Podiatrists can try several treatments to correct foot problems, but foot reconstruction surgery is often the best way to resolve more serious issues that affect the feet. If you're wondering whether foot reconstruction surgery is the best treatment for you, a podiatrist can let you know if you're a good candidate for one of these procedures. Your podiatrist may recommend foot reconstruction surgery if you suffer from any of the following conditions.

Congenital Foot Conditions

Some people are born with foot conditions that can only be resolved with foot reconstruction surgery. Being born with a cleft foot or a condition known as clubfoot can affect people's ability to walk, and foot reconstruction surgery is often the suggested treatment. If your feet have high arches or the arches are abnormally low and flat (flatfeet), surgery may be recommended if conservative treatments haven't corrected the condition or reduced the chronic pain that sometimes comes with having either of these conditions.

Deformities from Foot Injuries

Traumatic injuries can cause structural abnormalities of the feet, and a foot reconstruction procedure can help restore the bones, muscles, and other foot structures that may have been affected. If you have a foot injury, your podiatrist will assess the degree of foot damage to determine if foot reconstruction surgery will be the best treatment.

Hammertoe 

Hammertoe surgery is one of the most common foot reconstruction procedures that can straighten abnormal bends in one or more toe bone joints. This surgery often works well for reshaping the toes so that normal shoes can be worn again without pain or other difficulties. You'll also likely be able to move your toes easier and partake in more physical activities after hammertoe foot reconstruction surgery has been performed.

Bunions

If a bunion has left a protruding enlargement around the big toe or pinky toe, foot reconstruction surgery can be done to remove the bunion. The enlarged bone portion will be taken out and the ligaments, tendons, and muscles will be aligned in a way that promotes proper foot functioning. during surgery. Reconstruction surgery can also help return the feet to their normal, attractive shapes when the bunions are removed.

Cysts or Tumors

Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, as well as tumors, which are solid masses that may or may not be cancerous, can also cause foot problems that only foot reconstruction surgery can address. These growths can misshapen the feet and cause difficulties with walking and wearing shoes. The goal of surgery will be to remove the cyst or tumor while leaving as much of the rest of the foot intact as possible.

Many factors will be weighed when deciding if foot reconstruction surgery is right for you. If a podiatrist believes that foot reconstruction surgery will be your best option, you'll receive more information about what a foot reconstruction procedure involves so that you can feel more confident in your decision to proceed with treatment.