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Portland Foot and Ankle

(503) 244-7894

Battle Ground Foot and Ankle

(360) 687-3668

Vancouver Foot and Ankle East

(360) 834-3707

Vancouver Foot and Ankle West

(360) 597-4223

Metatarsal Surgery

Metatarsal surgery is a medical intervention to address a spectrum of foot conditions affecting the metatarsal bones. In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of metatarsal surgery, exploring the conditions that may necessitate it, the surgical procedures involved, and the journey of recovery and rehabilitation.

Understanding Metatarsal Issues

Metatarsal issues encompass a range of conditions, from fractures and deformities to inflammatory conditions. We'll provide an in-depth look at common metatarsal problems and how they impact daily life.

Indications for Metatarsal Surgery

  1. Metatarsal Fractures: Exploring the circumstances under which fractures may occur, including stress fractures, traumatic injuries, and overuse.
  2. Bunions and Hammertoes: Discuss how these deformities may lead to metatarsal surgery, focusing on the realignment of bones to alleviate pain and improve function.

Types of Metatarsal Surgery

  1. Osteotomy: Detailing the surgical procedure involving the cutting and reshaping of bones to correct misalignments and deformities.
  2. Arthrodesis: Explaining the fusion of metatarsal joints to address severe conditions like arthritis and stabilize the foot.

Surgical Techniques and Approaches

  1. Minimally Invasive Surgery: Discuss the benefits of minimally invasive techniques, including smaller incisions, reduced scarring, and quicker recovery times.
  2. Open Surgery: Exploring instances where open surgery is necessary, allowing surgeons greater access to the affected area.

Preparing for Metatarsal Surgery

  1. Diagnostic Procedures: Detailing the diagnostic tests, including X-rays and MRIs, that help surgeons assess the extent of metatarsal issues.
  2. Preoperative Instructions: Offering insights into what patients can expect before surgery, including fasting requirements and medication adjustments.

The Surgical Process

  1. Anesthesia and Incision: Explaining how patients are prepared for surgery, the types of anesthesia used, and the location and size of incisions.
  2. Bone Realignment and Stabilization: Detailing the specific steps to correct metatarsal issues during surgery.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

  1. Pain Management: Discuss strategies for managing postoperative pain, including medications and non-pharmacological approaches.
  2. Weight-Bearing Instructions: Outlining when and how patients can gradually resume weight-bearing activities following surgery.

Potential Complications and Risks

  1. Infection and Swelling: Addressing common complications associated with metatarsal surgery and how they are managed.
  2. Delayed Healing: Exploring factors that may contribute to delayed healing and strategies to promote a swifter recovery.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

  1. Range of Motion Exercises: Highlighting exercises designed to restore flexibility and mobility in the foot.
  2. Gradual Return to Activities: Discuss the structured approach to reintroducing physical activities to prevent re-injury.

Conclusion

In conclusion, metatarsal surgery is a transformative journey toward improved foot health and overall well-being. Individuals can confidently approach metatarsal surgery by understanding the nuances of the surgical process, potential risks, and the steps involved in recovery. Our commitment to comprehensive information empowers readers to make informed decisions about their foot health, ensuring each step taken is one of comfort, stability, and a pain-free future.

Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither Northwest Podiatrists, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (360) 597-4223.

Our Locations


Vancouver Foot and Ankle West


Vancouver Foot and Ankle East


Battle Ground Foot and Ankle


Portland Foot and Ankle


Hours of Operation

Vancouver Foot And Ankle West

Monday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Vancouver Foot and Ankle East

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-12:00pm (Alternating Saturday)

Sunday:

Closed

Battle Ground Foot and Ankle

Monday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

(Alternating Monday)

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Portland Foot and Ankle

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

  • "My 3rd and 4th toes on the right foot were so painful to walk for about 5 years or so. Dr Belnap clipped the tendons in the toes and clipped the nails of both feet on follow up appointments, and now I can walk without pain. I wish I had known of this procedure sooner and will surely recommend this office to friends!

    Side note: I know there has been discussion on getting access to all the x-rays from every location. Is that going to be possible in the future? It would be very helpful for surgical planning, as it is always a good idea to have a copy of the x-rays in the operating room for surgical planning purposes. The other solution I could think of is printing off the x-rays on surgical patients and scanning them into their charts as a document, so you can access them from anywhere.

    Thanks for all your help!!"
    Nancy P.
  • "Dr Belnap is very professional. He helped with my foot pain. He corrected my issues and I was pain-free by the first follow up visit!"
    Dennis B.
  • "I came to Dr Hayes from a personal referral. He has done surgery on both of my feet for bunions. It has helped me to live my busy lifestyle. I have highly recommended him to my friends"
    Susan N.