Acquired
Deformities usually form over time and affect the structure
of the foot or ankle. Conditions such as bunions and hammertoes
are good examples of these types of deformities. Although
surgery is often a recommended course of action for these
conditions, non-surgical methods can help keep the condition
under control if treated early.
Congenital Deformities are a result of abnormalities present
at birth, although the condition may not become visible until
adolescence. Webbed toes and clubfoot are just two examples
of congenital deformities. Surgery is often the only way
to completely correct these conditions. However, the need
for surgery is often tempered by the severity of the deformity. ·
The foot and ankle are extremely complex. Over a quarter
of all of the bones in the human body can be found in the
feet and ankles. A series of muscles and tendons works together
to keep everything in balance. Broken and fractured bones
in the foot are often subjected to the push and pull of these
muscles and tendons, making it difficult for the bone to
heal itself properly. Although the bones can often be isolated
and stabilized without surgery, there are times when optimum
healing requires internal stabilization with pins or screws. ·
Arthritis can be extremely painful and
debilitating. Arthritis in the joints of the feet can actually
lead to deformity and the loss of the ability to walk. Joint
replacement surgery can help restore movement, ease pain,
and make you feel better. ·
Scars are unpredictable. Sometimes scar tissue grows very
thick, or even beyond the boundaries of the original injury
or incision. In these cases it is sometimes necessary to
remove excess scar tissue or even “revise” the
scar. Although this procedure may be done for cosmetic reasons,
it is most often done if the excess tissue causes pain or
interferes with normal functions of the foot or ankle. ·
Endoscopy is a means of “looking inside” the
body using cameras that help diagnose problems. Endoscopy
may also be used for minimally invasive procedures and for
taking biopsies of tissues. Arthroscopy refers to a specific
type of endoscopy in which the workings of a joint such as
the ankle are examined. Arthroscopic surgery reduces the
risk of infection and minimizes recovery time.
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