Podiatrist on Long Island

Knowing you’re on the verge of a surgical procedure can undoubtedly take a toll on your mental stress, but the potential long-term relief for a constant problem is too ideal to pass up. Several patients are wary of surgery because they’re aware of the elongated recovery process. But if you’ve taken the necessary preparations before hopping on the operating chair, your recovery process could be expedited. For example, metatarsal surgery treats the weight bearing portions on a person’s foot. At Foot And Ankle Surgeons Of New York, a podiatrist on Long Island, we are trained to treat several foot-related complications you have been experiencing. After undergoing evaluation, your doctor may recommend this procedure for your discomfort.

Structurally, the metatarsal is composed of five bones in the foot. You can find them behind each toe, as they are the long bones in the foot. Typically, metatarsal surgery is recommended for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Bunion Deformity
• Tailor’s Bunion Deformity
• Painful Calluses (Found on the bottom of the foot)
• Ulcerations (that have not been healing)
• Fractures
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Operation

Depending upon which complication you’re dealing with, different methods could be utilized for metatarsal foot surgery. For example, calluses that are causing pain will need to be removed in conjunction with the operation. Essentially, the procedure involves the cutting of the metatarsal bone itself. During this process, the bone can be sliced all the way through; then it is elevated and held into its correct position through the assistance of a device (metal pin or screw). Patients will need to wait for a decent amount of time before your surgeon can remove the pin. Pressure will need to be withheld from the foot, likely through the assistance of crutches and other devices. Once this process is completed, your surgeon can remove the pin in a follow-up visit and the recovery stages will begin to take place.   

Before Surgery

Before the operation, patients may look to visit a physical therapist. This will give them the opportunity to learn about the equipment they may need to use after surgery and can improve strength in the foot. It’s also recommended that patients abstain from eating or chewing gum after midnight on the day of their operation. This is an essential step because the anesthesia will likely not work as effectively on a full stomach.

The Day of Surgery

Patients should arrive at the hospital wearing baggy, comfortable clothes. The foot and leg should be easily accessible, so no elastic on the bottom of the pants would be preferred. At Foot And Ankle Surgeons Of New York, a podiatrist on Long Island, we ensure all of our clients are entirely comfortable with the procedures going to take place on the day of surgery.

After The Surgery

The days following your metatarsal surgery you might experience some uncomfortable symptoms such as swelling, bruising, leakage, and fevers. Although these might be alarming to experience, they are entirely normal. Depending on the severity of the operation, you will have to make accommodations to the foot that was operated on. Keeping pressure off of the recently operated area is crucial for a quick and full healing process.

If you’re considering a metatarsal surgery, you’ll want to visit a foot and ankle surgeon that is trusted and well experienced. Foot And Ankle Surgeons Of New York is a podiatrist on Long Island that has well-trained specialists working for their team. Please contact them today if you’re searching for relief of any foot/ankle problems you are experiencing.

Metatarsal Foot Surgery Recovery

As previously stated, failing to receive proper treatment for metatarsal injuries can lead to some devastating results. Fractures and breaks can commonly affect these bones, and the recovery process for this should not be taken lightly. If our team suggests foot surgery in Hicksville following a metatarsal injury, we highly recommend going through with the procedure. Failure to undergo proper treatment can cause any of the below issues:

• The development of a bony deformity.
• Arthritis.
• Misalignment within the structure of the foot.
• The onset of chronic pain.
• Limited functionality of the foot.

The Benefits Of Metatarsal Surgery

Although we do our best to provide alternative treatment options, surgery is sometimes the only option when it comes to metatarsal injuries. Patients who find themselves in this scenario can reap a fair amount of benefits from engaging in this procedure. Examples of the benefits of undergoing metatarsal foot surgery can include the following:

• Realigning any fracture or break.
• Preventing any future complications from taking place.
• Decreasing the time spent dealing with an injury.
• Restoring foot functionality to pre-injury levels.

How Long Does it Take For a Metatarsal Bone to Heal?

Metatarsal bones are the long bones that are in your foot that connects your ankle to your toes. This bone is significant because it helps you maintain your balance while you’re walking and or standing. Many times people who break or fracture this bone in the body are quick and sudden movements. These injuries are common among dancers because they’re always jumping and moving around. 

Metatarsal bones usually break, from a falling heavy object, a sudden twisting injury, or getting your foot caught in something while the body continues to move. Occasionally the bone can break from a stress injury due to overuse, such as suddenly increasing running distance while training for a marathon. This causes a lot of pressure to be placed on their joints. Suppose you’re someone who is battling with a Metatarsal injury Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York can help you recover. For more information about this injury, please contact us today to see how we can help!

How Long Does it Take to Heal?

Depending on your injury, your Metatarsal can heal anywhere between six to several months. Each person is different in the way that they heal because some can heal much faster than others. It is based on taking extreme precautions while recovering from this injury to not reinjury yourself once again. Please ensure that you’re following your rehabilitation plan to prevent further damage and improve your function. Completing the exercises is essential to prevent your foot and ankle from becoming stiff. It’s crucial to keep your foot moving so that it can regain its mobility and the full range of motion back in control. 

Best Exercises to Do!

If you’re dealing with a metatarsal injury, here are some of the best exercises that you can do to help regain its strength and mobility back:

• Marble Pick-ups- Place marbles on the floor, slowly pick them up one at a time and place them in a bowl. It will help your entire foot and ankle gather up strength and repeat daily. Repeat this exercise about eight to ten times to help your recovery.
• Calf Wall Stretch- Standing in an upright position, place both hands on the wall and keep the affected leg straight while the other leg is directly right behind, and in the back of your leg, you should feel a long stretch and directly into your heel. Hold for about 30 seconds.
• Golf Ball Roll- Place a golf ball on the floor, and begin to roll your foot back and forth into the desired area. Perform this exercise for about 2 minutes and repeat it daily.
• Towel Scrunches- Sit in a chair with a towel beneath your feet, and scrunch the towel towards your toes. Afterward, push back the towel into place. Repeat about eight to ten times to complete the set.

Metatarsal bones are the long bones that are in your foot that connect your ankle to your toes. This bone is significant because it helps you maintain your balance while you’re walking and or standing. Each person is different in the way that they heal because some can heal much faster than others. If you’re battling with a Metatarsal injury, Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York can help you recover. For more information about this injury, please contact us today to see how we can help!