46-year-old Susie Schallert has been contending with bunions since she was a teenager. Schallert, who has Down’s Syndrome, must undergo surgery to help correct the deformities in order to continue pursuing her greatest hobby, dancing.
“They’re bad, they’re bad. She has toes on top of toes and bunions that look like golf balls on the sides, and the joints are gone. Can you imagine?” said Susie’s older sister, Patty. The postoperative procedure was successful, as four pins were placed in Susie’s foot. Susie will also be considering having a total joint replacement procedure in her foot.
Bunions themselves are a common problem people face, and can make it difficult for one to walk or move. If you are experiencing toe pain or foot pain that you think might be related to bunions, it is recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist such as Dr. Neal Mozen of Foot Health Care Associates.
When is Foot Surgery Needed?
Foot surgery is usually required in events where regular therapy has proven to be ineffective. Surgeons often use foot surgery as a last resort because of its invasive nature. In many cases physical therapy, medication, rest, exercise, and casts can help to heal a foot injury.
However, sometimes you may need to have surgery done without ever having an injury. Foot surgery can correct a birth defect or deformity or be used for reconstructive purposes. Foot surgery is designed to improve the quality of your feet and to help you return to your daily life.
In extreme cases where the foot cannot be saved, or is beyond repair and is hinders the health of nearby parts of the body, amputation may be a necessary. However the main goal is to save the feet, making such options a last resort.
If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices which are located in Southfield, MI, Livonia, MI, and Novi, MI.  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
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