FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALIST
ORANGE COUNTY
Perhaps not surprisingly, most foot and ankle issues result from a deformity or functional abnormality.
Deformities of the foot or ankle can be present at birth in some people. In others, deformities can come on suddenly as the result of a traumatic injury, or they can develop over time, as is the case with bunions and hammertoes and arthritis. When pain or other symptoms do not accompany the deformity, there may be no treatment necessary. However, when there is pain, gait or balance issues, or significant limb-length discrepancies, then correctional procedures may be indicated to relieve the symptoms and to reduce the risk of further damage or long-term problems. Schedule an appointment with the top-rated foot and ankle specialist Orange County has to offer to see what’s best for you.
Foot & Ankle Deformity Treatment
From person to person, your foot is as unique as you are. Some are big, some are small, some are narrow, and some are wide. The list of each foot’s distinguishing features is endless. The great news is that every single joint in the foot and ankle is supposed to allow for specific and pain-free movement – even if it doesn’t feel that way now. Our foot and ankle specialist in Orange County believe the treatment for what ails your feet should be as precisely tailored to your specific circumstances and foot characteristics as possible. And while we don’t take a “one size fits all” approach to treating foot and ankle deformities, there are some procedures that stand out in successfully correcting these issues and restoring our patients to the foot health they deserve.
External Fixation: In foot and ankle deformity situations where skin or muscles are also injured, external fixation may be necessary. External fixation involves stabilizing and setting bones in their proper position from the outside of the body. During these procedures, the surgeon will place small incisions in the skin and place pins and screws attached to a bar on the outside of the skin. In many cases, external fixation can be a useful temporary solution while a patient prepares for a more permanent surgery to internally fix the problem.
Internal Fixation: Internal fixation involves surgery to stabilize and heal, or “set” broken bones (a broken ankle, for example), from the “inside.” In many cases, internal fixation is achieved through the surgical placement of implants, screws or plates made of solid and body-compatible metals like titanium or steel and designed to hold the two fractured pieces of bone together.
Limb Lengthening: As its name would suggest, a limb lengthening procedure is indicated when a foot or ankle deformity may have resulted in a limb length discrepancy. Limb lengthening can be performed either as an external fixation procedure (a device that attaches to the bone via pins or wires) or an internal fixation procedure (through the use of special internally placed lengthening nails.)
If you or someone you know is looking for an OC foot and ankle specialist, contact us today. With a breadth of experience in the treatment of foot and ankle deformity, Dr. Haupt and his expert team are here to help.
