Come in for a FREE Seminar on Permanent Surgical Weight Loss

Posted on March 28, 2013 by mhaiavy (Last updated on March 21, 2014)

Come in for a Free Seminar on How to Achieve Permanent Weight Loss, Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 11-12pm.  Dr. Joseph Naim will present on all options of permanent weight loss surgery in an informal gathering.  Dr. Naim is double board certified in General Surgery and Bariatric Surgery with fellowship training in weight loss surgery.  He has performed thousands of weight loss surgeries with minimal complications.  You will learn about weight loss options such as Lap Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass.  These procedures are covered by most PPO insurances.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Naim, call 909-579-3111.  We look forward to seeing you on May 11.  We will be there to help you through your weight loss journey.  Feel free to share this blog.  By the way, family members and friends are welcome to accompany you as this may be the start of a new you.

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What’s New in Podiatry

Posted on May 23, 2012 by mhaiavy (Last updated on February 21, 2013)

Here are some procedures that are commonly performed in our facility.  You may contact us at 909-579-3111 for more information or to schedule a consultation.  To view some before and after pictures, you may visit http://www.surgicalartsinlandempire.com/cosmetic-foot-surgery.html

Minimally Invasivee Adult & Pediatric Flatfoot Correction – (Subtalar Arthroreises)
This is a brief outpatient procedure that allows rapid ambulation and recovery. A small titanium implant is inserted in the sinus tarsi to block downward and inward motion of the foot.

Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy (EPF)
EPF is one of the latest technological advances to treat plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Two small incisions that are less than a 1/2 inch long are placed on each side of the heel. A special scope and camera are used to visualize and cut a small part of the fascia. This procedure allows for immediate post operative ambulation.

Endoscopic Decompression of Neuroma/Neuritis (EDIN)
Two small incisions, less than a 1/2 inch long, are placed at the area of pain. A special scope and camera are inserted to visualize and decompress the nerve. This procedure allows for immediate post operative ambulation.

Endoscopic Gastroc Recession
Two small incisions, less than a 1/2 inch long, are placed at the Achilles tendon. A special scope and camera are inserted into the incisions to visualize and cut the tendon which allows for lengthening.

Ankle Arthroscopy
Two small incisions, less than a 1/2 inch long, are placed at both sides of the ankle. A special scope and camera are inserted to visualize the ankle joint. Ankle pathologies may be treated with this procedure. The minimally invasive nature of this surgery allows for immediate post operative ambulation.

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6 Myths About Bunion Surgery

Posted on May 16, 2012 by mhaiavy (Last updated on February 21, 2013)

A bunion is a structural problem of the big toe joint causing a boney prominence. Surgery is commonly performed to correct the problem. Some people simply avoid surgery because they may have “heard” some misnomers that guide their decision.

Surgery for bunions involves more than just simply shaving the boney protrusion. It typically requires that the deviated bones to be structurally realigned. Milder bunions are corrected with bone cuts close to the big toe joint. Larger bunions typically need a more “involved” bone cut or a fusion procedure to completely realign the structural problem. It takes approximately six weeks for the bones to mend in the corrected position.

Myth #1: Bunion Surgery Is Excruciatingly Painful

Bunion surgery is not particularly “more” painful than other surgeries. Foot surgery, in general, can lend itself to increased pain post-operatively because the foot is below the level of the heart and blood can rush to the area, causing a throbbing feeling. Also, the foot does not have much soft tissue surrounding the bones, so moderate postoperative swelling can aggravate the nerves, causing pain. Most patients find that the postoperative discomfort is tolerable with pain medication and a program dedicated to pain relief.

Myth #2: Bunions Come Back Even After Surgery

A majority of patients are satisfied with their outcome after bunion surgery. Recurrence is possible, but not particularly likely. And, return of a bunion is not necessarily a complication, but something that can happen over time. Some patients have excessive motion in the foot that may predispose them to recurrence. Another possible reason for recurrence occurs when a procedure that was performed did not best suit the severity of the particular bunion — so it’s important to have the surgery tailored for your particular bunion.

Myth #3: Bunion Surgery = Cast and Crutches

While this was true years ago, more modern techniques have allowed surgeons to mobilize patients quicker. Mild bunions typically involve walking in a surgical shoe for six weeks. Surgeons consider casting with crutches with larger bunions because setting the bones is more complex. Some surgeons have moved away from bone cuts and instead perform a fusion procedure that allows for realignment of the entire deviated bone. This fusion procedure is called the Lapidus Bunionectomy, and contemporary approaches allow for early protected walking at two weeks postoperatively. Recent technological advances in medical implant devices have also helped surgeons modify their techniques to get patients moving quicker.

Myth #4: You Have To Be Off Work

This is simply not true, and a function of the demands of your workplace. A patient can return to a sedentary desk job within two weeks of the surgery, and varies based on surgeon protocol and type of bunionectomy performed. Jobs that require excessive walking, standing and physical activity may require a medical leave of absence — which can be up to two months depending on healing and job requirements. Getting around can be difficult and driving may be off limits if you have your right foot operated on and/or drive a manual.

Myth #5: Don’t Fix A Bunion Unless Painful

The concern with surgically correcting a non-painful bunion is that the surgery can result in longstanding post-operative pain that may not have been there prior. However, people do have surgery for non-painful bunions if the bunion interferes with activity, continues to become larger, or if they have difficulty wearing certain shoes and/or if the bunion is simply unsightly. Surgeons strongly prefer (or require) that patients have a painful bunion before they consider surgery. Fortunately, pain is the most common reason people seek treatment.

Myth #6: Healing After Bunion Surgery Results In Unsightly Scars

Surgical healing is part of the process with any surgery, and bunion surgery is no different. Incisions can be minimized, or alternate surgical approaches may be used to hide surgical scars. Bunion incisions are either located on the top of the foot or on the side of the foot, and technique varies based on surgeon. A surgeon may perform a plastic surgery-type closure to keep scaring minimum. Patients can support the healing process with specific targeted dietary supplements to provide the building blocks for proper healing.

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Bunion surgery, just like any surgery, has its share of myths. Because not all bunions are treated the same, information that may apply to someone with a large bunion may not apply to someone with a small bunion. Take the time to sort out what is truth vs. myth for your particular problem. Obtaining medical information from family, friends, coworkers and even the Internet will only help you make make an informed decision should you seek surgical advice.

– Dr. Blitz

If you have questions about this procedure or other podiatry services, call our office 909-579-3111 to schedule your complimentary consultation with our Podiatrist.  Don’t live with Pain.

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Bunion Surgery

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Rob (Last updated on February 21, 2013)

For people with severe bunion pain

Bunion surgery can correct deformity and relieve pain leading to improved function.

Bunions are identified by a painful bump on the side of the foot. Bunions result from uneven pressure on the foot forcing the joints to realign, causing a bony bump to form at the base of the big toe. As bunion symptoms progress, so too does the severity of pain.

If conservative treatments, such as orthotic devices, physical therapy or over the counter pain-relievers, fail to provide adequate relief, then bunion surgery may be necessary.

Bunion surgery typically involves removing the bony growth of the bunion and realigning the big toe. A podiatrist or an orthopaedic surgeon can employ one of several different surgical procedures to treat bunions.

For less severe symptoms, a simple bunionectomy involves only the removal of the bony growth and requires the shortest amount of recovery time. Severe bunions may require a more involved procedure to provide permanent relief.

Additional types of bunion surgery:

  • Osteotomy – The bone is cut to either shorten or lengthen and to realign.
  • Arthrodesis – The damaged surface of the joint is removed and replaced with new bone material followed by the insertion of either screws, wires, or plates to hold the surfaces together.
  • Resection Arthroplasty – Similar to arthrodesis, but recommended for patients who have had previous bunion surgery, or have severe arthritis.

In addition to damage to the joints, the tendons and ligaments around the big toe are also often in need of repair. These tissues may be too tight on one side and too loose on the other, creating the tension that causes the big toe to drift toward the others.

Shortening or lengthening of the tendons or ligaments is often combined with other forms of bunion surgery to prevent the symptoms from recurring. Recuperation from bunion surgery takes time and may involve swelling and some discomfort for several weeks.

Read more about podiatry and cosmetic podiatry in Rancho Cucamonga.

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Bunion Pain

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Rob (Last updated on February 21, 2013)

A frequent cause of foot pain when walking or wearing shoes

Bunions are one of the most common forefoot deformities. The condition is primarily caused by inward shifting of the big toe, which begins crowding the smaller toes. This realignment of the toes causes a bony bump, or bunion, to develop on the side of foot at the joint of the big toe. Bunion pain occurs from friction against the bony bump and crowding of the toes. As a result the skin and deeper tissue around the bunion also may become swollen or inflamed.

Bunions result from years of uneven motion and pressure on the joints and ligaments of the feet. Bunion pain varies with the severity of symptoms and level of activity. The pain of friction against the side of the foot and increased pressure on the toes can eventually limit mobility, turning moderate activity, such as walking, into an unpleasant ordeal.

Reduce Bunion Pain

To reduce bunion pain, podiatrists offer a variety of treatments to relieve pressure and prevent further deformity of the joints. For mild bunion pain, padding or taping can provide considerable relief by minimizing friction against the joint. This helps to keep the foot in normal alignment.

For more severe bunion symptoms, a podiatrist may recommend exercises and orthotics. Exercises or physical therapy can relieve tension and counteract pressure on the joints. Orthotic devices, such as a bunion splint or custom insoles, provide support and aid in repositioning the toes. Lastly, over the counter anti-inflammation medications, such as Aspirin or ibuprofen, can also help to ease inflammation often associated with bunion pain.

When bunion pain persists in spite of exercises or orthotic remedies a surgical operation is considered for removal of the bunion. Surgical procedures can correct deformity and relieve bunion pain leading to improved function.

Learn more about treatment for bunion pain in the Inland Empire, CA.

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