Foot and Ankle

Orthopedics

When you have foot or ankle pain, it can feel as if life is standing still. Don’t let another day slip by. Nationally recognized foot and ankle specialists  are here for you. We help you comfortably get back on your feet and return to your active life. 

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Foot and ankle care: Why choose us?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. You deserve extraordinary care that halts foot and ankle pain for good. And that’s precisely what you’ll find at BJC. 

We offer:  

  • Expertise: Orthopedists with advanced training in foot and ankle problems guide your care. We use the latest techniques to treat a broad range of conditions. Through research, we are optimizing outcomes for complex conditions. Research interests include sports injuries, foot anomalies and diabetic foot complications.  
  • Compassion: Evaluations start by listening to you describe your symptoms. We also ask about your concerns, whether it’s tests, treatments or recovery. We take what you have to say to heart. This information helps us develop a treatment plan that meets your medical needs while honoring your personal preferences. 
  • Focus on non-surgical treatment: Many patients get better with non-surgical therapies. We offer sophisticated options that are not widely available, like shockwave therapy for chronic heel pain. With physical therapy clinics throughout the region, it’s easier to access the services you need. 
  • Surgical excellence: When surgery is necessary, you are in some of the region’s most capable hands. We treat complex cases and maintain exceptional outcomes. Surgeons perform a high volume of outpatient procedures, often enabling you to go home the same day.
Foot and ankle conditions we treat 

Our foot and ankle specialists strive to relieve ankle and foot pain along with other symptoms and place patients on the best path of recovery. By using the latest techniques and therapies, we treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including:

  • Achilles tendonitis
    The thick band of tissue connecting the calf muscle and heel bone gets injured or becomes inflamed.
  • Acquired foot problems
    These issues occur over time and include bunions, claw toes, hammer toes and digital neuromas.
  • Arthritis
    This condition occurs when there is inflammation and stiffness. It may be due to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis.
  • Congenital foot and ankle anomalies
    These foot and ankle differences present at birth include clubfoot, flat foot and high arch.
  • Diabetic foot complications
    Ongoing high blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels, leading to neuropathic fractures (Charcot), nonhealing sores, infections and corns.
  • Heel spurs
    Calcium deposits form a protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. Causes include repetitive motions, like running and jumping.
  • Plantar fasciitis
    Inflammation and unusual tightness develop in the thick band tissue connecting the heel to the toes. It's a common cause of heel pain.
  • Sports injuries
    These injuries, such as sprains, strains, bursitis or tendonitis, occur in active people.
  • Traumatic injuries
    Orthopedic emergencies in the upper limbs include open fractures, rotator cuff tears and dislocations.
Related conditions
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Heel spurs
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Sports injuries
Non-surgical foot and ankle treatments

Many foot and ankle conditions get better with conservative treatments. We explain your options and how they work.  

Your care may include: 

  • Acupuncture
    Physical medicine doctors (physiatrists) insert tiny needles into specific areas at different depths to unlock the body's healing energy.
  • Aquatic therapy
    Doing exercises in water takes pressure off painful joints so you can get moving earlier in your recovery. Avaialble at select locations.
  • Custom orthotics
    These shoe inserts fit the unique shape of your foot. They help you maintain more natural foot movements when walking.
  • Medications
    Your orthopedist may recommend prescription medications to treat your pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroids can help ease pain and calm irritated nerves.
  • Physical therapy
    Therapists guide you through exercises to regain strength and mobility. They may also use special techniques to loosen stiff muscles.
  • Therapeutic massage
    Licensed massage therapists help loosen stiff tissue, which increases blood flow to injured areas and promotes healing.
Foot and ankle surgery

Foot and ankle surgeries we offer include: 

  • Achilles tendon repair
    We reconnect torn tendons. We may remove damaged tissue if there is wear and tear. Sometimes, we replace the tendon with a new one.
  • Ankle fusion
    This procedure permanently joins ankle bones using plates and screws. It may halt arthritis pain when medical therapies aren't successful.
  • Bunion removal
    Surgeons remove growths at the base of the big or little toe. They may also reposition the joint to improve alignment with the rest of the foot.
  • Foot and ankle reconstruction
    We correct anomalies and repair traumatic injuries. It may involve reshaping bones or using tissue from other areas of the body.
  • Joint replacement
    We replace worn-out or damaged joints with artificial devices.
  • Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction
    Surgeons restore ankle stability by tightening the ligaments that support the joint. It may also involve replacing tears with healthy tissue.
  • Plantar fasciitis release surgery
    Experts make small cuts in the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Or, they may place incisions in one of the two calf muscles.
Foot and Ankle News & Resources

Schedule your appointment

Call  (314) 362-9355  or  (800) 392-0936  to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

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