Ankle replacement surgery is designed to remove damaged ankle joint surfaces and replace them with artificial components to restore movement and reduce pain. It is often needed when severe arthritis or joint degeneration limits mobility and daily function. The surgery involves reshaping the bones and inserting prosthetic parts that allow smoother joint motion. Causes leading to this procedure include advanced arthritis, previous fractures, or chronic joint wear. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and prior ankle injuries. A podiatrist plays an important role by diagnosing joint damage, recommending treatment options, and guiding recovery and rehabilitation. If you have chronic ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM of Total 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 offices located in San Antonio and Uvalde, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and joint damage in the feet, often leading to pain and limited movement. Osteoarthritis, or OA, develops over time as cartilage wears down, causing stiffness and aching that worsens with activity. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune condition that leads to joint swelling, warmth, and deformity as the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals, often creating sudden and intense pain, redness, and swelling in the joints. Each type can affect walking and daily comfort in different ways. A podiatrist can diagnose the specific type, provide imaging, and create a treatment plan to protect joint function and reduce pain. If you are experiencing joint pain in your feet,  it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist for proper evaluation and appropriate relief and management solutions.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM from Total Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in San Antonio and Uvalde, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A hammertoe deformity develops when a toe bends abnormally at the middle joint, causing the toe to curl downward instead of lying flat. The second toe is most commonly affected. Hammertoes can develop from muscle and tendon imbalance, arthritis, or years of wearing tight shoes with a narrow toe box. Symptoms include toe pain, corns, calluses, and discomfort when walking or wearing shoes. Some people also develop pain in the ball of the foot because pressure shifts unevenly across the foot. A podiatrist can diagnose a hammertoe deformity through a foot exam and by checking the joints for signs of arthritis. Treatment includes wearing shoes with a wide toe box, protective toe pads, and custom orthotics to reduce pressure and improve foot alignment. Taping or splinting the toe can help support its position. In more severe cases, surgery can straighten the toe and relieve pain. If you are experiencing pain from a hammertoe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM of Total Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in San Antonio and Uvalde, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus can cause nails to thicken, change color, and become brittle. Treatment depends on how the infection has progressed. In early stages, medicated solutions applied to the nail may be used, as they reach beneath the nail surface to target the fungus. If the fungal toenail progresses, oral medications may be prescribed to fight the infection from the body. These medicines require monitoring due to side effects. In severe cases, part or all of the affected nail may be removed to clear the infection and allow healthier nail growth. A podiatrist can examine the nail, confirm the diagnosis, and determine which approach best fits the severity of the infection. Care plans often include follow-up visits to track progress and reduce the risk of recurrence. If you have symptoms of a toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM of Total Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in San Antonio and Uvalde, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.