How to Know If You Need Foot Surgery

The foot is a compilation of 26 bones, 33 joints and all the accompanying muscles and nerves. Foot pain and foot problems are easily noticed, because we put weight on our feet every day. Many foot problems can be treated with self-care, but it's important to know when foot surgery may be the best option.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify the symptoms. This allows you to better understand what you are dealing with. Familydoctor.org's foot problem flow chart (see references section) may assist you in diagnosing the condition and following an appropriate self-care treatment plan.

• 2

  Attempt to alleviate the symptom or problem using self-care options. Often, with the recommendations from your doctor, you will be able to properly treat a foot problem yourself. For example, you may need to simply rest your foot, apply an icepack, use prescribed medication, use a pain- and pressure-alleviating cast or wear special footwear.

• 3

  Consider surgery only after exhausting the more common methods of care. Foot surgery for many cases becomes a more definitive option after the condition is not responsive to self-care or the symptoms become progressively worse with time. Usually, after attempting one or more common methods of care and consulting your doctor, the decision whether to undergo surgery becomes clearer.

• 4

  Gather facts about whether your foot problem is one of the more common reasons for foot surgery. One of the most common types of foot surgery is bunion surgery. As described by Footankle.com, bunion surgery is the process of realigning the big toe that has moved closer to the second toe, causing your metatarsal to jut outward on the inside of your foot. As with other foot problems, bunions may be self-treated before resorting to surgery.

• 5

  Consider the possibility that your foot problem may be a foot fracture. Because the foot has 19 toe bones and metatarsal bones, fracturing one of these small bones is possible. Footphysicians.com explains that if you have pinpoint pain or an isolated area that is bruised and swollen, and it appears the area might be deformed, you may have a fracture.