A transmetatarsal amputation is a partial foot amputation. The term “trans” means “across”. Thus transmetatarsal amputation means amputation performed “across the metatarsals”. The metatarsal bones are the long bones that connect the midfoot to the toes. A transmetatarsal amputation surgery is performed on people who have non-healing foot ulcers that result in bone infections in the forefoot. …
Toe Amputation Surgery- What to Expect
If you have diabetes with a bone infection in the toe, your doctor may suggest a toe amputation. However, toe amputations may also be needed if you have a severe hammertoe deformity with dislocation that causes chronic pain. There are different kinds of toe amputations, including partial toe amputations, full toe amputations, and partial ray…
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery- What to Expect
If you have chronic plantar fasciitis that has not responded to conservative therapy, your doctor may recommend surgery for plantar fasciitis. A plantar fasciotomy surgery is a procedure that involves cutting a portion of the plantar fascia, thus relieving pain. The plantar fascia is the thick ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar…
Metatarsal Fracture Surgery- What to Expect
The metatarsal bone is the long bone that connects the toes to the midfoot bones. Acute metatarsal fractures can occur from injuries such as tripping, falling from a height, and motor vehicle accidents. Metatarsal stress fractures occur from repetitive stress on the metatarsal bone from activities such as running and dancing. If the metatarsal fracture is…
Flatfoot reconstruction Surgery- What To Expect
Although having flat feet is usually harmless, some people may experience pain from their flat foot structure. This is especially true if one foot is significantly flatter than the other and is taking on more pressure. Flatfoot reconstruction surgery is a type of surgery that is done to correct the structure of the foot so…
Hammertoe Surgery- What To Expect
A hammertoe is a deformity that causes the toe to bend downward, causing it to resemble a hammer. Hammertoes develop as a result of genetics but can become worse after wearing improper shoe gear that causes the toes to crowd in the shoes. In most cases, hammertoes are not painful. However, in some cases, they…
Incision and Drainage of Foot: What a Foot Abscess Drainage Entails
An incision and drainage of the foot is done to treat abscesses in the foot. An abscess cavity is a pus pocket that has built up in the body tissues. It occurs as a result of an infection. An abscess can occur from ulcerations (open sores) in the feet and even puncture wounds. Diabetics and…
Great Toe Joint Fusion Surgery- What to Expect
If you have painful arthritis in the great toe joint of the foot, you may need an arthrodesis (fusion) procedure. The first metatarsophalangeal joint (the joint that connects the great toe and the 1st metatarsal) is a common area where painful arthritis can develop. Also, if you have a severe bunion with arthritis in the…
Cuboid Fracture Surgery- What to Expect
The cuboid bone is one of the small bones of the outer midfoot. It’s located on the outside of the foot, behind the fourth and fifth metatarsals (long bones in the foot). Because of its location, the cuboid plays an important role in balance and weight-bearing. When the cuboid becomes fractured or dislocated, it can…
Bunion Surgery- What to Expect
A bunion is a bony prominence that forms along the inside of the first metatarsal head. When the space between the first metatarsal and the second metatarsal widens over time, the inside of the first metatarsal head pushes out, causing an appearance of a bone prominence. In addition, the great toe starts to push against…