Hammertoe surgery aims to correct deformities where a toe bends abnormally at the middle joint. Types of surgery include tendon transfer, where a tendon is rerouted to pull the toe into the correct position, and joint resection, which involves removing part of the joint to straighten the toe. Fusion surgery permanently joins the bones in the affected joint, ensuring the toe remains straight. While these procedures can effectively alleviate pain and improve function, they carry potential risks. Complications may include infection, nerve damage, and prolonged swelling. Additionally, there is a possibility of stiffness or recurrence of the deformity. Consulting with a podiatrist ensures a thorough understanding of the benefits and risks. If you are considering surgery for this condition, it is suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can determine if this is a right decision for you.
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 offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that leads to sudden and intense joint pain, often affecting the big toe and usually occurring at night. It can also target the other toes as well as the ankles. Gout arises from having high levels of uric acid in the blood. This substance forms from the breakdown of purines found in foods like red meat, organ meats, certain seafood, sugary sodas, and beer. Excess uric acid can form needle-like crystals in the joints that cause severe pain and swelling. Men are three times more likely to develop gout than women, particularly after age 40. Women become more susceptible post-menopausal because of a decrease in estrogen levels. Risk factors for gout include a diet high in purine-rich foods, high-fructose corn syrup, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and a family history of gout. Chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and certain high blood pressure medications are other factors. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through joint fluid analysis, blood tests, and imaging to detect uric acid crystals. If you have sudden and severe pain in the big toe that may be due to gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Choosing the right hiking shoes is important for both comfort and safety on the trail. When picking your hiking footwear, focus on protection, comfort, and weight. Your shoes should protect your feet from cuts and environmental damage and prevent blisters even after long hikes. Lightweight shoes help to conserve energy, making each step easier. While high-cuff boots are thought to offer ankle support, they often don't make a significant difference and may increase the risk of ankle rolls. Experts suggest performing strengthening exercises as an effective way to improve ankle stability. Breathable shoes allow your feet to dry quickly, which reduces the chance of blisters. Waterproof shoes can become heavy and waterlogged, making your hike more strenuous. Don’t overlook the importance of good socks. Seamless, cushioned wool socks are ideal, providing both durability and quick drying. Hiking shoes combine the best aspects of boots and trail runners, offering a balance of protection, comfort, and durability. They tend to last longer and provide the necessary support while being lighter and more flexible than traditional boots. If you experience foot pain after hiking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.
It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.
Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting
Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot
The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A bunion, medically known as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate toward the others. It occurs due to pressure on the big toe joint, often from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, genetics, or foot stress. Bunions can cause pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty in walking. They may also lead to other foot problems such as calluses, corns, and hammertoes. Management options depend on the severity of the bunion and the pain it causes. For mild cases, a wait and see approach can be effective, with changes in footwear to alleviate pressure. Orthotic devices, such as custom shoe inserts, can provide support and relieve pain. When conservative treatments fail and pain or deformity is severe, surgery may be necessary to realign the bone, ligaments, and tendons. If you have a bunion that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment approach is for you.
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A bunion, medically known as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate toward the others. It occurs due to pressure on the big toe joint, often from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, genetics, or foot stress. Bunions can cause pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty in walking. They may also lead to other foot problems such as calluses, corns, and hammertoes. Management options depend on the severity of the bunion and the pain it causes. For mild cases, a wait and see approach can be effective, with changes in footwear to alleviate pressure. Orthotic devices, such as custom shoe inserts, can provide support and relieve pain. When conservative treatments fail and pain or deformity is severe, surgery may be necessary to realign the bone, ligaments, and tendons. If you have a bunion that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment approach is for you.