Scar tissue formation is a normal byproduct of surgical procedures, including foot surgery. While this tissue facilitates healing, an excessive amount of scar tissue can become problematic. To help you deal with post-surgery scar tissue effectively, here's a look at the problems it causes and what you can do. 

How Does Foot Surgery Involve Scar Tissue?

When the body experiences trauma, such as foot fractures, sprains, and surgery, it triggers healing activities in the body’s inflammatory system. This system generates new cells to replace those that have been damaged or destroyed, with some new cells made of collagen, a type of structural protein found in the skin, connective tissues, cartilage, and bones. 

Trauma or surgery can cause collagen cells to bind together abnormally because the body no longer knows how to organize these cells correctly. The resulting collagen clumps form scar tissue that can shrink and harden. 

If hard scar tissue forms following foot surgery, it can cause comfort and mobility issues. For example, excessive scar tissue on the top of the feet can make wearing shoes uncomfortable, while lumps of scar tissue on the bottom of the feet make walking normally a challenge. 

What Can You Do About Scar Tissue?

This often unsightly type of tissue is not necessarily permanent. There are many ways to break up tissues to reduce mobility and discomfort problems, such as massaging the tissue with your fingers or thumb. Use circular motions and either lotion or vitamin E oil to help break up and soften the tissue. 

You can also use a golf ball, marble, or electronic massager to gently but firmly massage the tissue and encourage it to detach from the joints in your feet. About 10 minutes of massage per day is sufficient for promoting tissue pliability and reducing the scar’s size. 

Scar management can also include applying 100% sil­i­cone gel pads that retain moisture in the affected skin to encourage flexibility and range of motion. Healthy habits like getting enough sleep are necessary as well since sleep allows the body to repair itself. 

For foot surgery and other foot care services, trust the specialists at Choice Podiatry Associates in Cincinnati, OH. Offering two convenient locations in Bridgetown and Kenwood, this foot center provides custom services for patients of all ages. Call (513) 574-2424 to speak to a team member at the Bridgetown practice or (513) 984-1911 in Kenwood to make an appointment today. Visit the website for more about foot surgery and other services.