For individuals with severe or painful flat feet that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery can offer significant benefits. Surgical correction aims to restore the natural arch, improve foot alignment, and relieve chronic pain that limits daily activities. By addressing the structural problems directly, surgery can lead to improved gait mechanics and better weight distribution across the foot. This helps reduce stress on the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back, often alleviating associated discomfort in these areas. Surgery also offers the potential for long-term correction, providing greater stability and preventing the progression of deformities. For many patients, successful surgical intervention can mean a return to a more active lifestyle. If you have flat feet that are causing you pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you are under the  care of a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Thomas Vail, DPM of Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 Findlay, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pressure ulcers, also called bedsores, can develop on the feet, heels, or toes when constant pressure or shear forces restrict blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues. This often happens when people are confined to bed, use wheelchairs for long periods, or cannot move certain parts of their body. Shear forces, which occur when the skin moves in one direction while the bone moves in another can stretch or tear small blood vessels. Friction and moisture further weaken the skin, making ulcers more likely to develop. Older adults, people with foot deformities, poor circulation, or diabetes and kidney disease are more prone to developing these ulcers. A podiatrist can evaluate the depth and severity of the pressure ulcer and help manage it through proper wound care, debridement to remove dead tissue, and dressing selection. If you are suffering from painful pressure ulcers, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals in the joints. The big toe is one of the most common locations for a gout attack due to its lower temperature and reduced circulation compared to other areas. Early signs of gout often begin suddenly and may include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected toe. The joint may become extremely tender, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes. These symptoms often appear during the night and can worsen quickly. Gout can be extremely painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you relief, management and prevention tips.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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