A foot deformity is a condition that causes the foot to have an abnormal anatomical structure or alters the shape of the foot. If a foot is deformed, it can cause significant pain and discomfort, and affect your gait and balance, making you prone to falls and injuries.

You may be familiar with structural foot deformities that are congenital, such as flat foot and high arches, however, foot deformities can also arise from wearing the wrong footwear and years of wear and tear. Bunions and hammertoes are two of the most common foot deformities, both of which cause bones and joints to become misaligned.

If left untreated, these foot deformities can reach a point where surgical intervention is needed to ease the symptoms, restore the foot to its normal shape, and restore your ability to walk without feeling pain and discomfort.

If you have a foot deformity and want to know your options for treatment, it’s always a good idea to see a podiatrist. Let’s talk about the surgical interventions podiatrists perform to address foot deformities.

Bunion Surgery

Bunions usually form at the base of the big toe joint. To correct the problem, a doctor makes an incision in the side of the big toe to restore alignment by cutting, removing, and realigning portions of bone and soft tissues. The doctor may also place hardware such as screws, wires, or plates inside the foot to prevent the problem from recurring.

Hammertoe Surgery

Hammertoe usually affects the second toe and is either flexible or stiff. To correct a stiff hammertoe, the doctor cuts bones, tendons, and ligaments to help straighten the affected toe. To ensure that the toe remains in place, the doctor may use temporary pins. A flexible hammertoe may be treated with tendon lengthening or detaching procedures, where a tendon is grafted and transferred to the top of the toe. A tendon lengthening procedure helps prevent the tendon from pulling at the joint and causing it to bend.

Surgery options for foot deformities relieve pain and help you achieve the highest level of function. Podiatrists usually recommend surgery only after conservative methods have been exhausted. There is no reason for you to continue living with a painful foot deformity.

Podiatrists in Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care is the largest podiatry practice in the greater Cincinnati area, with 18 locations from which to serve you. Our podiatrists offer a wide range of non-surgical options for bunion and hammertoe treatment but are highly skilled in surgeries used to treat them, too. The podiatrists at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care can let you know your options and explain them to you in detail, so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment.

To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists, call our podiatry clinic nearest you or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to helping you get back on your feet again!