Foot defects can be painful and affect your ability to move. Luckily, reconstructive surgery corrects the body part's structure and function. With this special orthopedic care procedure, you can safely return to your previous lifestyle. The guide below will help you determine if reconstructive foot surgery is right for you.

Purpose of Reconstructive Foot Surgery

This reconstructive surgery aims to restore the foot's appearance, anatomy, and proper function, which are often lost due to birth defects, traumas, infections, or diseases. In addition to allowing you to lead a normal life, this orthopedic care option can protect you and prevent future issues.

The defects that surgery addresses generally get worse over time when left untreated. As they progress, they can cause pain that spreads to other areas of the body or further change the appearance and structure of the foot. They can also increase your risk of falls and other injuries or make staying physically active more challenging or uncomfortable. Severe defects can be more difficult to correct, so the earlier you treat them, the higher the chances of a successful procedure and complete recovery. 

Candidates for This Procedure

Reconstructive surgery is typically recommended when more conservative treatments are not effective. When visiting a podiatrist to address a foot problem, they will go over your specific symptoms and your expectations for recovery. 

This procedure is common for treating progressive conditions such as hammertoes, flat feet, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and ingrown toenails. Severe trauma from sports injuries, auto accidents, and work-related injuries can also require surgery. Other ideal candidates are individuals who develop ulcers in the foot from vascular or metabolic diseases.

If you address a foot defect early enough, surgery might not be your only option. A podiatrist will determine whether more conservative orthopedic care methods, such as custom orthotics, can treat the underlying cause of the problem. For this reason, you should explain your symptoms to a doctor as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing foot aches or problems, talk to the orthopedic care specialists at AVORS Medical Group. Based in Lancaster, CA, and serving Antelope Valley, their team will help you get back on your feet and lead a pain-free life. They will design a comprehensive and state-of-the-art treatment plan to address the underlying cause of your condition, with solutions like pain management and rehabilitation, orthopedics, and massage therapy. Visit their website for more information regarding foot and ankle treatment. To schedule an appointment, call (661) 726-5005.