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Best Metatarsal Surgery in Clifton, NJ


Metatarsal pain can severely limit your mobility, making even the simplest movements frustrating. However, rather than allowing it to dictate your life and treatment journey, let it serve as motivation to seek relief and regain your freedom. Imagine freedom from metatarsal concerns and participating in those healthy activities that you enjoy so much. It is staffed by our team of experienced, highly trained researchers who possess specialized knowledge in the latest practices and equip users with state-of-the-art tools to meet personalized goals and health needs.

Do not be a victim of metatarsal pain – do not sit idly and let such conditions hold the reins on your life. We stand by your side, doing all we can with our encompassing strategy. We are reachable at (732)-320-9173; feel free to take your appointment and start the path to a painless existence. Do not let metatarsal problems become a hopeless dream and stand-alone; come to our clinic where our bone specialists will support your return to good health and help you move forward in life again.

Understanding the Metatarsal Bones

The foot contains five structures called the metatarsals that link the ankle to the toes. These bones are equally crucial in helping to offer support and in movements of the body. Metatarsals are bones that run from the ankle to the base of the toes and assist in the spreading of body weight across the feet during activities like walking or running; therefore, proper alignment of metatarsals is crucial as far as balance is concerned. It therefore becomes apparent that any malfunctions with these metatarsals prove quite discomforting and limit one’s functionality when in pain.

Common Conditions Requiring Metatarsal Surgery

1. Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a medical phenomenon that is characterized by pain and inflammation of the tissues overlying the metatarsal heads, typically because of applying pressure on the foot. This outlook can be brought on by high-impact exercises, wearing dubious shoes, or abounded foot structure. Such signs as Stinging, throbbing, or burning sensation in the bottom of the foot especially in the foot known as the footprint or the area beneath the first metatarsal joint.

2. Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

The bunion is a prominence of the first metatarsal bone of the foot, which compels the big toe to move toward the other toes. This misalignment can make it uncomfortable to walk or lead to other challenges associated with the body. Bunions arise because of hereditary traits or excessive putting on shoes with narrow fittings and arthritic complications. The treatment performed is aimed at correcting the position of the bones and the soft structures toward the normal physical appearance of the foot.

 3. Fractures

Fractures involving the metatarsals, whether low impact or stress, can have severe implications on ambulation. Surgery is typically required in case of displaced fracture or failure to make progress in terms of healing after a conservative approach has been tried. Metatarsal fractures can be divided into acute – which means the bones were broken due to a direct impact – and stress – which occurs from gradual wear and tear of the bones over time. Possible interventions include surgical ones, which involve screwing, plating, or pinning to set the damaged part and fix it so that it heals correctly.

4. Hammertoes

Types of deformities include Hammertoes are deformities that occur in the middle joint of the toe and are caused by muscle figures. This condition is painful, may lead to the deformation of the joints, and often requires surgery. It is caused by certain factors such as ill-fitting shoes, trauma, or conditions like arthritis. Surgery can involve excision of part of the toe; however, this is not very common as more often, treatment involves lengthening of the tendon and ligament to align the toe. 

5. Morton’s Neuroma

This condition is characterized by the formation of a lesion at one of the nerves that is associated with the toes, more specifically between the third and fourth metatarsal bones. It results in pain that can be severe and burning, and there is a feeling of an abnormality in the foot. Morton’s neuroma is sensitive to footwear which includes the use of tight shoes as well as participation in activities that involve intense force on the feet.

Depending on the cause of the condition, surgical intervention may involve excision of the nerve that is affected, or the next goal may be to decompress the nerve and release the pressure that has built up around the nerve, which will also release the pain.

The Surgical Process

Preoperative Assessment

In preparation for any metatarsal surgery, our foot surgeon may carry out a series of examinations, including:

  • Medical History: Assessing the general health of the patient and other previous surgeries or any other conditions he/she might have. This assists in early indication of risks as well as in discovering if the particular patient is fit for surgery.
  • Physical Examination: Assessing the types of arches of the foot, the position of the starting line of the big toe, and the painful sites. A surgeon will evaluate the possibility of different movements, the strength of the muscles, and the presence of a deformity with a view of determining how to operate.
  • Imaging Studies: Radiographic options such as X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or Computerized Tomography (CT) scans to obtain detailed images of the first metatarsal bones and the associated structures. It elaborates on the importance of imaging studies that help in determining the severity of the problem and the course of action to be taken during surgical procedures.

Surgical Techniques

There is variation in the precise nature of the operation depending on the disease to be addressed. Common procedures include:

  • Osteotomy: It involves the surgery of the metatarsal bones where the surgeon has to reshape the bones with a view of straightening the deformities such as the bunion. The bones are then positioned properly through screws or plates that may be used in the procedure.
  • Internal Fixation: Using screws, plates, or pins to stabilize fractured bones for proper healing. This technique ensures that the bones remain in the correct position during the healing process.
  • Excision or Decompression: Treating medical conditions that call for excision, including in the treatment of Morton’s Neuroma. This can be either cutting or shaving off the nerve tissue or freeing up the overcrowded structures.
  • Soft Tissue Release: Each of these operations involves cutting or lengthening the tendons and ligaments that control the position of hammertoes or any other soft tissue problems affecting the toes. This procedure aids as a method of rectifying the deformation in the affected toes and enables them to regain their correct position and functionality.

Anesthesia

Metatarsal surgeries are usually local with some levels of sedation, though, general anesthesia may be employed in the most complex surgeries, and as desired by the patient. Local anesthesia brings a descent effect to the region of surgery while sedation ensures the patient is relaxed. Regional and general anesthesia may be especially beneficial for complex operations or if the patient is to be unconscious during the entire process. 

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Immediate Postoperative Care

After the surgery, patients can expect:

  • Pain Management: Drugs to relieve pain because of surgery and inflammation. This can take such oral forms as painkillers, Anti-inflammatories, and on certain occasions, local anesthetics referred to as nerve blocks.
  • Immobilization: It has to be immobilized, that is why wraps, splints, or casts are applied on its lower part to facilitate and guarantee the process of healing. Surgical operations include measures aimed at the immobilization of the operative area, which reduces stress on the bone and other tissues.
  • Elevation: Keeping the foot elevated to minimize swelling. Elevation aids in reducing postoperative edema and discomfort.

Follow-Up Appointments

This cycle entails daily follow-up visits until there is complete skin closure and no need for stitches, or until it is time to suture the wound, and then frequent follow-ups until complete healing occurs. These appointments enable the surgeon to determine some of the signs of operations and confirm that the foot is healing as expected.

Rehabilitation

It has been found that physical therapy is an extremely pivotal component of the overall rehabilitation process. Our specialized rehabilitation program includes:

  • Range of Motion Exercises: To counteract stiffness throughout the muscles of the upper part of the body, although the shoulders are the most affected area. Movements slow down the formation of new hard scar tissues, so gentle movements of the joints are recommended.
  • Strengthening Exercises: To regain muscle strength in the leg and under the foot as well as help to reduce the chances of getting an injury. Therefore, building a strong outer layer also has a protective function concerning potential injuries in the future.
  • Gait Training: As a result of the pre-operative changes in walking patterns to ensure that future accidents do not occur. Gait training is done to enable the patient to work on the right gait patterns that are constructive and avoid developing or incorporating bad gait patterns that may cause other complications.

Why Choose New Jersey Foot Surgeons?

  • Expertise and Experience: Our board-certified foot surgeons operating within our healthcare facilities are well-endowed in performing metatarsal surgeries and have high success rates. As an innovative practice, we are committed to practicing the latest proven surgical procedures and foot care knowledge.
  • Personalized Care: At New Jersey Foot Surgeons, our principal is to liaise with the patient to resolve an issue. The patient’s need is a key factor that dictates treatment procedures and the time taken to administer the treatment. Such care makes it possible for the patient to receive adequate medical attention that suits his or her needs.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: We use a range of leading-edge tools for diagnosing and treating our patients as accurately and efficiently as possible. This is a hospital that boasts advanced imaging, surgical suites, and other features that create comfort and safety for the patients.
  • Comprehensive Postoperative Support: Potential and freedom are once again, with complex rather than simple challenges during the invasive recovery period that doesn’t stop with the surgery. For postoperative care, we use physical therapy together with follow-up appointments and patients’ education to ensure proper foot care in the future. Thus, our goal at Relative Health is to assist patients to ease their way back to their full functional abilities as speedily and as safely as possible.
  • Patient Education: Another important element that highlights our practice is that we make sure the patient knows about their situation, the surgery, and what follows the operation. Education in these topics has made patients more knowledgeable on what to expect and participate actively in their health improvement process. A detailed description of the measures to be taken after the operation, possible adverse reactions, and changes in the diet and other aspects of one’s life for the improvement of further treatment and non-recurrence of the problem are also given here.

Conclusion

Metatarsal surgery is viewed to promise radical improvements in the lives of individuals suffering from prolonged foot pain and deformations. At New Jersey Foot Surgeons, our company promises to provide cutting-edge foot and ankle surgery combined with superior treatment designed to assist those who have lost function and mobility in the foot to regain their ability to live full productive lives. If you experience any issues with the foot or think you have a metatarsal issue, get in touch with us today via phone number (732)-320-9173 and set an appointment.