Foot Problems Are More Common Than You Think

About 75% of Americans will experience a foot condition at some point. Currently, 6% of Americans have an ongoing foot condition that causes chronic pain and discomfort. For some, foot fusion surgery may be the best solution to deal with long-term pain. Persons who have foot fusion surgery can expect less pain and a better quality of life. But what is foot fusion surgery?

3 Things to Know Before Your FESS surgery

Some bones are stronger together

Foot fusion surgery seeks to strengthen a damaged or weakened joint. The surgery is often performed over general anesthesia. An orthopedic surgeon performs foot fusion using open surgery or minimally invasive methods. While most are performed with minimally invasive methods, there are some cases when open surgery is necessary. To complete the surgery, the surgeon uses 2 or more small incisions to access and remove the damaged joint. The bones are then held in place with screws. These screws allow the bone to grow and fuse to one stable piece. In some cases, additional donor bone is required to fill the space. Surgery is not for every foot condition. However, there are 3 issues that need special mention.

1. Arthritis and foot fusion surgery

Arthritis is a common disease affecting millions of Americans. With arthritis, persons experience severe wear and tear of the cartilage in the joints. Joints are critical for movement, and this can cause severe pain and restrict the quality of life. Since there are over 30 joints in each foot, arthritis can easily affect one or more, causing difficulty walking. There are a few ways to reduce the symptoms of arthritis in the feet. These include maintaining proper weight, proper footwear, pain medication, and physical therapy. However, if these fail, foot fusion is the next best step.

2. Do you have flat feet?

Both feet have a recognizable arch or gap on the inside that’s slightly raised from the ground. With flat feet, also called fallen arches, the arches collapse and become flattened. The soles of the feet end up flat on the floor when standing. While many have flat feet without issue, for some, the condition can be painful. The pain can start in the foot and move to the calf, knees, and lower back. Flat feet can also create an uneven gait, which can further injury. A flat foot can speed up other conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, bunions, and shin splints. A foot fusion surgery may be necessary to stabilize the foot and prevent further injury.

3. Repairing a fractured foot

Out of all the potential issues, a fracture may be the most prominent and common reason for surgery. Fractures happen every day due to slips, trips, and other accidents. Even rolling the ankle or applying force can cause breaks. With the numerous bones and joints in the foot, a fracture can sometimes go undetected. Hairline fractures can be mistaken for everyday bumps or bruises. Some can heal without surgery. However, for long-term pain and discomfort, fusion surgery on the affected joint may help.

Success rates and recovery

Foot fusion surgery has a high success rate in restoring stability and reducing pain. Although surgery stiffens the joint, the procedure significantly reduces pain. Recovery can take up to 12 weeks, with the first half needing extensive rest and physical therapy. The patient will wear a cast or boot during the period. With any surgery, there is a risk of complications. Speak with the orthopedic surgeon about possible risks and concerns.

Consider foot fusion surgery today

A foot fracture, arthritis, or flat feet can cause pain and limit mobility. While there are non-surgical options that work well, foot fusion may be the best option for some patients. Using minimally invasive techniques, the surgeon will perform the procedure quickly, safely, and with minor incisions. Talk to a surgeon today about the possibility of fusion surgery.

Recent Posts

“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”

CONTACT US TODAY!

Please contact us with any questions about your treatment at The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Recent Posts