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Metatarsal Surgery in Bangalore

Metatarsal Surgery

Podiatric Surgery in Bhubaneswar

The human foot is a complex structure, with ten toes, as well as several joints and bones in the feet and ankle that contribute to its function. Among these, the metatarsals are the long bones located in the mid-section of the foot, forming a natural arc. This arc plays a crucial role in weight distribution and maintaining balance. However, with any abnormality in the toe, variation in length (short or long) or orientation (points upwards or downwards) can disrupt the natural arc of the foot, causing uneven pressure across the foot. Such imbalances can cause painful inflammation, stress fractures, bunions, or calluses.

When these toe-related conditions cannot be alleviated through non-surgical methods, Metatarsal Surgery is needed. This surgery is primarily performed to address bunions in the first metatarsal, but it can also help in redistributing the weight across the foot more evenly. Successful Metatarsal Surgery requires the expertise of an experienced podiatrist, who must perform the surgery with the utmost precision, care, and advanced technology to ensure optimal outcomes and restore foot function.

FAQ's

We recommended Metatarsal Surgery in the following cases:

  • Bunion deformities
  • Pain in the bottom or ball of the foot (metatarsalgia)
  • Metatarsal bone fractures

The fifth metatarsal is located at the side of the foot. Most fractures develop at the base of the fifth metatarsus. Although most of these breaks can be treated without surgery, some cases do require surgical intervention.

The symptoms of metatarsal fracture depend upon whether it is due to an acute fracture, sudden injury, or stress fracture. With an acute fracture, you will feel immediate pain at the location of the injury and may even hear an audible crack when the bone breaks. However, in stress fractures, the symptoms are usually mild at first, and you may feel the pain when you perform some activities. Over time, the pain due to a stress fracture can worsen and become persistent.

Most metatarsal fractures show up on X-rays, but stress fractures may not be visible when they first develop as the break in the bone can be too small. If your doctor suspects a stress fracture, they may order further imaging tests, such as CT or MRI, which are much more sensitive than X-rays.

Not all cases of bunion require surgery. You may be advised to undergo surgery in the following cases:

  • If you develop significant foot pain that interferes with your everyday activities and makes it difficult to walk.

  • Chronic inflammation and swelling in the big toe do not improve with rest or medications.

  • If the big toes drift abnormally towards the small toes.

  • If you cannot bend or straighten the big toe.

  • Failure to achieve pain relief with medications or changes in footwear.

Midfoot Fusion is a surgical procedure to permanently fuse the bones in one or more joints in the midfoot. The procedure helps treat joint pain caused by midfoot arthritis or the instability in the foot arch caused by a ligament injury. As the midfoot does not have much mobility, fusing the bones in this area can reduce or eliminate foot pain without compromising your ability to walk or run.

Most of the surgical procedures are performed under nerve block or mild sedation. The surgeon will first remove the damaged cartilage and joint surfaces. The remaining bones are connected to metal plates or screws to hold them together and allow bone growth. Sometimes, a bone graft may be placed in the area to promote healing.

Swelling, bleeding, and bruising are normal after surgery. After surgery, you should keep your foot elevated and ice the area for at least the first two weeks to control swelling and pain. 

A cast or splint is placed around the affected foot to stabilise the foot and promote healing. The patient might have to use crutches for several weeks to keep the weight off the foot and allow it to heal. If excessive weight is borne on the affected feet, it may impact the success of surgery as it causes the bone to shift from its original position and heal incorrectly.

The total duration of the surgery depends on the severity of the damage to your foot. For example, a simple Bunionectomy or Plantar Fasciotomy may take around 20 to 30 minutes, whereas Osteotomy procedures or Midfoot Fusion Surgery take 2 hours to complete.

Physical therapy is crucial for your recovery from surgery, as it reduces swelling, breaks the scar tissue, and regains mobility in your ankles. You may notice your muscles have weakened after surgery; undergoing physical therapy restores your strength. Additionally, it also helps you regain your normal gait and balance.

The metal components can remain in your foot permanently without causing any harm. However, the metals can be removed if they cause discomfort or if the patient prefers them to be removed. For removing the metal components, a small surgery is performed after 6 to 12 months of initial surgery, when the bones have fully healed.

Soon after surgery, the doctors will prescribe the medications required during your recovery period. In addition to medications, you will have to take adequate rest after each day’s activities, elevate your feet when walking or standing, or apply ice when needed.

Depending on your symptoms or the extent of your surgery, you may have to rest your feet for 3 months or longer post-surgery. In the case of metatarsal fractures, you will have to rest your feet for at least six to eight weeks or several months. With appropriate rest and care, you will be slowly able to resume your normal routine without many complications.

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