Heel spur surgery is often considered when conservative treatments fail to alleviate persistent pain caused by heel spurs. Heel spurs develop when calcium deposits form on the heel bone, leading to discomfort during walking or standing. Two common surgical procedures are inferior heel spur resection and posterior heel spur resection. The former targets spurs on the bottom of the heel, while the latter addresses spurs located at the back of the heel. Surgery is typically recommended for individuals experiencing severe pain that hinders daily activities or those who have not responded to medications or orthotics. However, certain individuals may not be ideal candidates for surgery, including those with underlying health issues or infections. If you have a heel spur, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if heel spur surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot 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 offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, and Sachse, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that typically develop on the bottom of the foot and can result from poor circulation or prolonged pressure. They are often linked to conditions like peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, and Raynaud's phenomenon. Peripheral neuropathy reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries, while poor circulation from conditions like Raynaud's delays healing. Arthritis can increase the risk of pressure ulcers by altering foot mechanics. If untreated, foot ulcers can lead to severe infections, including gangrene, possibly resulting in amputation. Symptoms include swelling, redness, drainage, and pain surrounding the wound. Diagnosis involves physical examination and tests to assess circulation and nerve function. Treatment includes wound care, offloading pressure, managing underlying conditions, and sometimes surgery. Healing time varies, from weeks to months, depending on the ulcer's severity and the patient's overall health. If you have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, and Sachse, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Acute foot and ankle injuries, such as sprains, fractures, or tendon tears, are common in sports and can range from mild to severe. These injuries typically occur due to sudden trauma, such as twisting the ankle or landing awkwardly. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains might heal within a few weeks, allowing a return to sports after about two to four weeks. More severe injuries, like fractures or torn ligaments, can take several months to fully heal, with recovery often extending to three to six months or more. Rest and gradual reintroduction to activity are important for preventing re-injury and regaining full strength and mobility. Rushing back too soon can lead to complications and prolonged recovery. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from sports, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, and Sachse, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.