Foot and Ankle

Some of the most common orthopaedic problems people have involve areas in the foot and a variety of treatments to help you reduce the pain and discomfort associated with injuries or conditions afflicting the feet and ankles. We offer only the most advanced techniques and therapies, and we only recommend surgery when all other options have been exhausted. If surgery is necessary, our board-certified orthopaedic surgeon can help to improve your condition and get you back to living an active lifestyle.

Please contact All-Star Orthopaedics to schedule a consultation with our specialists here in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas region. You can also visit Dr. Straus’ professional site for more information.

Visit the American Association of Foot and Ankle Surgeons patient education page Foot Care MD for additional topics and information.

Common Foot & Ankle Conditions
Foot & Ankle Treatments
Foot & Ankle Surgery Recovery
Foot and Ankle Surgery FAQs

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What Are Common Foot & Ankle Conditions & Treatments?

Arthritis
Ankle Sprain
Fractures
Bunions
Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
Morton’s Neuroma
Hammertoes
Achilles Tendonitis

Arthritis

Common types of arthritis that occur in the foot and ankle include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that develops in the lining of the joints, while osteoarthritis results from a loss of cartilage, often caused by an injury or overuse. Damage caused by arthritis can cause pain and disability. While certain non-surgical methods—like splinting, medications, and steroid injections—can help control arthritis symptoms, more severe cases may require a surgery like ankle replacement.

Ankle Sprain

When the foot rolls, turns, or twists beyond its normal abilities, a sprained ankle is often the result. Ankle sprains typically occur when the foot lands in an odd position and with great force, causing stretched ligaments and sometimes an actual tearing of elastic fibers. Pain, swelling, and trouble walking are common symptoms from this very common injury. Depending on the severity of the sprain, most ankle sprains need only time and adequate protection to heal. Rest and elevation of the ankle, along with ice and compression are often recommended. Sometimes immobilization and/or crutches may be necessary. Medication can help with pain and swelling in many cases of ankle sprain. Severe sprains may require physical therapy, casting, and – only in rare cases – surgery. Ankle sprains can often be prevented by properly warming up before exercise, paying close attention to surfaces while walking, and wearing good, comfortable shoes.

Dr. Straus’s Ankle Sprain Interview

Fractures

A broken bone, or fracture, can occur as a result of trauma, overuse, or disease. Stress fractures typically occur from repetitive activity, such as running, particularly if the individual suddenly increases their activity or changes exercises suddenly. Diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis can also lead to a stress fracture, as these conditions weaken bones. Any bone in the foot or ankle can fracture, but stress fractures more commonly happen in the heel, fibula (outside bone of the lower leg), talus (a small bone located in the ankle joint), and the metatarsals (located on the midfoot). Some symptoms of a fracture include:

Pain that diminishes when you rest or stop exercising
Pain that increases during normal activity
Swelling in the affected area
Tenderness to touch
Bruising

If you suspect that you have a broken bone, you should schedule a visit with your primary care physician or an experienced orthopaedic foot surgeon. In the meantime, rest the injured foot or ankle, apply ice, wrap the area to minimize swelling, and elevate the leg above the heart.

Bunions

Bunions are typically enlarged joints in the big toe which can become very swollen and painful. Usually caused by ill-fitting shoes or an inherited genetic trait, bunions can often be treated by wearing shoes that conform to your foot and do not cause undue stress on the toe. Painful symptoms may be treated by various shoe inserts and padding. Severe cases of bunions may require surgery.

Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

Sometimes, the connective tissue between the sole of the foot and the heel bone can become inflamed and cause pain and discomfort. Although this condition often improves by itself, medication, shoe inserts, and stretching exercises can help alleviate the pain. However, more severe cases may need steroid injections or walking casts to treat the condition, and prolonged cases of heel pain may require surgery.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma occurs most commonly between the third and fourth toes, but may occur between any of the toes. A nerve between these toes can become pinched because of wearing tight shoes or other factors, leading to pain and discomfort in the toes. Wearing wider shoes and taking oral medications can reduce the inflammation and swelling around the nerve, and a foot pad to help keep the bones spread may also be helpful. Cortisone injections may also be beneficial; if pain persists, surgical intervention may become necessary.

Hammertoes

A hammertoe is characterized by a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toe. The toe is bent at the middle joint, and can be aggravated by ill-fitting shoes. Pain may be felt along the top or bottom of the toe, and can lead to the development of a hard corn in the area. Better-fitting shoes can often lessen the pain from hammertoe, and shoe pads or inserts may also be beneficial. Surgery may become necessary if non-surgical options are not helping.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, and is the most frequently injured tendon in the body. Achilles Tendonitis is typically caused by inflammation and overuse, often after a sudden change or increase in your exercise routine, trauma from a calf muscle contraction, or inadequate stretching before and after exercise. Pain in the area after exercise and swelling are common symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis. Our orthopaedic surgeons generally recommend rest of the inflamed area, avoidance of activities which may exacerbate the condition, gentle stretching, a shoe insert or heel pad, oral anti-inflammatories, or complete immobilization for a temporary period of time. Surgery is typically a last-resort option. To avoid problems like Achilles Tendonitis, individuals should choose comfortable running shoes, always do stretches and warm-ups before exercise, increase speed or distance on a gradual basis (no more than 10% a week), and perform the proper cool-down regimen after exercise.

What Are My Foot & Ankle Treatment Options?

To help restore normal foot and ankle function, our foot and ankle specialists can recommend the most appropriate treatment option for your specific condition. The best solution will depend upon a number of factors, including the type of condition or injury, extent of your damage, and past treatment methods. Our team will always recommend the most conservative treatment options first that can help improve your condition. However, if these initial methods do not resolve your foot and ankle symptoms, you may ultimately be recommended surgery. Common treatments for foot and ankle conditions include:

RICE: The most basic form of treatment for a foot or ankle condition is resting, icing compressing, and elevating the area. If this does not cause the problem to subside, another treatment option will be considered.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are often used in conjunction with the RICE method to help control swelling and pain caused by a foot or ankle condition.
Splinting: Immobilizing the foot with a splint can often improve symptoms and allow for proper healing, especially for conditions caused by overuse. Limiting the range of motion can reduce the amount of stress placed on the area of concern.
Orthotics: Orthotics for foot and ankle problems typically take the form of soft or rigid shoe inserts. These are specially made to accommodate the unique concerns of the patient, and they can help correct the way you walk and move in general.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore a healthy range of motion and strengthen weakness, such as after an ankle sprain.
Steroid Injections: Also known as cortisone shots, steroid injections can work to reduce swelling, stiffness, and pain by addressing inflammation in the foot and ankle. This treatment is often recommended for conditions like plantar fasciitis and Morton’s Neuroma.
Surgery: Surgery is the final treatment option when more conservative methods do not provide adequate improvement. This typically becomes necessary when severe cases do not respond to other treatments. The specific surgical technique will depend upon the type of foot or ankle condition you have. When the ankle joint becomes severely damaged, for instance, this may create the need for an ankle replacement to remove damaged tissues and bone, replacing them with metal and plastic materials.

What Can I Expect After Foot & Ankle Surgery?

The recovery period after foot and ankle surgery will vary for each patient based on the specific surgery they have undergone. In general, patients will need to reduce their activity to rest their foot. It is normal to experience some degree of pain, swelling, and bruising. Taking anti-inflammatory medications, keeping the leg lifted, and icing the foot can all help control these side effects. Patients will need to return for follow-up appointments to monitor their healing progress. More personalized details relating to a patient’s surgery and recovery will be discussed with them prior to their procedure so they understand how to prepare and what to expect. If there are any concerns of infection or other complications, patients are urged to call our office to schedule an evaluation.

Foot and Ankle Surgery FAQS

How long does swelling last after foot and/or ankle surgery?

A normal reaction to these types of surgeries, swelling can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to reduce swelling as you heal, including rest, ice, and elevating the foot above the heart. If swelling persists beyond the average amount of time or feels abnormally uncomfortable, we welcome you to contact your surgeon.

How long does pain last after foot and/or ankle surgery?

Like other side effects associated with these procedures, the amount of post-surgical discomfort, as well as the rate at which it fades, can vary considerably. For this reason, we typically prescribe NSAIDs or other pain medications to ease pain during recovery. Adhering to your aftercare instructions should also mitigate significant pain. We encourage you to contact us if you are in need of additional pain management advice.

When can I walk after foot and/or ankle surgery?

It is very important not to put weight on your foot and/or ankle too soon after your surgery. In general, patients are advised to refrain from putting any weight on the treated ankle for about six to eight weeks; however, the use of a splint, boot, or cast may speed up this process. Ultimately, the ideal time for you to resume walking will depend on your overall healing progress.

What are the best shoes to wear after foot and/or ankle surgery?

During recovery, you may be prescribed “post-op” shoes or customized orthotics. These shoes are typically wide, soft, and roomy, and are designed to encourage proper movement and decrease discomfort. After healing is complete, be sure to always wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate traction and support.

Will I need physical therapy after foot and/or ankle surgery?

In many cases, physical therapy after foot or ankle surgery can facilitate recovery and encourage mobility. While not every patient will require physical therapy, we often recommend it for optimal results. Rest assured that our staff includes highly qualified physical therapists who will build a treatment plan to address your particular needs.

Need Additional Help?

If you are suffering from any of the above foot- or ankle-related concerns, we invite you to contact All-Star Orthopaedics today. Dr. Straus and the rest of our team offer a wide range of treatments to ease pain and help you resume normal activities.

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