Taking A Good Look At Podiatry

According to recent WBTW News13 article, many people have problems with their feet. From corns, calluses, bunions, heel spurs, and hammer toes, a Cedars Sinai Medical Center podiatrist is a doctor who treats these problems. Since many of us spend much of our day on foot, whether sitting at the workstation or walking to and from one area to another, our feet become vulnerable to various injuries and conditions, especially if we have other health issues. Foot experts explain how many diabetics face foot problems – they say that if you’re a diabetic and your feet bleed, blister, have pain or swelling, then it’s important to see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

For Foot Conditions That Require Specialized Treatments Like Bunion Surgery, Experts Recommend Seeing A Foot Surgeon

Reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle consists of complex surgical repair(s) that may be necessary to regain function or stability, reduce pain, and/or prevent further deformity or disease. Unfortunately, there are many conditions or diseases that range from trauma to congenital defects that necessitate hammertoe surgery or surgery of the foot and/or ankle. Reconstructive surgery in many of these cases may require any of the following: tendon repair/transfer, fusion of bone, joint implantation, bone grafting, skin or soft tissue repair, tumor excision, amputation and/or the osteotomy of bone (cutting of bones in a precise fashion). Bone screws, pins, wires, staples, and other fixation devices (both internal and external), and casts may be utilized to stabilize and repair bone in reconstructive procedures.

As with anyone facing any surgical procedure, those undergoing foot and ankle surgery require specific tests or examinations before surgery to obtain a successful surgical outcome. Prior to surgery, the podiatric surgeon will review your medical history and medical conditions. Specific diseases, illnesses, allergies, and current medications need to be evaluated. Other tests that help evaluate your health status that may be ordered by the podiatric physician include blood studies, urinalysis, EKG, X-rays, blood flow studies (to better evaluate the circulatory status of the foot/legs), and biomechanical examination.

Surgery of the foot requires close care following surgery. To assure a rapid and uneventful recovery, it is important to follow your podiatric surgeon's advice and postoperative instructions carefully. Rest, ice, compression and elevation of your foot/ankle postoperatively is often advised. The usage of bandages, splints, casts, surgical shoes, crutches, or canes may be necessary after surgery. Your Cedars Sinai foot doctor will also determine if and when you can bear weight on an operated foot.