Deformity Correction
Our providers understand that a deformity of the foot and/or ankle can be debilitating and may result from traumatic injuries caused by an accident, birth defect, or infection.
We provide superior service to adult, children, and adolescent patients of all activity levels. Our physicians effectually diagnose and treat all deformities regarding the foot, ankle, and lower leg along with their associated ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bones.
If you would like to have a foot deformity diagnosed and treated by Drs. Josey and Cullen at Associated Foot & Ankle Specialists, please contact our office to schedule your appointment.
Muscles
Bones
Joints
Ligaments
Deformities We Correct
Bunion Deformity
One of the more common conditions treated by podiatric surgeons is the painful bunion. We perform standard bunion procedures (Austin/Chevron, Scarf, or a variation), and Lapidus bunionectomies.
In an Austin bunionectomy, we remove the excess bone from the bunion, make a v-shaped cut in the bone, and reposition it to straighten the toe.
A SCARF Osteotomy can be performed on painful or severely deformed bunions. It involves shaving the prominent bone and realigning the bones by cutting the metatarsal combined with a repair of the joint capsule and ligaments.
The Lapidus surgical procedure involves fusing the joint between the first metatarsal bone and one of the small bones in your midfoot.
Hallux Limitus/Rigidus (Big Toe Arthritis)
There are a few ways we treat big toe arthritis. The first is called a cheilectomy, which is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a bony lump that occurs above the main joint of the big toe.
If the pain interferes with your life, we can perform a joint preservation toe implant surgery to prevent further damage to the joint while maintaining the patient’s natural motion. This is unlike a traditional toe fusion procedure, which reduces pain but also keeps your toes from bending.
Additionally, we can perform a first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis, which is a surgical procedure where the first metatarsal head is fused to the proximal phalanx of the great toe in order to permanently stiffen the first MTP joint.
Flatfoot
Flatfoot is a condition in which the medial longitudinal arch in the foot has not developed normally, and has lowered or flattened out.
Conservative treatment comprises wearing spacious, comfortable shoes, custom arch supports, or corrective braces/shoes/splints; stretching exercises, or physical therapy; and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine.
Surgery is usually performed once conservative measures have failed. Surgery aims to realign the arch, ensure the heel is in proper alignment with the leg, and ensure the heel cord is a proper length. There are many different procedures to correct flat-footedness.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a contracture (bending) deformity of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth (little) toes. This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develop.
Our podiatrists perform standard hammertoe correction surgeries, which usually involve an external k-wire pin that will hold the correction in place for about 4 weeks after surgery.
Associated Foot & Ankle Specialists also partners with a company that designs hammertoe implants, which are bio-integrative and a great option for an internal implant.
Cavus Foot Correction
Cavus foot is a condition in which the foot has a very high arch. Cavus feet can look different depending on how high the arch is, what is causing the condition and if the condition is causing pain.
There are several treatment options available for people with high arches. What’s best for you depends on a few different factors, including the flexibility of your feet. Treatment for cavus foot includes orthotics; night splints; icing; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and surgery.
Cavus foot surgery may be recommended if conservative treatments fail. Our surgeons may alter soft tissue (such as tendons) or remove bone from certain areas of the foot. In severe cases, joint fusion may be necessary.
Metatarsus Adductus
Metatarsus adductus is a foot deformity characterized by a sharp, inward angle of the front half of the foot. It is thought to occur as a result of the infant’s position inside the uterus where the feet are bent inward at the instep.
Stretching exercises may be recommended in some cases of metatarsus adductus. However, the condition goes away by itself in most children. Treatment with casts or special shoes is occasionally needed.
Surgery is rarely necessary but can be recommended for children aged 4 or older with a severe deformity.
Haglund’s Deformity
Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel. The soft tissue near the Achilles tendon becomes irritated when the bony enlargement rubs against the shoes. This often leads to painful bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac between the tendon and bone).
Nonsurgical treatment of Haglund’s deformity is aimed at reducing the inflammation of the bursa. While these approaches can resolve the pain and inflammation, they will not shrink the bony protrusion. If nonsurgical treatment fails to provide adequate pain relief, surgery may be needed. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the procedure that is best suited to your case.
Do You Have Discolored Thick Toenails?
Clinical studies show that this laser kills toenail fungus and promotes clear nail growth with a single treatment in more than 80% of cases.
Common Foot Issues, Causes & Treatments
Foot and ankle problems can play a huge role in your daily life, and Podiatrists Drs. Sarah Cullen and Drennan Josey know all about the issues that can affect the feet.
Request An Appointment
Call The Office
(843) 852-9444
Fax
(843) 852-9404
Office Location
2097 Henry Tecklenburg Dr. #210 West
Charleston, SC 29414