Foot & Ankle Specialists

What conditions do foot and ankle surgeons treat?

Foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons treat bunions, ankle fractures, Achilles tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, ankle arthritis, ankle instability, Morton neuroma, stress fractures, and sports injuries of the lower extremity.

How long is recovery from ankle surgery?

Recovery depends on the procedure. Ankle arthroscopy: 2-4 weeks. Bunion surgery: 6-8 weeks before regular shoes. Achilles tendon repair: 3-6 months. Ankle replacement: 3-4 months. Ankle fusion: 3-4 months of restricted weight-bearing.

What is the best treatment for plantar fasciitis?

Most cases resolve with stretching (especially calf stretches), supportive shoes, night splints, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. Steroid injections help persistent cases. Shockwave therapy is an option. Surgery is rarely needed and reserved for cases failing 6-12 months of conservative treatment.

Do I need surgery for a bunion?

Surgery is appropriate when the bunion causes daily pain that limits shoe choices and activity, and conservative measures (wider shoes, padding, orthotics) have not provided relief. Surgery for cosmetic reasons alone is not recommended due to the significant recovery period.

How long does bunion surgery recovery take?

Most patients are in a surgical boot for 4-6 weeks. Swelling can persist for 3-6 months and sometimes up to a year (end-of-day puffiness). Return to regular shoes at 6-8 weeks. Full recovery with sports at 3-4 months. Prepare for a longer timeline than expected.

What is ankle replacement vs ankle fusion?

Ankle replacement preserves some motion by inserting an artificial joint. Ankle fusion permanently joins the bones, eliminating motion but providing stable pain relief. Replacement is better for lower-demand patients who want preserved motion. Fusion is more durable for active patients and those with significant deformity.