Foot and Ankle

#7

Orthopedic Surgery and Trauma Service

Foot and Ankle Trauma Service

The Foot and Ankle specialists at Weill Cornell Orthopaedics carefully evaluate foot and ankle injuries to determine which ones can be treated successfully without surgery and which ones must be treated surgically. We find that many patients can be successfully treated without surgery.

Our Physicians for Foot and Ankle

Conditions we treat include:

Heel and achilles pain
Ankle sprains
Shin splints
Bunion pain
Metatarsal pain
Neuroma (thickening of nerve tissue on the ball of the foot)
Sesamoid bone injuries (located in the ball of the foot)
Stress fractures
Overuse injuries
Tendon problems
Musculoskeletal injuries involving the foot and ankle

Diagnosis

We provide access to state-of-the-art diagnostic testing that includes diagnostic ultrasound, computerized motion and gait analysis, bone densitometry, MRI, CAT scan, X-rays, and bone scans.

In situations where the foot/ankle problem is not responsive to conservative/non-surgical care, or when surgical intervention is necessary, referral is made to the appropriate surgical specialist.

Non-Surgical Treatment

The Non-surgical Foot and Ankle Service is dedicated to evaluating the majority of foot and ankle problems that often can be treated successfully without surgery. It is a unique service dedicated to providing non-surgical treatment for foot and ankle problems.

Foot Orthotics

The service is nationally renowned for its expertise in the design and fabrication of prescription shoe inserts called foot orthotics used to treat many orthopedic foot and ankle problems. In addition, foot orthotics are prescribed to treat biomechanically related problems involving the knee, hip, and lower back. These conditions are often responsive to the stability and improved mechanics that these devices provide.

Sport-specific orthotics designed to both improve athletic performance and reduction of sports-related injury are also prescribed for running, tennis, squash, golf, basketball, alpine and cross-country skiing, cycling, spinning, soccer, lacrosse, hockey and figure skates, in-line skating, and hiking.

Surgical Treatment

Our surgeons are experienced in treating all types of foot and ankle fractures. After ankle surgery, we check the outcome with a CT scan. As soon as stitches are removed, we prescribe motion exercises to strengthen the ankle and gradually increase weight-bearing on the ankle whenever possible. The best consideration is an approach that minimizes soft tissue damage while addressing the fracture with stable fixation to mobilize the patient aggressively. For the next year, we provide follow up care through outpatient visits, using x-rays as needed to track the ankle's progress.