Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Care

The Expertise to Keep You on Your Feet

If you suffer from foot or ankle pain, the simplest and most important daily activities can range from uncomfortable to excruciating. The foot and ankle specialists   at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are dedicated to helping you live with less pain and more mobility.

Why Choose Houston Methodist for Foot & Ankle Care

The specialists at Houston Methodist lead and adopt the latest advancements in treatment, including minimally invasive approaches for tendon ruptures and rehabilitation. 

Our specialists are also involved in research around surgical techniques and prosthesis design through the Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation & Education (MITIESM). For example, Kevin Varner, MD, invented a metal plate to help provide more stability  in the repair of certain foot and ankle fractures — a technique now being used nationwide. 

Our research and innovation means we provide our patients the most advanced and personalized foot and ankle treatments available.

Houston Methodist meets the highest standard of care for professional sports teams and performing arts organizations. Because we solve the foot and ankle challenges of world-class athletes, we are at the forefront of innovation and bring that same elite level of care to all of our patients. 

Foot & Ankle Pain Relief

Foot pain and ankle pain are both common problems affecting millions of people worldwide, and they interfere with daily activities such as walking, running and standing. Studies show that a significant percentage of adults experience foot pain at some point in their lives. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, which causes heel pain, affect about 10% of the population over their lifetime, and Achilles tendonitis, an overuse injury of the tendon, is common among the physically active.

Whether caused by injury, overuse or underlying conditions, foot and ankle pain can range from mild and uncomfortable to severe and debilitating. At Houston Methodist, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot pain and ankle conditions to help patients regain mobility and get back on their feet.

Understanding Common Foot & Ankle Conditions

Achilles Tendonitis and Other Sports Injuries

Achilles tendinitis, sometimes spelled “tendonitis,” affects the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It's characterized by pain and stiffness along the tendon, often made worse by physical activity. Other common sports injuries include heel spurs, fractures (such as joint, metatarsal bone, sesamoid bone and toe fractures) and sprains, which all require immediate attention to prevent long-term damage.

Different Types of Arthritis

There are different types of arthritis that can affect the foot and ankle. These include osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear and leads to joint degeneration; rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation; and psoriatic arthritis, which is associated with psoriasis and is a type of inflammatory arthritis. These conditions can result in pain and stiffness when conducting daily activities. Big toe arthritis is quite common and can significantly limit mobility if left untreated.

Bunions and Hammertoes

Bunions and hammertoes are deformities that affect toe alignment, leading to pain and discomfort. These conditions can worsen over time without proper treatment.

Diabetes-Related Foot Conditions

Diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar, can lead to a variety of foot conditions, including nerve damage, ulcers and infections, all of which require careful management to avoid severe complications.

Flat Feet & High Arch Deformities

Flat feet, where the arches of the feet are low or absent, and high arch deformities, where the arches are excessively raised, are structural issues that can lead to chronic pain and instability in the foot and ankle.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain, characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia. Symptoms often include sharp pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning.

Sprains, Fractures & Broken Bones

Foot and ankle sprains, fractures and broken bones occur when ligaments or bones are overstretched or severely damaged. These injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on the damage involved. Types of foot and ankle fractures include joint, metatarsal bone, sesamoid bone and toe fractures.

Our Foot &Ankle Pain Treatment Options

At Houston Methodist, we provide a range of treatments for foot and ankle pain, focusing on restoring mobility and relieving discomfort due to arthritis, sports injury, sprains, fractures and more. Our treatments include:

Ankle Arthrodesis (Fusion)

Ankle arthrodesis, or fusion, is a surgical option for severe arthritis or deformity in the ankle that provides stability and pain relief by fusing the bones of the joint.

Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat various conditions within the ankle joint, including ligament damage and cartilage issues.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Often the first line of treatment for foot and ankle pain, OTC (over-the-counter) NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. These readily available medications are effective in managing symptoms and helping you stay active during the recovery process.

Cartilage Repair & Replacement

For patients with cartilage damage, cartilage repair and replacement procedures can restore joint function, alleviate pain and help preserve the natural joint by replacing damaged cartilage with healthy tissue or synthetic materials.

Custom Orthotics

Orthotics are custom-designed inserts to support and correct foot misalignments. When made by a specialist, they can significantly reduce pain and improve movement. 

Dislocation Repair

Dislocations in the foot or ankle require prompt treatment to avoid long-term complications. Our orthopedic health care specialists are skilled in both non-surgical and surgical dislocation repair methods.

Fracture Repair

Our team offers expert fracture repair using both traditional and advanced techniques proven to promote proper healing and recovery, including the use of splints to stabilize the affected area.

Ligament & Tendon Repair

Ligament and tendon injuries can severely impact mobility. Our ligament and tendon repair procedures restore strength and function so patients can return to normal activities.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

When non-surgical treatments fail to relieve symptoms, minimally invasive surgery may be necessary. Procedures like arthroscopy, a technique using a tiny camera to view and treat joint issues, allow for quicker recovery times and less scarring.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a key role in foot and ankle pain management. It helps improve strength, flexibility and balance, and it’s often essential in recovering from injuries and preventing future problems.

Reconstructive Surgery

For severe foot and ankle deformities or injuries, reconstructive surgery may be required. Our orthopedic surgeons are experienced in complex procedures that restore function and alleviate pain.

Rehabilitation

Post-surgical rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery that focuses on restoring strength, mobility and function to the foot and ankle. Our comprehensive rehabilitation programs are designed to support patients through every step of their recovery journey.

Sports Medicine Services

Our sports medicine team specializes in treating sports-related foot and ankle injuries, offering expert care for conditions like Achilles tendonitis, fractures and sprains. We provide both non-surgical and surgical options tailored to the needs of both amateur and professional athletes.

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections can provide significant relief from pain and inflammation, particularly in cases of plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and other inflammatory conditions.

Total Ankle Replacement

Total ankle replacement is an advanced surgical option for patients with severe ankle arthritis or other debilitating conditions. This procedure aims to restore mobility and reduce pain by replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one.

Signs & Symptoms of Foot & Ankle Pain

Recognizing the early signs of foot and ankle pain can prevent further damage and lead to more effective treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Sharp heel pain, particularly in the morning
• Stiffness or pain along the Achilles tendon
• Swelling or bruising after an injury
• Visible deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately to avoid long-term damage.

How We Diagnose Your Foot & Ankle Pain

At Houston Methodist, we'll conduct a thorough evaluation of your feet and ankles, including a detailed medical history and physical examination, to identify the underlying cause of your pain. Advanced imaging technologies allow us to visualize the internal structures of the foot and ankle and identify injuries or abnormalities that may not be apparent through a physical exam alone.

Your diagnosis may include:

• A detailed medical history review
•  CT (Computed Tomography) scans
• MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• Physical examinations
• X-rays

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine: Trusted Care for Foot & Ankle Injuries

Find a Doctor for Your Foot & Ankle Pain