Step forward: Advance foot and ankle care for improved mobility

Our feet are engineering marvels comprised of 28 bones, 33 joints, over a hundred ligaments and 30 or so muscles. Given this intricate design and the demand we place on them, it’s no wonder that for many adults, foot and ankle pain is a normal part of life.

“While a lot of foot and ankle problems are genetic in nature, most are caused by wear and tear or injury,” says Lisbeth Keplinger, DPM, a foot and ankle specialist at Providence St. Jude Medical Center. “Conditions range from common fractures and sports injuries to genetic deformities that create pain later in life.”

The most common foot and ankle injuries are sprains, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis, as well as stress fractures from repetitive impact such as running and jumping.

While there’s been several recent innovations in surgery options to treat foot and ankle injuries, the physicians at Providence St. Jude prefer a conservative approach.

“Our specialists are excellent foot and ankle surgeons, but our mission is to get patients feeling better first with other effective solutions,” says Dr. Keplinger. “Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in advanced techniques including minimally invasive treatments that offer excellent outcomes.”

Less invasive bunion surgery

One of the most common foot conditions is bunions — a primarily inherited condition that causes a painful deformity of the toe.

A breakthrough surgery corrects the deformity using small incisions and specialized techniques combined with a high-precision burr to cut bones and correct alignment. Surgeons use real-time X-ray imaging and employ special alignment guides to ensure proper positioning. The area is then stabilized using small pins or screws.

This minimally invasive approach allows patients to put weight on the foot sooner; there’s also less chance of infection and a shorter recovery time.

Faster recovery from Achilles injuries

Athletes dread Achilles injuries because recovery can be especially long, but an update to a decades old procedure offers new options. The speed bridge procedure has historically been a solution for deformity associated with the Achilles tendon, but it was recently successfully used on NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers to allow him a quicker return to the game.

“The procedure isn’t new, but the actual surgical technique has been refined and allows for a much more durable reattachment,” says foot specialist James Lee, DPM, at Providence St. Jude. “The advantages are a shorter recovery period and a quicker return to normal activity.”

Updated implants and biologics

One exciting advancement is the introduction of the fourth-generation ankle replacement. Damaged cartilage is replaced with an artificial implant that mimics the natural movement of a healthy ankle.

Using computer-aided imaging, custom printed 3-D components are created to improve the precision of the implant while decreasing operating time and improving the recovery period. 

"A total ankle replacement is often a better solution for an active patient with a severely arthritic joint,” adds Tyler MacRae, a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon at Providence St. Jude. “New generation technology and implants offer durable solutions with substantially longer lifespans.” 

Regenerative medicine such as biologic injections are a novel way to enhance healing following injury. With platelet-rich plasma therapy, or PRP, a patient’s own platelets are used to improve the healing of conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. While PRP has been used for years to treat professional athletes, it’s increasingly becoming mainstream.

Coordinated, advanced care

Emphasizing the importance of coordination, the specialists offer a holistic approach that helps patients recover faster. 

"What differentiates us is that we are integrated with a larger total orthopedics group,” says Dr. Keplinger. “The power of collaboration within our group allows us to orthopedically treat the whole body; it’s an incredible advantage.”

While the doctors are experts in all things foot and ankle, their top priority is always ensuring the best outcomes for patients so they can get back to doing what they love.

"I was in private practice for 20 years, treating my patients like family by taking time with each individual and serving with compassion. I found that same philosophy here,” said Dr. Lee.

To learn more or to make an appointment, call 714-626-8630 or visit providence.org/findadoctor