Surgery on the foot, ankle, or lower leg is usually performed by podiatric surgeons and orthopedic surgeons specializing in the foot and ankle.

Foot and ankle surgeries address a wide variety of foot problems, including:

• Sprains and fractures
• Arthritis and joint disease
• Benign and malignant tumors
• Birth deformities
• Bunions
• Calluses and warts
• Corns and hammertoes
• Flatfeet
• Heel or toe spurs
• Neuromas (nerve tumors)

Many foot and ankle surgeries today can be performed in the doctor’s office or a surgical center on an outpatient basis. They frequently can be performed using local anesthesia, in some cases combined with sedation. Most foot surgeries require a period of immobilization after the procedures with protective devices, such as bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, or open sandals. Limited weight bearing, elevating and icing the foot, and keeping the area dry are commonly required for the first two weeks following surgery until sutures are removed. Most surgeons will encourage post-operative exercise of the foot and legs to speed recovery. In addition, many patients need additional therapy or treatments after surgery in order to aid in the healing and recovery process. These may include physiotherapy, orthotic devices, and special footwear. After sufficient healing time, which varies from procedure to procedure, most patients can resume wearing their usual footwear.

When most people hear CAT scan or CT scan, they think of a scan of the brain. And it is true, CAT scans are often used in diagnosing and evaluating head injuries, brain diseases, and brain tumors.

However, CAT scans are used for much more than head injuries and problems. CAT scans can be used on other parts of the body, such as the feet and ankles, to help in diagnosing and treating pain and other problems.

CAT scans provide more information to a doctor than a regular x-ray because with a CAT scan, you get an image that is three-dimensional, which makes it easier to diagnose some problems.

CAT scans can be used in diagnosing problems in the feet and ankles, such as:

• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Tumors
• Infections
• Deformities
• Flat feet

And the list goes on. Not everyone should get a CAT scan, however. Pregnant women are advised against having them done.

If you are having foot or ankle pain and would like to have it evaluated by a podiatrist, you can contact our office at 615-220-8788 or at our toll-free number 888-713-0906. You can also request an appointment online.