Hammertoe surgery is a procedure designed to address the deformities associated with hammertoe, a condition in which one or more toe joints become bent. Before the surgery, your podiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, and possibly perform an X-ray that can assess the extent of the deformity and determine the best course of action. They will also have a discussion with you about the procedure, its potential risks, benefits, and alternative treatments. Depending on the complexity of your case and your preferences, hammertoe surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation, or under general anesthesia. During the surgery, your surgeon will make incisions, reposition the affected toe joint, and may remove a small piece of bone or tendon. The toe will then be straightened and secured in its corrected position, often using pins, wires, or screws. Following the surgery, you will likely wear a special shoe or cast to protect the toe. Initially, you may experience swelling and discomfort, but these symptoms can gradually improve over time. If you have a hammertoe that is causing you pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine whether surgery can help improve your comfort and foot function.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels, a common foot woe, often disrupts the smoothness of our soles and serves as a visual cue of underlying issues. Dry, flaky skin on the heels is typically the first sign, progressing into painful fissures if left unaddressed. The causes of cracked heels are multifaceted, encompassing factors such as prolonged standing, obesity, and wearing poorly fitted shoes that contribute to increased pressure on the feet. Dry and harsh weather conditions strip the skin of its natural moisture, exacerbating the problem. Lack of proper foot care, inadequate hydration, and certain medical conditions, like diabetes or thyroid disorders, can also play a role. Additionally, an insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals, particularly zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, may contribute to compromised skin health. Understanding the root causes of cracked heels is essential for implementing effective preventive measures. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, offer effective treatment options, and guide you toward prevention techniques.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

A podiatrist specializes in foot care, providing comprehensive services that can maintain foot health in addition to addressing issues that affect daily comfort and mobility. These medically trained foot doctors offer routine care like trimming nails and managing calluses, which can prevent complications, especially in individuals with diabetes or circulation problems. Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions such as bunions, heel pain, and plantar fasciitis, often relieving chronic discomfort. They also provide expert advice on proper footwear to support various foot shapes and alleviate pressure points. For athletes, they can help optimize foot function and performance through custom orthotics and injury management. Moreover, a podiatrist plays a vital role in the early detection of serious health problems manifested in the feet, ensuring timely interventions. In an effort to keep your feet healthy, it is suggested that you make routine appointments with a podiatrist who can help you prevent minor issues from becoming severe.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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