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Foot and Ankle

Our foot and ankle team treats everything from everyday heel pain and sprains to complex deformities and arthritis, with the same patient-first approach that defines our spine and orthopedic care. Most patients improve with conservative care, and when surgery is appropriate, we emphasize minimally invasive and outpatient options designed to reduce pain and speed recovery.

Foot and ankle specialist reviewing an X-ray with a patient
Podiatrist examining a patient's foot

Foot And Ankle Care

Each foot contains 26 bones, more than 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to support your weight and move you forward. Because the feet absorb force with every step, problems in any of these structures can make standing and walking painful.
 
Whether symptoms started on a morning run or after an old injury, we provide a thorough evaluation, including weight-bearing X-rays and advanced imaging when needed, to pinpoint the cause and build a clear, step-by-step plan. Explore the common conditions below to learn what they are and how we can help.

Foot And Ankle Treatments

Most patients improve with conservative care. When surgery is appropriate, we emphasize minimally invasive and outpatient options.

Conservative care

  • Activity modification. Rest and changes that reduce stress on the foot.
  • Custom orthotics and footwear. Support the arch and relieve pressure points.
  • Physical therapy. Strength, flexibility, and balance.
  • Image-guided injections. Reduce inflammation in joints and tendons.
  • Bracing. Supports unstable or injured ankles.

Minimally invasive procedures

When surgery is appropriate, we emphasize outpatient options designed to reduce pain and speed recovery.

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How Foot And Ankle Problems Are Diagnosed

Evaluation begins with a history of your symptoms, activity, and footwear, and an examination of alignment, motion, strength, sensation, and circulation. Weight-bearing X-rays show the bones and alignment while standing, and MRI or ultrasound shows tendons, ligaments, and cartilage when needed.
 
From there, we build a clear, step-by-step plan, starting with the least invasive treatment likely to work.
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Diagram of plantar fasciitis at the heel bone and plantar fascia

Common Foot And Ankle Conditions

Explore the common conditions we treat. Conditions with a dedicated page are linked.

Heel and arch painPlantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis or tear, and Haglund's deformity. Ankle injuries and instabilityAnkle sprains, chronic instability, fractures, and osteochondral lesions of the talus. BunionsHallux valgus, the big toe drifting toward the second toe; treated with minimally invasive bunion surgery or Lapiplasty. Hammertoes and toe problemsHammertoes and claw toes, hallux rigidus, Morton's neuroma, metatarsalgia, and sesamoiditis. Flatfoot and arch disordersAdult-acquired flatfoot, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and cavus (high-arched) foot. Diabetic foot careNeuropathy, foot ulcers, and wound care to protect the foot. Wound careFoot wounds and ulcers that are slow to heal or keep coming back. Charcot footCollapse and deformity of the foot in neuropathy, requiring urgent offloading and specialist care.
Tendon disordersPosterior tibial, peroneal, and tibialis anterior tendinopathy.
Nerve and soft-tissue conditionsTarsal tunnel syndrome and ganglion cysts.
Bone stress injuriesStress fractures and Lisfranc (midfoot) injuries.
Skin and nail careIngrown toenails, fungal nails, plantar warts, and corns and calluses. Arthritis and goutOsteoarthritis of the ankle, hindfoot, midfoot, and toes, and gout.

Pediatric concerns such as Sever's disease (heel pain in active children) and flexible flatfoot are also evaluated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foot and ankle conditions does Total Spine and Orthopedics treat?

Our foot and ankle team treats everything from everyday heel pain and sprains to complex deformities and arthritis, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles problems, fractures, bunions, hammertoes, flatfoot, and diabetic foot conditions.

Do most foot and ankle problems need surgery?

No. Most patients improve with conservative care such as activity modification, custom orthotics, physical therapy, and image-guided injections. Surgery is considered when these do not provide relief.

What does a foot and ankle evaluation include?

A thorough history and examination, and weight-bearing X-rays, which show the bones and alignment while standing. Advanced imaging such as MRI is used when needed.

What is minimally invasive foot surgery?

Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery uses small incisions and specialized instruments to correct problems with less disruption to soft tissue, often as an outpatient procedure with a faster recovery.

When should I see a specialist for heel pain?

See a specialist if heel pain lasts more than a few weeks, is severe with the first steps in the morning, or follows an injury. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause.

Why is diabetic foot care important?

Diabetes can reduce sensation and blood flow, so small injuries can become serious wounds. Regular foot checks and early treatment help prevent ulcers and complications.

When does an ankle injury need to be seen?

Seek prompt care if you cannot bear weight, the ankle looks deformed, there is severe swelling or bruising, or pain and instability persist after a sprain.

Where are your foot and ankle specialists located?

Total Spine and Orthopedics provides foot and ankle care at our Florida locations in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule.

When To See A Foot And Ankle Specialist

Schedule an evaluation for:

  • Heel or arch pain that lasts more than a few weeks.
  • An ankle injury with swelling, bruising, or difficulty bearing weight.
  • A bump, deformity, or toe that rubs in shoes.
  • Numbness, burning, or tingling in the foot.
  • Any foot wound, especially if you have diabetes.
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Illustration of the Achilles tendon and heel

Foot And Ankle Conditions

Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures are common orthopedic injuries that occur when one or more bones in the ankle break. They can result from a traumatic event, such as a fall or a sports injury, or from gradual wear and tear over time. If left untreated, ankle fractures can lead to chronic pain and decreased mobility, making it important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you have sustained an ankle fracture.

Bunions

Bunions are a common foot condition that can be treated with minimally invasive surgery to minimize disruption to daily life.

Flatfoot Correction

Flatfoot, also known as fallen arches or adult acquired flatfoot deformity, occurs when the arch of the foot collapses. This condition can cause pain, swelling along the inside of the ankle, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods. Over time, the deformity may worsen, leading to joint arthritis, tendon damage, and impaired mobility.

Hammertoe Correction

Toe deformities such as hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe are common conditions that can lead to pain, corns, calluses, and difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably. These deformities are often caused by imbalances in the muscles and tendons that control toe movement, sometimes worsened by arthritis, genetics, or wearing tight footwear.

Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, usually from rolling or twisting the ankle. Learn the grades, symptoms, and treatment, and when a sprain needs a specialist.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is irritation of the tendon at the back of the heel, often from overuse. Learn the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Heel Pain

Heel pain most often comes from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or the Achilles tendon. Learn the common causes and how heel pain is treated.

Charcot Foot

Charcot foot is a serious condition most often seen in people with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot weaken, leading to fractures, dislocations, and significant deformity. If not addressed, Charcot foot can result in severe instability, ulceration, and even amputation.

Diabetic Foot Care

Our team of expert physicians provide comprehensive diabetic foot care including infection treatment, wound care, debridement, and more.

Wound Care

Foot wounds and ulcers need careful care, especially with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation. Learn how foot wounds are treated and when to be seen.

Nail Fungus

Nail fungus (onychomycosis) causes thick, brittle, discolored toenails. Learn the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.

When Foot And Ankle Problems Need Surgery

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery compares with traditional open surgery.

Traditional open surgeryMinimally invasiveOffered at Total Spine
IncisionA longer incision to expose the bones and joints.Small incisions, often just a few millimeters.
Soft tissueMore disruption of skin and soft tissue.Less disruption of the surrounding tissue.
SettingMay involve a hospital stay.Usually an outpatient, same-day procedure.
RecoveryOften more swelling and a longer recovery.Typically less pain and swelling and a faster return to walking.
ScarringA larger, more noticeable scar.Smaller scars.

When surgery is appropriate, minimally invasive and outpatient options are designed to reduce pain and speed recovery.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Foot and ankle care with a patient-first approach

    The same approach that defines our spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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