Foot pain can often be attributed to a number of conditions, including bunions, hammertoe, metatarsalgia, and neuromas, that require surgical intervention. Bunions are painful bony bumps on the side of the foot, caused by misalignment of the toe joint. Hammertoe, where the toe bends abnormally, results from muscle imbalances, often worsened by tight shoes. Metatarsalgia refers to pain in the ball of the foot, usually from overuse or improper footwear, while a neuroma is a thickening of tissue around nerves in the foot, causing sharp, burning pain. Symptoms for these conditions include pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty walking. Conservative treatments like footwear changes or orthotics can help, but surgery may be needed for severe cases. Surgical options vary, from joint realignment to nerve decompression, depending on the condition. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate surgical or non-surgical treatment for relief. If you are dealing with one of these conditions, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Darren Day, DPM of Hawaii. 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 Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the foot lies completely on the floor while standing barefoot, it may indicate a condition known as pes planus, or flat feet. The gap that is normally found between the arch and floor is nonexistent, which may affect the natural gait. Flat feet can occur from genetic reasons or possibly from an injury. In addition, certain medical conditions may cause flat feet to develop. These include cerebral palsy, diabetes, or obesity, which may affect the nerves. Symptoms typically associated with flat feet include pain in the heel and arch area, foot fatigue, and difficulty stand for long periods. A podiatrist can prescribe custom orthotics for arch support, along with stretches that can help to strengthen the feet. If you have flat feet that are causing problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a exam and treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Calcaneal osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection in the heel that can develop after a puncture wound to the foot. When bacteria enter through a deep wound, they can reach the bone and cause inflammation, pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Early care is vital to prevent serious complications. Cleaning the wound thoroughly, avoiding pressure on the heel, and seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist can reduce the risk of infection. This foot doctor can diagnose the condition through imaging tests and provide treatment that may include antibiotics, wound care, and surgical management, if necessary. If you have sustained a puncture wound on your foot,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide an examination and offer appropriate treatment.

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 Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. 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 offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.