Bunion surgery has been performed for over 100 years.  There have been many adaptations and changes since the first bunion surgery.  There are now over 150 different techniques to address bunion deformities.  It should be noted the majority of these can be divided up by anatomical location.  We now classify bunion surgery as either a head procedure of a base procedure.  Head procedures refer to operating on the head of the first metatarsal (out towards the toes) and base at the base of the first metatarsal (or near the arch). 

The decision on which bunion procedure to utilize typically involves the size of the bunion and the underlying foot type.  Typically we see smaller bunions are amenable to head procedure and large base procedures.  However it should be noted that certain foot types will require base procedures for even small bunions.  The goal for bunion surgery is to have lasting results and reproducible results. 

I personally perform a lot of Lapiplasty type bunion surgeries.  I find these have great long term results and provide incredible corrections.  The recovery from the Lapiplasty is longer than a head procedure but the results can be much better.  If you suffer from a bunion and would like to have it fixed schedule and appointment today, I can help. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an apppointment online today. 

Sincerely,
Dr. Brandon Nelson

Heel pain can have many causes and can be extremely challenging for all patients.  Not all sore heels are caused by plantar fasciitis and it is important to understand the underlying cause.  Identifying the underlying cause will help to assure patients get the best treatment options.  Even with many other causes of a severe heel pain, the number one cause continues to be plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is basically an inflammatory process of the main supporting network of the foot.  The primary cause of inflammation seems to be overuse and repetitive stress.  The plantar fascia in general has a relatively poor blood supply and this can lead to chronic inflammation.  Once we see chronic inflammation set in it can become extremely difficult to reduce pain and resolve one's heel pain. 

Heel pain treatment options are vast.  It really boils down to what the primary cause of the heel pain was and the activity level of the patient.  I like to break it down to foot structure and rear foot pathologies.  What I mean by foot structure is does the patient have a high arched foot or a low arched foot.  Is there a lot of pronation that occurs with ambulating or overloading of the foot?  Rear foot pathology can have a large effect on heel pain.  Is there a tight calf muscle or is there a dysfunctional supporting tendon?  The best long term outcome and shortest course to a pain free heel is to appreciate the deforming forces.

If you have severe heel pain or pain under your heel or even pain with running I can help! Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brandon Nelson

Hammer toes are quite common and can continue to get worse as time progresses.  They are often associated with other foot deformities like bunions or flat feet but can be a standalone pathology.  There is usually a family history associated with them or an underlying trauma that caused the development of the hammer toe or toes.  Additionally, they can occur with over powering of certain tendons in the foot.  The majority of hammer toes will require surgical care but some can be managed with padding and strapping.

Conservative care of hammer toes can be helpful especially during the initial development.  There are several techniques for tapping hammer toes and even straps and splints that can be purchased to help control the toes.  It is also advisable to stretch the calf and not go barefoot.  However the vast majority of hammer toes will get worse and eventually require surgical intervention.

Surgical care for hammertoes can be divided into two types of procedures, soft tissue and bone.  The determining factor for which procedure is appropriate is based on the clinical exam of the toe and the patient.  Release of the long flexor tendon can be helpful in controlling the hammering digit as long as it is a flexible deformity.  We often see this in the pediatric or geriatric patient as the hammer toes first develop.  The longer the hammer toe is present the more likely bone work will need to be done.  The most common procedure is a resection of the phalangeal head of the affected digit.  Hammer toe surgery done in isolation allows for full ambulation after the procedure.

If you have hammer toes or other digital deformities I can help. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Brandon Nelson

A Porokeratosis is not caused by a viral infection, and it does not have the additional blood vessel growth that is classically seen with a plantar verruca. Often, these lesions will be on a weightbearing portion of the foot such as underneath one of the five metatarsal heads.  In the case of lesions with a weight bearing location, prescription orthotics can help.   When a pathologist looks at a sample of the plantar verruca there are distinct differences compared to a porokeratosis.

These lesions also can be in a non weightbearing portion of the foot such as the heel. These lesions can be challenging to treat.  There is some preliminary data that the Swift treatment (Microwave Verrucae treatment) can help reduce the pain from these lesions and in some cases, there can be reduction or resolution of the lesions.  Surgical excision of the porokeratosis lesions is another treatment option.  Larger lesions can be surgically removed, and a plastic surgical technique called a rotational flap is utilized to repair the deficit left after removal of the larger lesions.

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today.

The Lapiplasty has seen a lot of attention in recent literature.  It seems to be moving to the forefront of foot surgery and is showing promising results.  It has shown to be a reproducible bunion surgery that has great long term results.  I find the procedure to be highly successful and utilize it weekly in my bunion surgeries.

Lapiplasty is a surgical technique and instrument set that allows surgeons to decrease operating time and help patients return to activities much more quickly.  It utilizes a technique that has been proven to be one of the best corrective measures for bunions.  It also provides for great fixation of a bunion and maintains flexibility of the big toe joint. 

My experience with the Lapiplasty has been positive.  It makes the correction of the bunion much easier and reproducible.  It allows for precise bone cuts and easy options for fixation of the bone.  I find it extremely helpful for young patients and decreasing the chance of recurrences.  The overall recurrence rate seems to approach about 3%.   If you have a bunion and would like a consultation for a Lapiplasty please contact my office. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today. 

Sincerely,

Dr Brandon Nelson

Dr. Timothy Young, a board-certified foot surgeon, discusses Plantar verruca and porokeratosis

I see quite a few pediatric patients and a number of juvenile bunions.  The major factor to development of a juvenile bunion is family history or genetics.  Almost every child I see with a bunion has a family history of bunions.  Usually mom and/or grandma have a bunion and often even their siblings have one.  When bunions present early in development they can be difficult to manage.  It is hard to find success in the conservative realm with bunions and quite a few require surgery.

Surgery for the juvenile bunion can be very rewarding and provide excellent long term results.  First and foremost, it requires a physician work up and x-ray.  Often there can be an underlying flatfoot with a juvenile bunion and not addressing this can lead to increased rate of recurrence.  After a thorough history and physical the appropriate procedure can be selected.  Typically a juvenile bunion will be fixed with a Lapidus type procedure.

The Lapidus or Lapiplasty is a highly successful procedure and has great long term outcomes.  This involves a rotation correction of the bunion and a reduction in the splaying of the forefoot.  There are many ways to fixate this type of correction for bunions and is surgeon dependent.  It is amazing how quickly children heal from a procedure like this!  If you have a child with a bunion and would like to have a consultation please make an appointment today. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Brandon Nelson

The most common cause of heel pain continues to be plantar fasciitis.  This is usually caused by a foot structure that puts too much pressure on the fascia or tight muscle groups.  The majority of plantar fasciitis will go away with physician care and patients will return to normal activities.  However, there are a few patients that their heel pain does not get better and need additional treatment.

If you are one of these patients it is important to see a physician that specializes in heel pain.  There can be a few diagnoses that need to be considered for anyone that has recalcitrant heel pain.  These can range from nerve to bone issues and a careful work up is warranted.  Our practice has been home to the Washington Heel Pain Center for years.  We were actually the first heel pain center in Washington State and then saw many other offices try to follow suit.  However, our physician group finds heel pain fascinating and we diligently scour the latest research to remain up to date on causes and treatment options.

If you suffer from heel pain and have seen other doctors we can help.  Or maybe heel pain is new for you and you want the best care we can help.    We provide the best care and have the quickest options to get you back exercising or keep you exercising.  Make an appointment today and we can help. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brandon Nelson

Pain in the forefoot can range from tingling and burning to a dull ache or throb.  The majority of forefoot pain can be broken down into nerve pain ie a neuroma or mechanical pain ie capsulitis.  Both can cause similar type symptoms and differentiating between the two can be difficult. 

Capsulitis is the most common forefoot type of pain.  It is basically an overloading of the metatarsal phalangeal joints.   Most patients will experience a combination of burning and aching.  There are many causes of forefoot capsulitis or overloading.  This can be from tight muscle groups or abnormal anatomy.  The majority of patients will find conservative therapies successful and will completely recover.

Neuromas usually occur in a specific anatomical location, the 3^rd interspace.  This pain is almost exclusively a burning or tingling.  It is almost always worse with shoes and primarily affects females.  Neuromas occur from irritation to the nerve that is mechanical or anatomical in nature.  Again the conservative success rate for this is high.

If you are experiencing burning or tingling in the foot I can help.  I have an exceptional protocol for both capsulitis and neuritis.  If you have foot pain, call today.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brandon Nelson

Bunion surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States.  It is almost exclusively done in an outpatient setting and the majority of procedures can be completed in less than 2 hours.  Most patients will experience pain that lasts a few days and can begin weight bearing fairly soon.  There are many different types of bunion surgery and not all are equally effective. 

There are a few things that will help patients get a better outcome with bunion surgery.  I will discuss these tips that can be helpful along with selection of the surgeon.

#1. The most important thing after having any type of surgery is to follow postoperative protocol.  There are many tips that can improve your outcome after bunion surgery and careful adherence to postoperative protocols is essential.

#2. Bone healing supplementation, there are many different types of bone healing supplementation that are not all created equal however some of them can be highly effective in decreasing healing times.  I have a brand that I recommend for all my patients that often shaves weeks off of healing time.

#3. Couch potato for your first week, set yourself up for success.  During that first week just really take it easy, take your medications as prescribed, ice and elevate your foot.

#4. Surgeon selection, the majority of us have very similar training and most foot and ankle physicians are highly trained in this procedure.  One question I would ask any surgeon is how many bunion surgeries they perform annually.

I hope this is helpful and can be utilized by you in the future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brandon Nelson