Our feet are prone to injuries, and most often they can be treated with rest and medication. But a rare foot condition may complicate things. More often than not, the podiatrist may give conservative treatment for rare foot conditions – surgery may not be a necessity.

Here, we take a look at the need for surgery in some rare foot conditions.

Algodystrophy

Algodystrophy is a rare disease that affects the limbs, namely the arms, hands, legs, and feet. It affects adults after a trauma or injury and can continue for months before disappearing as quickly as it began. It causes a stabbing sensation in the affected part of the foot, making mobility difficult. The discomfort may be present with alternating burning and cold sensations

Treatment with foot orthoses and physical therapy can help restore balance and stability to the feet and lower limbs. This prevents stiffness and abnormal alignment from affecting the foot and lowers the risk of further complications.

Surgery may not be needed for this rare foot condition.

Tarsal Coalition

Tarsal coalition manifests as a hard or partially rigid connection between two bones where there should have been soft tissue that allows the joint to move. Though it is a genetic condition, the pain and discomfort may not show up until later in life. The foot becomes stiffer with time and less mobile, and therefore, the surrounding joints have to exert more pressure to compensate, which can cause early wear and tear and osteoarthritis.

Physical therapy, medication, and orthopedic shoes can help to an extent.

In certain situations, surgery may be needed.