The goal of bunion surgery is to correct the deformity of the big toe that causes pain and discomfort. The procedure generally involves an incision in the foot near the big toe to access the bunion. The bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves are then realigned to correct the deformity. In some cases, small pieces of bone might be removed, or the bones may be cut and realigned with pins or plates to maintain the correct position. The specific technique used depends on the severity of the bunion and the patient's foot structure. After surgery, the foot is typically bandaged. Patients may need to wear a special boot or shoe to protect the foot and keep it in the correct position during the healing process. Recovery time varies, but it generally involves several weeks of limited movement to allow the foot to heal properly. Follow-up visits with the podiatrist are important to monitor the healing process and begin rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and mobility to the foot. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether bunion surgery is right for you. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 Hoover, and Oneonta, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Fractures of the foot not only affect the bones but can also cause soft tissue damage to the muscles, ligaments, and skin surrounding them. These types of injuries often occur due to high-impact events like falls, sports accidents, or direct blows to the foot. The presence of soft tissue damage can significantly complicate the healing process, as it may lead to increased pain, swelling, and a prolonged recovery period. The treatment for such fractures typically involves more than just addressing the broken bone. It means the soft tissues need to be treated carefully to ensure proper healing. This might include putting the foot in a cast or boot, exercises to restore strength and flexibility, and possibly surgery to repair both the bone and soft tissues. The goal of treatment is to restore as much function as possible while minimizing the risk of long-term complications. Podiatrists can effectively treat foot fractures and soft tissue damage, and it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with this type of doctor if you have endured a foot fracture. 

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

Achilles tendon pain can arise from various causes and often affects the area where the Achilles tendon inserts into the back of the heel. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone, and facilitating activities like walking, running, and jumping. Common causes of Achilles tendon pain include overuse or repetitive strain, resulting in conditions such as Achilles tendinitis or tendinosis. These conditions involve inflammation or degeneration of the tendon due to excessive stress. Acute injuries such as Achilles tendon ruptures can occur from sudden, forceful movements, and are often accompanied by a popping sensation and severe pain. Treatment for Achilles tendon pain typically involves rest, compression, and elevation, in addition to medicine to help reduce pain and inflammation. Stretching exercises and custom-made orthotic devices may be recommended to improve flexibility and strength, which can help to support the Achilles tendon. In severe cases or ruptures, surgery may be necessary to repair the tendon. If you have a painful Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hoover, and Oneonta, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stress fractures in the foot are tiny cracks in the bone that happen when your feet are overworked. Unlike regular fractures that occur from a single, severe impact, stress fractures result from repetitive force over time, like running long distances or jumping repeatedly. Athletes and people who dramatically increase physical activity without proper training are more likely to develop stress fractures. After muscles are pushed to a certain point, they become fatigued and place extra stress to the bones, leading to these small cracks. Poor footwear, uneven surfaces, and weak bones from conditions like osteoporosis can increase the risk of developing stress fractures. Pain with stress fractures in the foot often worsens over time and may be experienced as a dull achy feeling. If you have sustained a stress fracture in the foot, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist promptly for treatment. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Incorporating stretches into your daily routine can significantly enhance the health of your feet and legs, potentially mitigating aches and the risk of injury. For example, the seated calf stretch targets the muscles at the back of your lower leg, pivotal for walking and maintaining balance. To perform this stretch, sit with your legs extended forward and a towel looped around the foot's ball. Gently pull on the towel ends, drawing your toes towards you, feeling a deliberate stretch along your calf muscles. Another beneficial stretch, the toe spread, focuses on the intrinsic muscles of your feet, which support your arches and improve toe dexterity. While seated, place your feet flat on the ground and attempt to spread your toes apart without moving your feet, holding the position to enhance muscle strength and flexibility. Bring the toes back together, and repeat this exercise several times. Lastly, the standing calf stretch is performed by placing your hands on a wall and putting one foot behind the other. Gently leaning forward while keeping the back heel on the ground stretches both the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon. If you’re experiencing pain or aches in the feet, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist to diagnose any potential problems and get more information about beneficial stretches for the feet. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our practitioner to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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