Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery offers smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and often faster recovery, but it still requires careful planning. Before surgery, imaging, physical evaluation, and a clear understanding of goals help ensure the approach fits the patient’s condition. Certain medication may need to be adjusted, and underlying health issues such as diabetes or circulation problems must be considered to lower risks. On the day of the procedure, patients typically experience shorter operating times and less postoperative discomfort compared to traditional surgery. After surgery, early movement, wound care, and following instructions closely all support proper healing. Recovery is usually quicker, but outcomes still depend on proper support and follow-up. If you are considering surgery for a foot or ankle problem, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss right option for right for you.
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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that appear on the soles of the feet, often caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. They typically develop in areas of pressure, such as the heels or balls of the feet, where the virus enters through small cuts or cracks in the skin. Symptoms include a rough, grainy texture on the bottom of the foot, pain or tenderness when walking, and tiny black dots in the wart, which are blood vessels. The wart may grow larger or multiply over time, if left untreated. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts through a physical exam and may remove a small sample for testing, if needed. Treatment options include topical medication, cryotherapy, or minor surgical removal. In some cases, mild treatments may also help, but professional care ensures the most effective and thorough removal. If you have a painful plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
Hard or thick callused spots
Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
Freezing
Electric tool removal
Laser Treatment
Topical Creams (prescription only)
Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Hammertoe is a condition where one or more toes bend downward at the middle joint, creating a claw-like appearance. While more common in adults, it can also develop in children, often due to muscle imbalance, flat feet, or wearing shoes that are too tight. In growing feet, this abnormal bending may become more noticeable over time and can lead to rubbing, discomfort, or difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Early signs may include redness on top of the toe, or the child avoiding certain shoes or activities. In many cases, flexible hammer toes in children, where the toe can still be straightened manually. This indicates that the joint has not become rigid or fixed and can be managed with proper footwear, stretching exercises, and custom inserts to help guide foot alignment. If the toe becomes stiff or painful, further care may be needed. In this case, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can evaluate your child’s foot development and recommend the right treatment.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Pain in the affected toes
Development of corns or calluses due to friction
Inflammation
Redness
Contracture of the toes
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
