Ankle arthritis can cause chronic inflammation and patients may opt to have ankle fusion surgery done. The inflammation that is found in arthritic patients affects the ankle joint, and it is often difficult to complete daily activities. Ankle fusion surgery may help to limit ankle movement, often resulting in ankle pain relief. This type of surgery can also be effective with improving pain from medical conditions, including a failed ankle replacement or deformity, a bone infection, and degenerative joint diseases. Many patients who have had this type of surgery done notice their gait has improved, their pain has diminished, and their foot has increased stability. The procedure consists of removing the cartilage from the bones, followed by using plates, screws, or bone graft material to fuse them together. A cast is placed on the affected ankle after the surgery, and this is successful in limiting ankle movement. If you have ankle pain for any reason, a podiatrist may guide you toward having this type of foot surgery done that can help to alleviate existing ankle pain from arthritis.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. 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 Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

One of the most common things pregnant women experience is swollen feet and ankles. The body produces 50% more fluids and blood, and this is needed to soften the body as the baby develops. Additionally, it helps the pelvic area to prepare for delivery, and these extra fluids are responsible for approximately 25% of weight gain during pregnancy. There are outside factors that may contribute to sudden weight gain and can be controlled to limit extra weight gain from fluids. These can include standing for extended periods of time, eating foods that have increased levels of sodium, and choosing to eat foods that are low in potassium. Swollen feet may be helped by wearing supportive stockings, frequently elevating the feet, and drinking plenty of water daily. For more tips on how to reduce swollen ankles, please confer with a podiatrist who can help you with effective prevention methods. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Sesamoiditis is a foot condition that you might have heard of. It can occur in an individual when the two small sesamoid bones in the ball of the foot become inflamed. Interestingly, these two bones do not directly connect to any other bones. Rather, the sesamoid bones connect to tendons and muscles. When an individual has sesamoiditis, they may feel any number of symptoms. Most commonly, a patient might feel some kind of pain in the forefoot. This pain may be especially pronounced when putting weight on the feet. Additionally, a patient with sesamoiditis may unintentionally shift the weight of their body to the outside of their feet to avoid putting weight on the sesamoids when walking. These are just some of the many different symptoms that patients with sesamoiditis might demonstrate. Contact your podiatrist today for more information. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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