Tuesday, 08 July 2025 00:00

When foot pain does not improve with conservative care, surgery may be considered to restore comfort and function. For those with arthritis, procedures may involve removing damaged tissue, fusing joints to limit painful motion, or replacing the joint entirely. Hammertoe correction often includes straightening the toe by releasing tight tendons or removing part of the bone to improve alignment. In more severe cases, small implants or joint fusion may be used. Heel-related surgeries can address chronic conditions such as heel spurs or plantar fasciitis by removing bony growths or releasing tight tissue that causes strain. Each procedure is selected based on the individual’s condition, level of discomfort, and response to non-surgical treatments. Recovery times and outcomes vary, but many patients experience significant improvement in movement and pain relief. If foot pain from conditions such as arthritis, deformity, or chronic heel issues is interfering with your daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . 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 Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 01 July 2025 00:00

Discomfort on the underside of the foot can come from several sources and may interfere with walking or standing. A common reason is strain on the thick tissue that supports the arch, which can lead to soreness near the heel or through the middle of the foot. This discomfort may be more noticeable when getting out of bed or after long periods of time on your feet. Other possible causes include nerve irritation, added pressure on the front of the foot, or inflammation near the heel. Wearing poor footwear, long hours of standing, or overuse during activity may increase the chances of pain. Without proper care, these symptoms may linger or get worse, over time. If you are noticing ongoing soreness on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

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Sunday, 29 June 2025 00:00

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 00:00

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the lower limbs, particularly the feet and toes. This can cause pain while walking, slower healing of foot wounds, skin discoloration, and a sensation of cold feet. Testing for PAD typically begins with a podiatrist examining the feet for poor circulation, weak pulses, or changes in skin texture. One common diagnostic tool is the ankle-brachial index, which compares blood pressure at the ankle and the arm to assess blood flow. Additional testing, such as Doppler ultrasound, may be used to detect blocked or narrowed arteries in the lower legs. Identifying PAD early is important to help avoid more serious complications, such as infected ulcers or the need for surgery. People with diabetes, high cholesterol, or a history of smoking may be more likely to develop this condition. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnostic testing and suggested treatment.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

  • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
  • Doppler examination
  • Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

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

 

Read more about Vascular Testing in Podiatry

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