of the feet. A tendon or joint imbalance is usually the cause. Sometimes hammer toes can be painful, and they are often unsightly.
Hammer toe is relatively easy to correct with surgery. Surgery will usually correct the problem permanently.
Dr. Brotzman will select the appropriate procedure according to the type and extent of the deformity. Possible hammer-toe procedures include the following:
You may have swelling and stiffness in your toe for up to 4-6 weeks. You should try to limit activity while your toe heals. Elevating your foot will help speed up your recovery time and reduce pain.
A bunion is typically a painful enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe, although bunions can also develop on the outside of the little toe. The bony prominence enlarges, and a large sac of fluid (known as a bursa) may form over the area. The combination causes inflammation and pain.
Bunion surgery may be recommended if other measures do not help relieve symptoms. Dr. Brotzman can perform a bunionectomy. This surgical procedure removes the bunion, which relieves the pain and swelling.
During recovery, you should follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure proper healing. You will need to make regular visits for several months to ensure recovery is going well.
If you need orthopedic surgery for a foot condition, book an appointment with Dr. Brotzman at Brotzman Sports Medicine. He is helping many patients return to activity in Austin, Texas. Contact us today!
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