The Foot & Ankle Center of Dallas prides itself with a conservative approach to all types of foot and ankle conditions. Often times some of the some of the most painful daily conditions can be resolved with just one visit. Here are just some of treatments we offer for the most commonly encountered foot and ankle conditions:
Plantar Fasciitis
As with any other medical conditions, the simplest remedies are typically the first treatments tried. These include:
- Over-the-counter pain medications and anti-inflammatories
- Exercises that stretch the toes and calves
- Purchase of more supportive shoes
- Wearing orthotics (shoe inserts)
If these preliminary treatments don't work, the doctor may advise the wearing of night splints or the administration of corticosteroid injections directly into the site. While most patients find relief within several days or weeks, some will not experience complete recovery for many months. If recovery doesn't occur after 6 to 12 months, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Dr. Lampe also offers Shockwave therapy as a conservative (non pharmaceutical) approach to heel pain. Call today for more details on treatment protocol.
Ingrown Toenails
The doctor may place a piece of cotton under the nail to separate it from the skin that it is growing into, encouraging growth above the edge of the skin. For more severe or recurrent cases, part of the nail and the underlying tissue may have to be removed in order to remove the infection. Removal of an ingrown toenail may be partial or complete and is performed under local anesthetic. The procedure is commonly done with a chemical cauterization of nail bed to prevent returning symptoms.
Patients can prevent ingrown toenails by protecting their feet from trauma, using extreme care when cutting their toenails, and by wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Patients with diabetes and other underlying conditions that put them at greater risk for infection or complications should take special precautions and visit a podiatrist at regular intervals.
Neuroma
Medical interventions include nerve-blocking medications and corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. Great success is also had with shockwave therapy which is performed in office. Physical therapy and custom-made orthotics will also help to correct abnormal metatarsal movement.
If none of these more conservative treatments relieves the symptoms, a surgical procedure may be required. One minimally invasive procedure sometimes used is cryogenic neuroablation. Exposing the nerve to freezing temperatures can disrupt the transmission of pain signals from the nerve, but it is a temporary solution. Another option is decompression surgery, in which the structure pinching the nerve, often a ligament, is removed.
In some cases, relief will only be provided by a procedure to remove the thickened nerve tissue itself. If the nerve is permanently damaged, it can be removed, either through chemical destruction or surgical excision.
