Foot & Ankle Care
No two cases of foot or ankle pain or injury are exactly alike and no two patients have the same goals, so we provide individualized treatment to help you maximize your potential to return to an active lifestyle.
Put Your Best Foot Forward.
Foot and ankle conditions can range from fairly straightforward tendonitis and sprains to complex arthritic conditions, tendon injuries, and deformities, such as severe flat feet, bunions, and hammer toes. We are a major referral resource for complex foot and ankle trauma, including tib-fib (pilon), calcaneus, talus, Lisfranc, and metatarsal fractures or dislocations.
Comprehensive Care
From routine injuries to complex conditions, all in one place.
Specialized Expertise
Experienced in advanced deformities and difficult cases.
Advanced Treatment Options
Precise care for complex fractures and high-acuity injuries.
Common Symptoms
Foot and ankle problems often lead to pain, especially with walking or running. A sporting injury or acute injury may lead to an immediate problem whereas longer-term issues may result in more chronic conditions. Regardless, typical symptoms can include:
- Bruising and tenderness
- Swelling
- Decreased range of motion
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Frequent giving way or rolling of the ankle
- Difficulty with certain shoe wear
Foot & Ankle Care
Surgical & non-surgical care for foot and ankle conditions, helping restore mobility and relieve pain.
1 in 4 Adults
Will Injure a Foot or Ankle in Their Lifetime
20%
Of Sports Injuries Affect the Ankle
50%
Of Ankle Sprains Will Reoccur
Conditions We Treat
- Accessory Navicular
- Achilles Tendon Injuries
- Adult Acquired Flatfoot
- Ankle Sprains
- Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
- Calcaneus Fracture
- Talus Fracture
- Bunions
- Claw Toe
- Haglund’s Deformity (Retrocalcaneal Bursitis)
- Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe)
- Hammer Toe
- High Ankle Sprain
- Ingrown Toenails
- Jones Fractures
- LisFranc (Midfoot) Fracture-Dislocation
- Metatarsalgia
- Soleus Muscle Strain of the Calf
- Osteochondral Injuries of the Talus
- Peroneal Tendonitis
- Pilon Fracture: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Sesamoiditis
- Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
- Peroneal Tendon Tears
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tibial Fractures
- Foot, Ankle & Lower Extremity Joint Pain
Available Treatments & Procedures
- High Ankle Sprain Surgery
- PRP Therapy for Peroneal Tendonitis
- Ankle Fracture Surgery
- Ankle Replacement
- Arthroscopic Ankle Cartilage Repair
- Bunionectomy (Chevron Bunionectomy)
- Bunionette Deformity Correction
- Calcaneal Fracture Fixation
- Cheilectomy for Arthritis of the Big Toe
- First MTPJoint Arthrodesis (Big Toe Fusion) with OrthoConnecticut
- Hammer Toe Correction Surgery
- The Kidner Procedure
- Evans Osteotomy (Lateral Column Lengthening)
- Medial Calcaneal Sliding Osteotomy
- Excision of Mortons Neuromas
- Fixation for LisFranc Injury
- Gastrocnemius Recession
- Jones Fracture Fixation (Intramedullary Screw)
- Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
- Resection of Haglunds Deformity
- Subtalar Fusion
- Ankle Fusion, Transfibular
- Lapidus Bunionectomy Procedure Animation
- Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
- Midfoot Fusion
- Surgery for Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Cotton Osteotomy | Flat Foot Surgery
- Mallet Toe Surgery
- Partial Nail Removal (Matrixectomy)
- Weil Osteotomy for Claw Toe
- TightRope™ Fixation for Ankle Syndesmosis
- Triple Arthrodesis
- Absorbable Antibiotic Bead Treatment
- Achilles Tendon Repair
- Arthroscopy of the Ankle
- Calcaneal Osteotomy
- Excision of Soft Tissue Masses
- First MTP Joint Replacement
- Tarsal Tunnel Decompression
- Tendon Transfer (FHL to Achilles)
- Tibiotalocalcaneal Fusion Surgery for Severe Arthritis in the Ankle
- Total Ankle Joint Replacement (Salto® Talaris)
- Metatarsal Fracture Fixation
- First MTP Joint Fusion
- Lapidus Arthrodesis (with Medial Plate Fixation)
- Minimal Incision Toe Bone Spur Removal
- Plantar Fascia Release
- PRP Injection Treatment
- Talar Fracture Fixation
Have questions? Speak to one of care consultants at 855.457.4392
Schedule Your Appointment Online
Schedule a consultation with one of our foot & ankle specialists to discuss your condition and explore personalized treatment options.
Meet Our Foot & Ankle Specialists
Trained at the country’s most prestigious medical institutions, our physicians offer the most advanced surgical techniques for both simple and complex issues.
Medical and Surgical Foot Care for Adults and Children | Board Certified Foot Surgery
Thomas G. Guglielmo, D.P.M.
Podiatrist, Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Paulina Piekarska, D.P.M. F.A.C.F.A.S.
Foot & Ankle Specialist | Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Randolph J. Sealey, M.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about foot & ankle care at OrthoConnecticut.
What’s the difference between a twisted, sprained, and fractured ankle?
Your ankle is composed of ligaments, tendons, and bones. A twist or sprain to the ankle both involve the ligament, whereas a fractured ankle involves a bone. When you twist your ankle, you are stretching your ligament, and when you sprain your ankle (even if you turn your ankle with a twisting motion), there is more damage to the ligament. You may have pain, swelling, bruising, and possibly have instability or be unable to put weight on your foot. It’s a good idea to rest, ice, compression, and elevate (R.I.C.E.) your injury. Often a twisted ankle improves on its own, even if painful, but if you have a sprain, fracture or pain that doesn’t improve, you should be seen by a board-certified physician at OrthoConnecticut’s Foot & Ankle Center to assess, diagnose and treat.
How do I heal an ankle injury?
Some mild ankle injuries will heal over time with self-care. Severe ankle injuries may need immobilization or surgical care and should be examined by a Foot & Ankle Specialist to determine the best steps toward a complete recovery. A good treatment plan for a mild ankle ligament sprain is rest, ice, compression, and elevating the ankle (R.I.C.E.), supplemented, as needed, by over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce swelling. A mild injury should improve in three or four weeks, whereas a severe ankle injury could involve three to six months of healing.
What helps foot and ankle pain?
Treatments for foot and ankle pain depend on where the pain is located, the cause, and degree of injury. Home remedies can include applying cold to a recent injury and heat to a chronic one, as well as over the counter NSAIDs for pain relief and swelling. If your feet are sore or arthritic, an Epsom salt soak is helpful. Alternating heat and ice can reduce pain if you are experiencing discomfort from plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, arthritis, or other foot conditions such as bunions. If you have pain, swelling, bruising, and possibly have instability of the foot or ankle, you should be examined by a physician at OrthoConnecticut’s Foot & Ankle Center which has both a podiatrist and attending orthopedic foot and ankle specialist on staff.
What are common injuries that occur in the foot and ankle?
The foot and ankle have many bones, joints, tendons, muscles, and ligaments that are easy to stretch, sprain, strain, twist, fracture, and inflame. The most common injuries include neuromas, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, sesamoiditis, Achilles tendinitis, and ankle sprains.
The inverted ankle sprain is the most common ankle injury and might occur when walking (or falling) on an uneven surface, or during a sports movement where you twist or roll the foot and outside ankle ligament inward. This might happen, for example, when you pivot in basketball. Swelling, bruising and tenderness are common and healing ranges from days to months depending on severity of the sprain.
Do I need crutches?
There are times when a walking aid such as crutches, cane, or scooter are necessary to keep weight off an injured or weak leg or foot. If crutches are prescribed, please ask a professional to properly fit the length of the crutches to your height, and instruct you in the use and proper distance each crutch should be from your side and armpits. Proper use, as well as good balance, strength and endurance are necessary to use crutches safely.
Will I need ankle surgery if I fracture my foot?
The type, severity, and ability to heal a foot or ankle fracture will determine if surgery is needed. An orthopedic physician reviews tests such as x-rays, CT or MRI scans to check for severity of injury. Conservative, non-surgical treatments are most often employed but if the bone needs to be immobilized, ligament repaired, alignment restored, or the injury fails to heal with self-care, surgery may be required. If you hurt your foot or ankle, it’s good to be evaluated and followed by an orthopedic professional.
How painful is foot and ankle surgery?
Some pain is normal following surgery but often reduces within a few days or a week post-surgery. During surgery, pain is controlled with medication that numbs the area, and before this numbness wears off patients begin pain medication treatment as prescribed by the orthopedic surgeon to manage discomfort. Your physician will review the pain management protocol that suits each patient’s individual needs.
What can I expect after foot and ankle surgery?
What are the different types of fractures?
The five most common types of fractures include open fracture, closed fracture, displaced fracture, stress fracture, and greenstick fractures.
- Open (compound) fractures occur when a broken bone breaks through the skin and will require surgical cleaning, setting, and treatment immediately.
- Closed fractures do not break the skin and should be assessed and treated quickly. They often do not require surgery.
- Displaced fractures are when the two ends of the fracture no longer line up properly and need surgery to realign and treat.
- Stress fractures are overuse fractures and are common for athletes who repeatedly train and stress the bones.
- Greenstick fractures occur when a break occurs on one side of the bone. These are common in growing children whose bones are still soft, supple, and flexible.
What is ankle arthritis?
Ankle arthritis is a breakdown of cartilage in the ankle joint. Arthritis can be caused by a number of issues, including previous injury, age-related degeneration (osteoarthritis), and by inflammatory conditions such as gout or rheumatoid disease. All forms involve a loss of the natural cartilage coating of the joint and a variable amount of pain, stiffness, instability, and deformity. An orthopedic surgeon can recommend many nonsurgical treatments for ankle arthritis. However if indicated, our Foot and Ankle surgeons are experienced at performing total ankle replacements, or in severe cases, perform tibiotalocalcaneal fusion surgery.
To learn more, read this article on ankle arthritis, or watch Dr. Randolph Sealey’s video addressing What is Ankle Arthritis?
What is ankle arthrodesis?
Ankle arthrodesis is another name for ankle fusion surgery. It is used to help reduce pain from severe ankle arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis from a joint injury, or to correct genetic deformities. An ankle fusion involves fusing two or more bones of your ankle into one piece. If you are having severe pain, inflammation, or stiffness that impairs walking, you should be seen by an orthopedic physician who will recommend the best treatment options to ease your pain.
What is an ankle replacement?
An ankle replacement surgery helps reduce pain and restore mobility to the ankle. The artificial joint is made of metal and plastic. During the procedure an orthopedic surgeon removes damaged and/or diseased portions of the ankle and implants the artificial ankle joint in its place. Read about our patients’ experience with an ankle replacement, and watch an ankle replacement animation to learn more.
Patient Testimonials
Real stories from patients who found relief and returned to the activities they love.
Marlon S.
Shoulder Arthroplasty
“Dr. John Brown just completed my right total shoulder arthroplasty. He will do my left one in three or four months. I trust him implicitly. He is the best doctor I’ve ever had! I am recommending my friends with bad shoulders to visit with Dr. Brown so their lives can be blessed as mine has been through his healing abilities.”
- Sun City West
Carol L.
Hip Replacement Surgery
“I have been visiting the Core Institute in Mesa, AZ, for a couple of years for treatment. I had hip replacement surgery there, which went exceptionally well! Unfortunately, I have other orthopedic issues that require ongoing care at Core. I have seen Dr. William C. Thompson and Dr. Decomas, along with their team. Despite the pain I have experienced, these professionals have significantly improved my quality of life! Definitely Recommend!”
- Mesa
Kelley S.
Spine Injections
“I have had several spine doctors (VA System) when it comes to my spine injections, no other Doctor is as gentle yet effective as Dr. Sherman. He has had a profound effect on my health. It has been a long journey, I’m glad I have had him to guide me.”
- Scottsdale
Milissa C.
Pain Management
“Dr Sherman is the best! He is very empathetic and listens to all of my concerns. He truly cares. His office staff is also fantastic and he is always running on time for his appointments. Go see him for all your pain management needs!”
- North Phoenix
Julie E.
Vein Dysfunction
“Hilary is very knowledgable and explained in detail what problems are caused by vein dysfunction and what symptoms you would have. She had a plan and dates for procedures/follow-up before I left the exam room. Very happy with this experience.”
- Sun City West
Constance C.
X-rays
“The doctor showed me my x-rays and showed me where the crack in my kneecap was. He answered all my questions and was very easy to understand what he was talking about. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him. I’ll be seeing him again in January.”
- Peoria Lakes Club
Johnnie J.
Physical Therapy
“There’s something powerful about having a therapist who truly sees you, not just your injury. That’s how Shannon Geraty works. She made the hard days feel possible and the good days feel like triumphs. I’m walking away not only stronger, but also more confident and encouraged than I thought I could be. I’m deeply grateful for her care.”
- Mesa