Hammertoe happens when the toe bends and stays in a curled position, often leading to pain and trouble fitting into shoes. If conservative treatment does not provide enough relief for patients, podiatrists offer two main types of surgery to straighten the toe and improve comfort. These are minimally invasive procedures and open surgery, with each approach offering its own advantages. Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions and special instruments to adjust the toe without fully opening the joint. This method usually causes less swelling and scarring and allows for faster healing. Many people return to daily routines sooner than with traditional surgery. Open surgery involves a larger incision, giving the surgeon a clear view of the joint and bones. This technique may be chosen for more severe cases that need a more precise correction. If hammertoe is affecting your daily life, it is suggested you meet with a podiatrist to learn about treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. 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 Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A podiatrist is a medical specialist focused on diagnosing and treating conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They care for a wide range of issues, including heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, flat feet, arthritis, wounds, and sports injuries. Podiatrists also play an important role in managing chronic conditions like diabetes that can affect foot health. They provide treatments, such as custom orthotics, minor surgical procedures, and preventive care, to keep patients mobile and pain free. Whether you have persistent foot discomfort or have sustained a sudden injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, restoring comfort and function to everyday life.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Peroneal tendinopathy is a condition involving irritation or degeneration of the peroneal tendons, which run along the outer side of the ankle and foot. These tendons help stabilize the foot and support balance during walking or running. Causes include overuse, improper footwear, high-impact activities, or ankle instability. Symptoms include aching or sharp pain along the outer ankle, swelling, weakness, or a feeling of instability. Without treatment, the condition may worsen and limit mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate the problem through physical examination and imaging, then provide care with rest plans, bracing, or custom orthotics. If you experience persistent outer ankle pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a tailored treatment plan and long-term relief.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A rupture of the plantar fascia can cause sudden, sharp pain in the sole of the foot, often described as a tearing or popping sensation. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that supports the arch and helps absorb the impact of walking and running. While plantar fasciitis is more common, a complete tear is rare. It typically occurs during high-impact sports or sudden movements, especially in people with tight arches or who have a history of foot strain. A plantar fascia rupture may lead to swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through an MRI scan, which helps determine the extent of the damage. In some cases, surgery may be needed, especially if the tissue fails to heal after conservative treatment. A podiatrist can diagnose the problem and guide recovery through wearing supportive footwear, immobilization, or surgery, if needed. If you have extreme pain on the sole of your feet, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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