Deformed toes, misaligned or overgrown bones, irritated nerves—all of these concerns may be causing you daily foot pain, or even restricting your mobility and limiting your activities.
Yet despite the discomfort, many people avoid seeking help for bunions, bone spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, and other foot conditions due to a fear that they will only be told they need surgery.
Is fear of surgery keeping you from addressing your situation? Don’t let it! Oftentimes, surgery isn’t even necessary—and even when it is, you can trust the exceptional team at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists to provide not only an effective procedure, but all the guidance you need to get through recovery as smoothly and successfully as possible.
Surgery Isn’t Necessarily Your Only Option
Although our doctors are highly trained and board-certified in several advanced surgical procedures, our first choice is always going to be solving your foot problem conservatively if it is possible to do so.
In fact, we’ve also heavily invested in advanced nonsurgical procedures and techniques, including MLS laser therapy, 3D-printed custom orthotics, and many forms of regenerative medicine. In many cases, these revolutionary treatments have been able to provide long-awaited relief, when previously surgery would have been the only option.
But there are still cases where surgery really is the best (or only) way to restore healthy, pain-free function to your feet. If foot pain or mobility issues continue to adversely affect your quality of life on a day-to-day basis, and you’ve exhausted all nonsurgical options that could realistically provide the relief you deserve, it’s time to start considering surgical alternatives.
Foot Surgeries Performed at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists
Below is an incomplete list of some of the most common surgical procedures we perform at our office, including many of our surgical specialties.
Bunion and Bunionette Surgery
There are many different surgical options that can be performed to realign the big toe and remove the large bump that forms along the inside of the foot at the base of the toe. Often, bones are cut and realigned, but in other cases fusing or even removing joint surfaces may be better for your situation.
Nerve Surgery
Sometimes, chronic pain that feels “zinging,” prickling, or shocking may be the result of a nerve that has been damaged or compressed for one reason or another (injuries, scar tissue, inflammation, etc.). Dr. Craig Thomajan is one of just a handful of surgeons nationwide trained in advanced nerve decompression surgical techniques, and is a fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a technique that uses very small incisions, specialized tools, and a camera on the end of a scope to view the surgical area during the procedure. Arthroscopic procedures offer many benefits over traditional open surgeries, including less post-surgical scarring and pain, lower risk of complications, and faster recovery.
Neuroma Surgery
Morton’s neuroma is a common nerve condition of the feet. It usually appears between the third and fourth toes, and you may feel like you are stepping on a stone. In fact, something in your foot has changed—a thickened area has developed around the affected nerve. Cases that are extremely painful may require that the nerve be removed surgically.
Hammertoe Surgery
Typically affecting the second toe, this deformity is identified by a bent middle joint. Flexible hammertoe is often treated without surgery. However, if the toe becomes “stuck” in this position, the affected tendon may have to be surgically altered. If necessary, bone will be taken out so the toe can be put into its normal straight position.
HyProCure
HyProCure is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that corrects a common type of hindfoot deformity that can be responsible for flat feet, overpronation, heel pain, and even pain throughout the knees, hips, and back. A small stent is inserted into a naturally occurring space, preventing it from collapsing and restoring natural hindfoot alignment without ever cutting a bone or interfering with joint motion.
Reconstructive Surgery
Sometimes, complex deformities or severe injuries require procedures such as fracture repair, bone realignment, transfer or repair of tendons and ligaments, etc., in order to restore correct alignment and function to the foot and/or ankle. All our surgeons are extensively trained in complex reconstructive surgical techniques.
Our Care For You Extends Beyond the Operating Table
No matter how exceptional your surgeon is, or how skillfully the procedure itself was performed, this is only one part of what determines whether the outcome is successful. What you do after the surgery matters a lot, too!
However, there’s no reason for worry! At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, we make sure all our patients are well prepared both before and after the procedure, and will happily answer any questions or concerns you may have.
You’ll get a detailed set of instructions for what to do during your recovery, what not to do, and when. We want to make sure you have clear guidelines and expectations, and understand that you can always call us at any time if you are unsure about anything.
For more information, check out our article on post-operative care.
Don’t Let Fear Keep You From the Relief You Deserve
We understand that seeing a doctor for a foot problem can often lead to some anxiety, especially if you suspect that surgery might be a consideration. That’s very normal.
At the same time, we want you to understand that we are always going to put your needs first, and nobody works harder to ensure their patients have access to such a wide range of the latest and most advanced therapies, both surgical and non-surgical.
Often, we are able to solve your foot problem without surgery. And even when a more aggressive treatment is required, we frequently can offer a sophisticated, minimally invasive option—as well as ancillary services (like laser therapy) that can be used alongside surgery to minimize any pain and accelerate the healing of cut tissue and surgical wounds.
Are You Looking for a Foot Care Doctor in Austin, TX?
If you are looking for foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.