September 2020

While more conservative treatments are likely to be used first, surgery is an option for a variety of foot conditions as a last result. Bunion surgery is often used to realign the joints and reduce the pain caused by bunions. Hammertoes can also be treated with surgery where the tendons, bones, or joints may be moved to straighten the toes. Severe cases of neuroma may require a portion of the nerve to be removed as well. A podiatrist may elect to have a fusion surgery done to treat arthritis. This occurs when the bones of the feet are fused together so they no longer rub against each other causing pain. While surgery can be used for a variety of ailments, keep in mind that it is typically used as a last resort. Therefore, if you have any concerns with your feet, make sure to consult with a podiatrist to discuss the best possible course of treatment for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A corn is a hard, thick patch of skin that develops in response to pressure or friction, usually caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. When the skin in a concentrated area on the foot is compressed, it can harden, forming a corn. Corns involve not only a hardened outer layer of skin, but also hardening of deeper tissues within the foot. Sometimes, the layers of skin and tissue can harden all the way down to the bone. There are two types of corns. Hard corns are usually located on the tops of the smaller toes, while soft corns are usually located between the toes. Both types of corns may become inflamed and cause pain, especially when they are pressed on. If you notice that you have a corn, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can offer you the proper treatments.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you have a bunion, a bony bump on the side of the big toe, you may have heard that surgery is needed to treat the pain that it causes. This is not necessarily true, as there are nonsurgical treatments for bunions as well. Changing your shoes to a pair that are wider and more supportive, wearing orthotics, wearing pads placed over the bunion, avoiding activities that cause bunion pain, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or icing the foot can all help ease your pain. If nonsurgical treatments do not provide much relief, or if the pain from your bunion is severe enough to interfere with daily activities, then it may be time to consider surgery. If you are suffering from bunions, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Turf toe is another name for a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal joint, the largest joint in the big toe. The most common symptoms of turf toe include swelling, pain, and tenderness in the ball of the foot or at the big toe joint. The severity of symptoms and pain vary and are classified by grades. A Grade 1 turf toe is characterized by mild swelling and tenderness, mild pain, and no discoloration of the toe. A Grade 2 turf toe is characterized by moderate tenderness and swelling, limited motion of the big toe, slight black or blue discoloration, a mild limp when walking, and symptoms that intensify over a 24 hour period. A Grade 3 turf toe is characterized by severe swelling, pain upon touch, limited motion of the big toe, significant discoloration, and an inability to put weight on the affected foot. If you suspect that you have turf toe, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.