When to Consider Surgery for Foot Disorders

Whenever possible, it's usually preferable to avoid invasive surgery — but there are certain situations when surgery may be necessary to correct a problem that has become worse and/or hasn't responded to more conservative treatments. For foot conditions specifically, our dedicated team at Pennsylvania Surgery and Laser Center in Philadelphia, PA offers advanced surgical procedures for a wide range of issues, including ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, and others. While almost any change in your foot health should be reported to your doctor, there are some specific symptoms and issues — like worsening pain, nonhealing wounds, impaired mobility, and others — that may mean it's time to consider foot surgery.

Will an ingrown toenail go away on its own?

Ingrown toenails are among the most common, stubborn, and often highly painful foot conditions that can affect patients of almost any age and lifestyle. In some cases, ingrown toenails may respond to conservative treatments and even at-home remedies. For many patients, however, ingrown toenails can become infected, extremely painful, and immobilizing.

If you have an infected ingrown toenail or suspect that your ingrown toenail is getting worse despite a dedicated care regimen, it may be time to consider surgery. Following a thorough evaluation for ingrown toenail surgery, our team may recommend a partial or full nail avulsion or, in milder cases, continuing a short-term course of conservative therapy before reconsidering surgery.

Can you get rid of a bunion without surgery?

Bunions are also extremely common, though not seen among as broad of a group as those affected by ingrown toenails. Generally speaking, people most at risk for bunions include women, older patients, and those with certain genetic risk factors or lifestyle factors, such as a prolonged history of wearing high heels or otherwise manipulative footwear. While there are some at-home exercises for bunions, as well as over-the-counter wearables for bunions— both of which may help improve bunion pain and joint position — bunions usually become more pronounced with time. There's no question that bunion surgery offers one of the most effective, reliable, and longest-lasting solutions for bunion pain relief and restoring a more natural foot shape.

What foot problems require surgery?

Again, many foot problems can be managed without surgery, and some may even improve on their own. Still, there are times when foot surgery becomes necessary to prevent worsening symptoms and more severe complications. Some of the most common foot problems that need surgery in many cases include:

• Ingrown toenails
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Foot abscess
• Nonhealing foot wound
• Foot fracture (broken foot)

Our team also offers lower extremity surgeries for more complex foot and ankle problems, including Achilles tendon repair and diabetic foot amputation.

How long is recovery after foot surgery?

Because there are multiple approaches and reasons for foot surgery, in addition to the fact that each patient's injury or condition is unique, foot surgery recovery can vary. In some cases, patients may be able to walk soon or even the same day after surgery, while others may require a protective boot or even walking aid for several days or weeks after their procedure. Based on individual case factors, our caring team will provide detailed postoperative instructions prior to surgery so that you know what to expect after foot surgery and can set yourself up for the smoothest, most efficient healing and recovery possible.

Get back on your feet with advanced foot surgery in Philadelphia, PA

Don't let a hammertoe, bunion, or even a torn Achilles tendon keep you down longer than it has to. With early intervention, you may be able to avoid worsening symptoms and a delayed recovery. Learn more about whether you may need foot surgery for your foot condition by calling Pennsylvania Surgery and Laser Center to schedule a consultation with our dedicated team of Philadelphia foot surgeons today.