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:

  1. 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

  • Physical therapy

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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