Foot surgery may be recommended when pain, injury, or a structural problem makes everyday movement difficult. Surgery is usually considered after other treatments have not provided enough relief, or when a condition needs correction to protect long-term foot function. Common reasons include severe arthritis, fractures, and chronic wounds. Symptoms that may point toward surgery include ongoing pain, swelling, or stiffness. Trouble walking may also develop. Risk factors can include repeated stress, previous injury, or arthritis. Diabetes and structural problems may also increase risk.

The type of foot surgery depends on the condition and the goal of treatment. Fusion, also called arthrodesis, joins two bones at a joint so they heal as one stable bone. It may be used for painful arthritis or severe joint damage. Debridement removes damaged, infected, or unhealthy tissue from a wound or affected area. This can help clear infection and support healthy tissue growth. An osteotomy involves carefully cutting and repositioning a bone to improve alignment.

Before surgery, a podiatrist evaluates your symptoms, medical history, and imaging results. The podiatrist may recommend X-rays or other imaging tests to understand the problem clearly. Your podiatrist may also discuss activity goals, footwear needs, and realistic expectations before recommending the appropriate procedure. During treatment, the surgical approach is planned around the affected bone, joint, or soft tissue. After surgery, healing may involve protecting the foot, managing swelling, and following weight-bearing instructions. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing and address concerns early.

Foot surgery can sound intimidating, but understanding the reason for surgery and the treatment plan can make the process easier. If you have a foot condition that may require surgery,  it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this is the correct choice for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Daniel Mendoza, DPM of Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hendersonville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe, also called a toe fracture, occurs when one of the bones in a toe develops a crack or complete break. Fractures can happen from sudden force or repeated stress. A broken toe may cause pain, swelling, or bruising. Tenderness, or difficulty walking, can also occur. Some fractures are obvious, while smaller cracks may be mistaken for a sprain. Prompt evaluation can help determine the injury and guide appropriate treatment, especially when pain continues or the toe looks abnormal.

One common cause is a crushing injury, such as dropping a heavy object on the foot or having the toe caught under something. Another frequent cause is stubbing the toe forcefully against furniture, a doorway, or another hard surface. Sports injuries, falls, and accidental impacts can also fracture toe bones. Risk may increase with activities involving repeated foot stress or conditions that weaken bone strength.

Any toe can break, although the big toe and smaller toes can be injured in different ways. A big toe fracture may affect balance and walking because the toe carries important weight during movement. Smaller toe fractures often cause localized pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. A podiatrist evaluates the toe, checks circulation and sensation, and may order X-rays to determine the fracture location and severity.

Treatment depends on the type and position of the fracture. A podiatrist may protect the toe with taping, supportive footwear, or another appropriate method. The foot doctor may also recommend activity changes and follow-up visits to monitor healing. More serious fractures may require additional treatment to restore alignment. Following instructions can reduce complications and support recovery. Early podiatric care can help prevent unnecessary pain and delayed healing. If you have a broken toe or persistent foot pain after an injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Daniel Mendoza, DPM from Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hendersonville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A tailor’s bunion is a bony prominence that develops along the outside edge of the foot near the base of the little toe. Commonly called a bunionette, it forms when the fifth metatarsal bone shifts outward as the little toe angles inward. Symptoms include a bump, tenderness, and pain when wearing narrow shoes. People may develop thickened skin or irritation over the area. Although a tailor’s bunion is not usually dangerous, discomfort can interfere with walking and activities.

Several factors can contribute to a tailor’s bunion. Genetics may influence foot structure, making some people more likely to develop abnormal toe bones or changes in alignment. Flat feet can alter how pressure moves through the foot and may increase stress along the forefoot. Other foot and ankle conditions can also affect alignment and contribute to bunionette formation. Tight or pointed shoes may worsen pressure around the little toe. Risk factors include inherited foot structure, flat feet, and repeated stress from activities that place pressure on the forefoot.

A podiatrist begins treatment by examining the foot and reviewing symptoms, footwear, and history. X-rays may be recommended to evaluate bone position and joint alignment. Treatment often starts with wearing wider shoes that provide adequate toe room. Additionally, padding can protect the bump from friction, while orthotics may help improve pressure distribution. A podiatrist may also recommend medication to reduce discomfort. If pain remains despite conservative care, surgery may be considered to realign the affected bone and improve function.

Understanding the cause of a tailor’s bunion can make treatment more effective. Early care may reduce irritation and prevent symptoms from becoming limiting. If you have a painful tailor’s bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief, treatment, and management solutions. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Daniel Mendoza, DPM of Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hendersonville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the foot of someone with diabetes. High blood sugar can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, making injuries harder to notice and take longer to heal. Symptoms  include redness, swelling, or an open wound. Some ulcers may cause little pain because diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensation. Early treatment is important because untreated ulcers can become infected and may lead to serious complications.

Common causes include repeated pressure, friction, minor injuries, and reduced sensation. Risk factors include diabetes, previous ulcers, and difficulty controlling blood sugar. A podiatrist may examine the ulcer, check circulation and sensation, and look for infection. Initial treatment may involve cleaning and dressing the wound, removing unhealthy tissue when appropriate, and reducing pressure. Treatment is tailored to the ulcer and the patient.

Offloading pressure is an important part of diabetic foot ulcer treatment. A total contact cast is a specialized cast that distributes pressure across the foot and lower leg while limiting weight-bearing stress on the ulcer. It can be especially useful for certain plantar ulcers when appropriate. Removable cast walkers are another option. They protect the foot while allowing the device to be removed for wound care and inspection. A podiatrist will determine which approach is safest, based on wound location and severity.

Regular follow-up helps monitor healing and reduce complications. A podiatrist may change dressings, reassess the wound, and recommend footwear that protects the foot after healing. Patients should also inspect their feet daily and avoid walking barefoot. Any new redness, drainage, or skin breakdown should receive prompt attention. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Daniel Mendoza, DPM from Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Hendersonville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.