Foot Surgeon in Studio City

For foot pain, your doctor may suggest that you see a foot surgeon in Studio City. This is especially true if you have a problem with your foot that requires further evaluation or detailed diagnostics. Having a better understanding of what a foot surgery can do to minimize your pain can help you make confident, well-informed decisions.

When to See a Foot Surgeon in Studio City

Most people experience occasional aches and pains and in their feet simply due to the fact that some degree of pressure is placed on foot muscles and joints daily. There’s a natural inclination to dismiss foot pain as not being serious; the fact is that most instances of foot pain are temporary.

When foot pain or discomfort becomes progressively worse or the pain changes from infrequent to persistent, however, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a foot surgeon in Studio City. You may also be referred to a foot surgeon if you have any of the following conditions:

• Achilles tendinitis: A common overuse injury experienced by runners, Achilles tendinitis refers to pain stemming from a band of tissue connecting calf muscles to the heel bone.
• Bone spurs: Osteophytes, or bone spurs, are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones, often due to some type of joint damage.
• Hammertoe and mallet toe: Typically resulting from a muscle imbalance, these foot deformities, involving an abnormal joint bend, can be aggravated by improper footwear or trauma to the foot.
• Morton’s neuroma: Usually affecting the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes, this painful condition results from a thickening of tissues around nerves.
• Tendinitis: Referring to the inflammation or irritation of a tendon supporting the foot, tendinitis is characterized by pain and tenderness near foot joints.

When Surgery Becomes an Option

In general, surgery for foot pain becomes an option when your pain is not responding to conservative treatments like periods of rest and the use of over-the-counter and prescription medications. While each situation is unique, foot surgery often becomes an option when there’s a clearly identified physical reason for your foot pain, such as a bone spur or structural deformity.

Quality of life is also worth considering. While some foot conditions may respond well to medications initially, the level of pain may change over time, especially with progressive conditions. Arthritic damage to joints within the foot, for instance, can occur slowly over time and respond well initially to non-surgical treatments. It’s often worth considering surgery when:

• Medications no longer provide acceptable relief
• Pain reaches a point where it’s considered chronic
• Tendons no longer connect muscle to bone
• Foot alignment is affected

Preparing for Your Visit to a Foot Surgeon

While a foot surgeon will refer to any information provided by your primary doctor, they will also want to take a fresh look at your problem. Since there are many possible causes of foot pain, prepare for your visit by bringing or wearing the shoes you normally wear. Shoes, especially those that don’t provide proper support, often contribute to foot pain. You can further help a foot surgeon diagnose your condition by:

• Providing a list of any over-the-counter and prescription medications you take
• Describing what movements or activities seem to trigger your pain
• Discussing any related conditions you may have, such as diabetes

Recovering from Foot Surgery

Prior to surgery, prepare to take some time off from work to allow your foot to recover properly since even minimal pressure may cause re-injury until bones have properly healed. Following surgery, there may be some swelling around the surgery site. Typically occurring within the first 2-3 days following surgery, swelling is often normal and usually goes away without any issues. Recovery frequently involves a combination of:

• Post-operative nerve blocks
• Pain medications
• Activity modification
• Foot elevation

You’ll need to avoid certain activities like running and jogging until muscles and joints have healed properly. Depending on the type of surgery you have, recovery can take anywhere from a few days for minor procedures to a few weeks or more for major foot surgery. Optimize your recovery by:

• Stocking up on essential supplies in advance to avoid the need to leave your home, at least during the initial recovery period
• Enlisting the help of friends and family members
• Having your foot surgeon order medications prior to surgery so you have instant access to any medications you may need to minimize pain or reduce the risk of infection
• Prepare your home by moving objects you may accidentally trip on out of the way, including throw rugs

Precautions to Take to Avoid Foot Problems

Not all foot problems can be avoided. Yet there are steps you can take to, at least, reduce the risk of experiencing discomfort while standing, walking, jogging, or running. For instance, wearing the right shoes based on your activity, or even the type of surface you’ll be walking or running on, can help reduce unnecessary foot strain. Further avoid common foot problems that may lead to more serious conditions by:

• Wearing comfortable shoes of the appropriate size and width
• Avoiding high heels that are too elevated
• Managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes
• Doing a proper warm-up before running

There are many possible causes of foot pain. While a foot surgeon in Studio City can help narrow down the cause, not all foot ailments will require surgery, especially if other conditions like diabetes are contributing to the pain. However, a foot surgeon does more than performing surgery. You can often receive a more accurate diagnosis for your condition, which can help fine-tune your treatment plan even when surgery isn’t an available option.

When you visit a foot surgeon in Studio City at our office, you will be given access to the top surgeon in the area. Our office specializes in minimally invasive techniques even if you do require surgery so that you can get back to your regular activities as soon as possible. Call us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation so that you can find out your treatment options.