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Foot and ankle conditions

Expert treatment for foot and ankle conditions

Our feet and ankles are among the most essential parts of our bodies. We rely on them to carry us for basic activities like walking and standing to athletic pursuits that require running, jumping and pedaling. Our feet and ankles do so much, that when we’re feeling good, we hardly think about them. But when pain hits, even everyday tasks become difficult.

TRIA’s world class team of orthopedic specialists can help you get back on your feet. We provide comprehensive treatment for all foot and ankle conditions, including fractures, torn ligaments and tendonitis. We’re the leading orthopedic practice in the Midwest with the newest and most innovative ways to get you back to your activities.

Falls and accidents can harm the complicated system of bones, muscles and ligaments in our feet and ankles, making it hard to get through the day without pain. Whatever your situation, we ensure you have personalized treatments for even the most complex foot and ankle conditions.

"I am 75 years old and can do much more than many of my friends and family. I have learned how much exercise has improved my well-being. [My doctor] and his assistant and nurses were fantastic!"

Foot and ankle issues we treat

  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Ankle instability
  • Arthritis of the toes, foot or ankle
  • Bunions

Starting treatment for foot and ankle pain

Your situation is unique and the sooner you are seen the easier it will be to treat your injury. When you choose TRIA, you won’t see just any doctor, you’ll be able to work with one of our award-winning sports medicine doctors, orthopedic surgeons, physician assistants and physical therapists.

Choose a doctor or location below to get started today.

Diagnosing your foot and ankle injuries

Foot and ankle problems are common. Treating your specific condition requires careful diagnosis to identify the exact cause. When you come in for a visit, we’ll talk with you about your symptoms to get a better idea of the cause of your pain.

We’ll take a look at the area of the foot or ankle that is causing you issues, and check for anything that may be out of the ordinary such as swelling, redness and inflammation. From there, depending on your symptoms, we might need additional tests to diagnose your condition. Common tests include:

X-ray

An X-ray is a test that uses waves of energy to create an image inside of your foot or ankle. This will be helpful in getting a detailed view of the bone structure of your foot and ankle to better diagnose your condition.

CT scans

When the cause of your foot or ankle condition involves tendons, cartilage, or other soft tissue problems, we’ll recommend a computerized tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan gives us detailed layered images of the soft tissue inside your foot or ankle. The scan takes a complete 360-degree image and is more powerful than a general X-ray. During a CT scan, you’ll lie inside a machine that looks like a large donut. Sometimes a contrast dye will be injected during the exam to make parts of the foot or ankle more visible.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

An MRI is an imaging test that uses magnetic waves and radio waves to create images inside your foot or ankle. During an MRI, your legs will rest inside a large tubular machine that allows us to take images at various angles to create a 3D image of a particular area.

Treatment for foot and ankle injuries

Depending on your specific condition, we’ll go over your treatment options with you and develop a plan to help you get back to your favorite activities. We’ll share our diagnosis and your treatment options with you, so you can be fully aware of your nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for your foot or ankle.

Nonsurgical treatment options

Many foot and ankle conditions can be treated with nonsurgical options. At TRIA, we’ll never push you toward surgery unless it’s the most effective treatment for you. We strive to make sure you know what all the latest nonsurgical treatment options are to help you get back on your feet again.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is a type of treatment that uses targeted exercise, education and hands-on guidance to improve strength, flexibility and function. TRIA will develop a personalized plan for you. This treatment plan is used to help you learn how to safely move your body so that it can be at its best. TRIA also offers the L.E.A.P program, Runner’s Program, and Cyclists Program to help you get moving again.

Orthotics and supports

Our TRIA board-certified orthotics, prosthetics and pedorthists create custom products to help brace, support and enable rehabilitation of your injured foot or ankle. We offer comprehensive and personalized care to ensure you have the proper fit to help with your condition.

Medication

We may prescribe medications to help with your recovery. We’ll talk with you about what will work best for your foot or ankle condition. Medications can help you manage pain and other symptoms.

Cortisone injections

Cortisone is a common steroid that can be injected directly into your foot or ankle to provide relief. This treatment option targets inflammation that is causing you pain and discomfort. Injections can last up to three months.

Surgical treatment options

We’ll always work with you to figure out the best treatment option for your foot or ankle condition. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, we won’t recommend surgery as an option if it’s not the most effective solution for your situation.

Arthroscopy

In some conditions, we may recommend arthroscopic surgery to repair your issue related to your ligaments, tendons and joints. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where we use an arthroscope, a small tube with a camera on the end, to guide us as we remove the worn tissue around the foot or ankle.

Reconstructive surgery

Some injuries to the foot and ankle cause instability and severe strains. Reconstructive surgery treats some of the most complex conditions using state-of-the-art techniques to hold everything together better. This entails rebuilding parts of the damaged foot or ankle, including tendons, muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and even nerves.

Ankle and toe joint replacement surgery

When more conservative treatments don’t heal your foot or ankle condition, we might recommend joint replacement surgery. During this procedure, we’ll replace all or part of your ankle or toe joint with an artificial one. We’ll guide you through the rebuilding process because it is an extensive option that requires a lot of time and patience.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)