Podiatry at Southern Indiana Surgery Center (SISC)
Podiatry at Southern Indiana Surgery Center (SISC) is dedicated to providing safe surgery of all major foot and ankle disorders.
Arthritis
Bunions
Foot Deformities
Hammer Toe
Heel and Arch Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Achilles Tendinitis
Injuries, Breaks, and Sprains
Neuromas
Skin and Nail Condition
Podiatrists at Southern Indiana Surgery Center (SISC)
Jordan Gardner, DPM
Podiatry
Podiatric Surgery
Podiatric surgery is performed at Southern Indiana Surgery Center (SISC) to treat a wide range of foot and ankle problems that have not responded to initial conservative treatments. Our podiatric surgeons routinely perform surgical procedures to ensure proper and pain-free function of the feet, ankles, and involved lower extremities which can be affected by injuries, diseases, and other medical conditions. The SISC podiatric surgeons specialize and focus on not only the bones, soft tissue, and joints of the feet and ankles, but also any dermatological and biomechanical aspects of the condition being treated.
Common Podiatric Surgeries Performed at SISC
Bunion surgery: Bunionectomy is a surgical procedure in which swollen tissue causing deformity around the big toe is removed to alleviate pain. Part of the bone in the big toe may need to be removed to straighten the toe and correct its alignment. In severe cases, metal plates and/or screws may be utilized to replace or repair the damaged joint. Local anesthesia or IV sedation is typically used.
Hammertoe surgery: Hammertoe is a condition in which one or more toes become crooked, contracted, or deviated causing swelling, pain, stiffness, and redness to the affected digits. Hammertoe is typically caused by muscle imbalance but can be aggravated by ill-fitted or tight footwear. Surgical procedures to correct hammertoe include:
- Tendon transfer: Surgical redirection of the tendons from the bottom of the affected toe to the top in order to straighten the toe
- Joint resection: Removal of a small section of bone of the affected toe joint using a procedure called arthroplasty
- Fusion: The ends of the two bones forming the toe joint are cut, and a procedure called arthrodesis is utilized which allows the bones to heal into a fusion
Plantar fasciotomy: When plantar fasciitis is unresponsive to conservative treatment, an endoscopic procedure can be performed to release the tension on the plantar ligament by detaching the fascia (connective tissue which covers the muscles) from the heel bone. In some cases, open plantar fasciotomy may be a more appropriate procedure for the condition.
Cheilectomy: Joint arthritis in the big toe (hallux rigidus) may require surgery to alleviate pain and restore joint motion. Cheilectomy involves removal of the bone spurs which typically present on top of the big toe joint causing pain and immobility.
Neuroma surgery: Swollen nerves (usually in the heel or ball of the foot) can cause tissue thickening, pain, burning, numbness, or tingling. Neuromas can be caused by wearing high heels or tight shoes or by injury or trauma. The most common type is Morton’s neuroma which develops between the third and fourth toes, more commonly in women due to footwear. If orthotic inserts, cortisone injections, and other conservative treatments are unsuccessful, surgical options include:
- Decompression surgery: Relief of pressure on the nerve by cutting ligaments or other nearby structures
- Nerve removal: The thickened nerve can be removed but can result in some permanent numbness in the toes involved
Achilles tendon repair: A torn (ruptured) Achilles tendon often requires surgery to sew the tendon back together since blood flow in this area is limited and natural healing can be lengthy and susceptible to reinjury. Surgical options include:
- Percutaneous Achilles tendon repair: The tendon is sewed together through small incisions
- Open Achilles tendon repair: Traditional open surgical procedure in which the repair is performed through one large incision in the back of the leg
Ingrown toenail surgery: Ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) that are left untreated can require surgery to remove part or all of the nail on the affected toe (typically the big toe). During ingrown toenail surgery, the toe is numbed with an anesthetic injection and your surgeon separates the nail from the nailbed to remove the portion of the nail that is ingrown (or the entire nail if the condition warrants).
Ankle arthroscopy: Arthritis or injury to the ankle may require an ankle arthroscopy to evaluate and/or repair the condition. Your podiatric surgeon can remove scar tissue or debris, repair damaged ligaments or cartilage, shave down bone spurs, as well as treat tendonitis and other conditions affecting the ankle. Arthroscopy is performed through several small incisions and allows for faster recovery and minimal scarring.
Many podiatric surgeries require immobilization of the foot during your recovery period. Your surgeon will advise you on your postoperative care including any physical therapy to aid in the healing process. The podiatric surgeons at SISC are committed to providing the highest quality, state-of-the-art treatments to all our patients.
Disclaimer: These pages are not intended to provide medical or surgical advice or physician instruction on medical care or treatment. If you are a patient, consult with your doctor about treatment options that may be appropriate for your medical condition.