Foot & Ankle

Why should I choose a fellowship trained Foot and Ankle Surgeon?

All orthopedic surgeons are fully qualified to medically and surgically treat the vast majority of musculoskeletal conditions. All of our orthopedic surgeons have at least five years of residency training after obtaining their medical degree. For our foot and ankle specialists, they take an additional year of intensive post-residency training solely devoted to treating conditions of the foot and ankle. What that means for a patient is that they will see more foot and ankle cases than a typical orthopedic or podiatric surgeon, translating into prompt diagnosis, the highest expertise in treatment and excellent quality across the breadth of foot and ankle conditions.

Should I see an Orthopedic Surgeon or a Podiatrist?

UTMB offers comprehensive foot and ankle care, including access to both orthopedic surgeons that are fellowship trained in foot and ankle surgery as well as podiatrists. Orthopedic surgeons tend to be more involved in the musculoskeletal functions of the body (including joints, ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles). Orthopedic surgeons can correct congenital or functional disorders through surgical or non-surgical means. Podiatrists are trained specifically in the care and medical treatment of foot disorders. Within our department, they are the specialists for nail care, corns, and diabetic foot ulcers. As a comprehensive academic medical center, patients can rest assured that our UTMB orthopedics faculty and providers work as a team to get you the highest quality and best care.

What should I expect during my visit?

During your first visit, our fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons will take a comprehensive history and examine your foot and ankle for signs of injury or deformity. Based upon our evidence-based protocols, sometimes physical examination is all that is needed for a diagnosis. Other times, imaging such as an X-ray or MRI may be ordered to help with a diagnosis. After a diagnosis, your surgeon will work with you to tailor a treatment plan, which may include medications, injections, orthotics, physical therapy or surgery.

What if surgery is recommended? What should I expect?

Based upon your individually tailored treatment plan, UTMB staff will work to schedule your surgery at one of our campuses. Your surgeon will provide pre-operative instructions. Typically, most cases can be performed as day-surgery, and overnight stays are generally not required. It is possible that, based on your tailored package, walking, or bearing weight on your foot and ankle after the surgery will be prohibited for at least six weeks. An appropriate assistive device such as crutches, knee scooter, and/or a wheelchair to help you move around during the healing process, will be recommended by our orthopedic team. Your Orthopedic Surgeon will prescribe medication or an OTC pain management plan to implement when you return home and your first postoperative appointment may be scheduled within 10-14 days after surgery based on the type of surgical procedure you will undergo. Once your Orthopedic Surgeon determines that physical therapy is the next step in your recovery process, they will provide instructions on the type, frequency, and duration of your physical therapy so that you can begin regaining strength and mobility.

What if I am not ready for surgery?

For certain conditions, there may be non-surgical options that may improve your symptoms. Options include activity modification, exercises, medication, injections, orthotics, or physical therapy. UTMB offers a convenient outpatient pharmacy located at our League City, Clear Lake, and Galveston campuses where we can dispense medication for you. Our foot and ankle clinics are also staffed by an orthotist so that you may get your orthotic measured at the same time as your visit. Additionally, if physical therapy is ordered, we have convenient outpatient locations at our League City, Clear Lake and Galveston campuses.