Podiatry, or podiatric medicine, is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. Podiatric surgery is performed to treat many foot and/or ankle conditions that have not responded to more conservative treatments, allowing patients to live without foot or ankle pain.
A bunionectomy is performed to reduce the pain and correct the deformity caused by a bunion. Formally called hallux valgus, a bunion is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe or at the base of the little toe.
Arthroplasty is one of the most common podiatric surgeries. In this procedure, the podiatrist removes a tiny piece of the bone from your misshapen joint, making your toe straight by removing the buckling effect. This is usually done in cases of arthritic joint or sometimes joints that are destroyed beyond repair in trauma.
Arthrodesis is a type of fusion used for correction of a severe hammer toe.
Osteotomy is used to correct a deformity in a particular area of the foot. The word “osteotomy” essentially means “bone cut.” This procedure is done away from a joint, thus preserving motion in that area overall.
UnaSource prides itself on providing a warm, welcoming environment for podiatry patients and their families. Such an environment is conducive to improved communications between patients and physicians, helping to make patients feel more secure and comfortable with the overall experience.
