Titusville Podiatry

Foot Health Care Services

Many people don’t realize how serious foot pain can be until they experience it themselves. Your feet are exercised and strained on a daily basis, and having pain in this area can majorly hamper your productivity. Titusville Area Hospital’s podiatry center offers numerous treatments for injuries and infections that affect the foot. Our medical professionals work closely with patients to provide them with treatment that matches their comfort level, and educates them on how to avoid future problems.

This page describes a few of the treatments offered by the podiatry department.

Bunionectomy

Bunions are abnormal growths in the joint of the big toe consisting of tissue and bone. They continue to grow over time and can be very irritating and painful. The exact cause of bunions are unknown, but some studies suggest wearing tight fitting shoes on a regular basis can contribute to their development.

As bunions grow, they can displace the other toes and cause deformities in the foot. If medication does not take care of the problem, a bunionectomy may be required to remove the growth. The procedure is usually performed on outpatients who are allowed to return home after a few hours of observation. Recovery from the operation takes anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks. It is important to strain the foot so as not to incur infection. If swelling occurs, consult with a physician.

Hammertoe Correction

Hammertoe is the most common deformity that affects the lesser toes. It is characterized by a hammer-shaped bend in the middle of the toe. A mild form of this is common in many people, and the growth is not officially classified as a hammertoe until the joint becomes dislocated.

Hammertoes may be the result of:

• Congenital condition
• Injury
• Prolonged periods of wearing tight shoes
• Arthritis
• Bunion pressure

Hammertoe can make it difficult to walk and increases your chances of developing foot calluses. Surgery is not always required to fix the problem, and many patients may be able to correct it by inserting pads into their shoe that gradually straighten the toe. Stretches and massages can also help.

When the toe becomes unable to move or results in severe pain, surgery may be required. If you notice a bend in the toe, ask your physician about it. Catching hammer toe early is important to prevent it from becoming severe and affecting the other toes.

Ankle Stabilization

Ankle stabilization is used to treat sprains and torn ligaments. These most often result from sports injuries, and those afflicted should take the proper recovery time before returning to the field to avoid permanent damage.

In most cases, a sprained ankle does not require surgery. Safe exercises, knee braces, ice packs, rest, and pain killers are usually enough to get the job done. Have the injury examined by a doctor. Severe sprains may require physical therapy, and if that does not work, surgery will likely be required. In surgery, the doctor reattaches tissue to bone and anchors it in place. A few weeks of rest will be required, but in most cases patients can return home the day of the surgery.