Foot Surgery Specialist

What conditions cause foot and ankle pain?

Many conditions that cause foot and ankle pain begin as mild issues that progressively worsen. When these problems don't receive early and proper treatment, surgical intervention may be needed. Some of the most common pain-causing conditions include:

• Bunion: Bones of your toe are out of their normal position
• Hammertoe: Toe becomes permanently bent
• Heel spurs: Outgrowth of bone on your heel
• Flat feet: Partial or complete collapse of your foot arch

What causes foot and ankle fractures?

Foot fractures are often caused by trauma from accidents and injuries such as kicking a hard object or dropping something heavy on your foot. Your feet also develop stress fractures over time due to overuse and repetitive activities such as running.

Twisting or rolling your ankle is the most common cause of ankle fractures. They also occur from injuries like tripping or falling.

What causes soft tissue injuries?

Like fractures, soft tissue injuries are caused by trauma and overuse that develops gradually over the years.

Common soft tissue injuries include:

• Sprains: ligaments are stretched or torn
• Strains: muscles or tendons are stretched or torn
• Tendinitis: inflammation of a tendon
• Bursitis: inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursa) in joints

Your Achilles tendon is especially vulnerable to injury because you use it whenever you walk, run, or jump. As a result, it commonly becomes inflamed or sustains a partial or complete tear.

Soft tissue injuries may need surgery to shorten or lengthen a tendon, or to repair ruptured tendons and ligaments. In some cases, for instance, Dr. Boyuka may need to remove a severely infected bursa surgically.

What are the symptoms of foot and ankle fractures?

Dr. Boyuka should evaluate your foot if you develop these symptoms:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising or discoloration
• Inability to bear weight
• Deformity when the bone is displaced or dislocated

What should you know about surgery for fractures?

When you have a simple fracture — the bones remain aligned, and skin is intact — you may only need immobilization to promote healing.

A compound or open fracture occurs when the pieces of bone are out of alignment, and you have an open wound. This type of fracture requires surgery to clean the wound and realign and stabilize the bones.

When your foot is in pain, swollen, or discolored, call Southern Tier Podiatry or book an appointment online.