EmergeOrtho’s Foot Surgeons’ 5 Common Foot Conditions Treated
At EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region, we prioritize diagnosing and treating injuries to the Foot and Ankle. When foot injuries do not heal with nonoperative treatments and become too severe, our foot surgeons can provide the best surgical treatments to get you to return to your daily activities.
Our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic foot specialists work closely with each patient to deliver the highest care to address your specific foot conditions. All of our experienced foot surgeons aim to help restore your mobility and improve your overall quality of life.
5 Most Common Orthopedic Foot Conditions at EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region
Our expert orthopedic foot doctors treat numerous conditions using their years of expert knowledge of foot anatomy and professional foot orthopedics experience. Before resorting to surgical intervention, the EmergeOrtho experts will first use nonsurgical measures. The most common foot conditions treated include:
Plantar Fasciitis
What is it?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of each foot from the heel bone to the toes. It helps connect the bones of the feet and supports the foot's arch. In some people, this tissue becomes inflamed and painful, which causes plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms
Intense, stabbing pain at the bottom of the foot
Pain when getting out of bed
Pain after exercise
Treatment
Often, plantar fasciitis can be treated without surgery using a treatment plan. This typically involves:
Stretching exercises
Rest
Splints
Ice
Medication
Cortisone injections
Surgical intervention may be necessary if the pain does not subside after treatments. An endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed by a foot surgeon who uses an endoscope to lengthen calf muscles or partially cut the ligament to relieve pressure.
Bunions
What is it?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the side of the big toe joint. It is caused by an abnormal angle between the bones of the foot, which causes the big toe to point inward and push against the other toes. They are common and tend to run in families. They can also be caused by years of wearing high heels or improper shoes. If left untreated, they can lead to arthritis or even foot disfigurement.
Symptoms
Pain and swelling around the big toe joint
Redness
Corns or calluses on the side of the big toe
Limited range of motion of the big toe
Treatment
A bunion can be treated with many nonsurgical methods, including:
Use of special padding and shoe inserts
Anti-inflammatory medication
Wearing loose-fitting shoes
A bunionectomy may be necessary to remove a bunion. Our experienced orthopedic foot specialists will move ligaments, tendons, and nerves to realign your big toe and place it in the correct position during this procedure.
Toe Deformities
What is it?
Toe deformities are common foot conditions that have a wide range from mild to severe. They can be caused by genetics, arthritis, or trauma. Common toe deformities include hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe. These types of toe deformities can come from trauma or an imbalance in muscles, tendons, and/or ligaments of the toe.
Symptoms
Pain in the toes
Corns or calluses on the toes
Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
Difficulty moving toe
Treatment
Nonsurgical treatments for toe deformities include:
Wearing shoes with a wide-toe box
Using special padding and shoe inserts
Stretching exercises
Surgery may be necessary if the condition does not improve with nonsurgical methods. Surgery can involve realigning the bones of the toes or fusing them to correct the deformity.
Peripheral Neuropathy
What is it?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition involving weakness, numbness, and pain from nerve damage. This damage can affect the hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy is commonly associated with diabetes, but injuries and infections can also cause the condition.
Symptoms
Numbness or tingling in the feet
Pain or burning sensation in the feet
Loss of balance and coordination
Weakness in the feet
Treatment
Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the underlying cause. Common treatments include:
Medication to reduce pain and inflammation
Physical therapy to improve strength and coordination
Nerve stimulation techniques to reduce pain and improve nerve function
Surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases. Surgical care can involve cutting or releasing the nerves to reduce pain and improve function.
Toe Fractures
What is it?
A toe fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in the toes. It can be caused by an injury, such as stubbing your toe, or repetitive stress from running or other activities. Toe fractures can range from mild to severe and cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
Symptoms
Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Difficulty walking or standing
Treatment
Treatment for a toe fracture depends on the severity of the injury and may involve different surgical methods. Mild fractures may be treated with rest, ice, and elevation. Severe fractures may require surgery to repair the broken bones. Surgery can involve realigning the bones and using pins or screws to hold them in place.
Though these are the common conditions the EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region orthopedic foot doctors treat, they are not the only ones. Others include:
Foot Infections
Flat Foot
Arthritis
Neuromas
Skin lesions/masses
Soft Tissue Masses/Cysts of the foot and ankle
Toenail pathology/problems (ingrown toenail, infected, painful, etc.)
"Foot Orthopedics Near Me"
If you have been looking for a foot surgeon and asked, "Where can I find an orthopedic foot surgeon near me?" EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region is the place for you. Our team of orthopedic foot doctors is experienced in treating various conditions and can provide you with the best care possible. Request an appointment, self-schedule an appointment, or call (919) 220-5255, so our orthopedic foot doctors can help you emerge stronger, healthier, and better.