Foot and Ankle Conditions

U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals in Orthopedics

Nationally Ranked in Orthopedics – #1 in DFW

UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked the No. 1 hospital for orthopedic care in Dallas-Fort Worth and among the best nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

For patients who have foot and ankle injuries or conditions, every step can be painful, keeping them from activities they love and making everyday tasks a challenge.

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s orthopedic surgery team is made up of specialists who focus on specific areas of the body, resulting in highly specialized care. Our orthopedic and podiatric foot and ankle surgeons provide comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation services to patients of all ages who have foot and ankle injuries and conditions. We use conservative treatments when possible and offer advanced surgical options when needed.

What Are Foot and Ankle Conditions?

Foot and ankle conditions are any injuries or problems that affect the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or nerves of the feet and ankles.

These conditions can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, or difficulty walking. Foot and ankle conditions often result from overuse, trauma, deformities, or age-related changes.

What Are the Types of Foot and Ankle Conditions?

Our orthopedic and podiatric foot and ankle surgeons treat a broad range of injuries and conditions, such as:

Achilles tendinitis, an injury of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the back of the heel
Acquired flat foot deformity, a condition in which the arch of the foot falls over time
Ankle fractures (breaks in the ankle bones)
Arthritis of the feet and ankle
Bunions, which are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe
Cartilage injuries of the ankle
Congenital and adult deformities
Diabetic foot problems such as ulcers, sores, bruises, cuts, infections, and Charcot foot
Flat feet and related problems such as arch pain, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints
Foot fractures (breaks in the foot bones)
Hammertoes, which are toe deformities that cause one or more toes to bend downward
Heel pain
High arched feet/cavus foot

Malunions (improperly healed fractures) of bones or joints
Metatarsal pain and injuries, which involve the long bones in the middle of the foot
Muscle and tendon problems such as tendonitis, Haglund’s deformity, and general pain
Neuromas, thickened nerve tissue in the foot that can cause pain, burning, or tingling
Neuropathy, when peripheral nerves are damaged, causing weakness, numbness, and pain
Overuse injuries
Plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot
Shin splints, which are often related to running or exercise and cause pain along the shinbone
Stress fractures
Tendon injuries
Traumatic injuries
Turf toe, a sprain of the big toe joint, usually caused by forceful upward bending

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Foot and Ankle Care?

UT Southwestern’s physicians work to provide each patient with attentive, personalized foot and ankle care to relieve the pain and mobility problems associated with foot and ankle conditions.

Our fellowship-trained surgeons are committed to providing effective, compassionate foot and ankle care. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach means patients can get any treatment they need within the UT Southwestern system.

We offer leading-edge diagnostic tools to help guide treatments. We recommend evidence-based solutions and work in partnership with patients to create individual treatment plans that best achieve the outcome the patient wants. Our experts focus on conservative, nonsurgical treatments whenever possible and consider surgery only when it’s the most appropriate option.

What Are the Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Conditions?

Symptoms of foot and ankle conditions include:

Abnormally bent joints
Corns and calluses
Instability in the ankle or foot
Noticeable bumps or deformities on the foot
Persistent or intermittent pain

Rashes or growths
Redness or swelling of joints or tendons
Restricted movement of the foot and ankle
Swelling, numbness, or tingling

People who are experiencing debilitating pain or symptoms that affect their mobility should schedule an appointment with one of our experts as soon as possible.

How Are Foot and Ankle Conditions Diagnosed?

Our foot and ankle specialists can often diagnose a foot or ankle injury or condition based on a physical examination and medical history.

We might also order advanced imaging to make sure there are no fractures or to see where tissue is wearing thin, including:

X-rays
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can help spot stress fractures and soft-tissue injuries, such as ligament sprains
Computed tomography (CT) scan, which offers a comprehensive view of the bones and joints
Musculoskeletal ultrasound, which is faster than MRI or CT scans, shows movement within the joint, and can be combined with ultrasound-guided injections

People who are experiencing debilitating pain or symptoms that affect their mobility should schedule an appointment with one of our experts as soon as possible.

How Are Foot and Ankle Conditions Treated?

Our dedicated team of physical therapists, orthotists/prosthetists, and orthopedic and podiatric surgeons works together to create a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plan that is individualized for each patient’s needs.

We typically start treatment by offering patients conservative approaches, such as:

Medications or injections, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids
Orthotics, boot walkers, or custom braces for functional mobilization
Physical therapy to restore function, strength, and movement
PRP injections, in which a small amount of blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets; the platelets are then injected into the foot or ankle to speed healing
Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal pulse activation therapy (EPAT), which uses pressure waves to stimulate blood flow and help promote healing

Surgery for Foot and Ankle Conditions

For some patients, conservative measures don’t provide enough relief, and surgery may be the best option to ease pain and restore function. Our foot and ankle surgeons offer the latest in reconstructive techniques, such as minimally invasive or arthroscopic surgery, open surgery, and realignment surgery for ankle and foot deformities.

Minimally Invasive Techniques

When surgery is needed, we use the least-invasive technique possible. Minimally invasive or arthroscopic surgery, such as a bunionectomy or ankle or subtalar joint surgery, has less discomfort and scarring and a shorter recovery time, getting patients back on their feet more quickly. Unlike UT Southwestern, not all foot and ankle doctors in North Texas offer minimally invasive surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery requires small incisions and a tiny camera to be inserted into the surgical site to guide surgeons through the procedure. Small surgical instruments are then inserted through the incision to perform the surgery.

We also offer minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided treatment for chronic tendon pain (tendinopathy), plantar fasciitis (fasciopathies), and soft-tissue damage.

Open Surgery

In some cases, open surgery is required. With advancements in open surgery techniques and technology, incisions are smaller than ever, making recovery time shorter. Our foot and ankle surgeons are highly trained in reconstruction and complex foot and ankle surgery.

Our experienced surgeons are experts in total ankle replacement and total toe replacement procedures, which use customized, 3D-printed models and components to help patients achieve their mobility goals.

After surgery, our physical therapists help patients regain strength and mobility.

What Support Services for Foot and Ankle Conditions Does UT Southwestern Offer?

Physiotherapist stretching a senior patient's foot and ankle

UT Southwestern has a wide range of support services available to patients receiving either nonsurgical or surgical care for foot and ankle problems. The services include:

Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
Pain management
Education to aid recovery and long-term foot health

What Clinical Trials Are Available for Foot and Ankle Conditions?

UT Southwestern participates in research studies designed to improve care for people with foot and ankle problems. Some patients may be eligible to take part in clinical trials that explore new treatments or approaches.

Ask our doctors about current studies or search for clinical trials.

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