Patient Story
Foot and Ankle Specialists
Our Approach to Foot & Ankle Care
The human foot is an incredibly intricate structure, made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 ligaments and muscles working together to achieve stability and flexibility. The ankle, likewise, is a complex joint formed by the articulation of several bones and stabilized by many ligaments. These specialized structures are literally foundational to our mobility and quality of life, so if pain or other problems arise, it’s important to seek care from an experienced specialist.
The foot and ankle experts at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) are renowned medical doctors and orthopedic surgeons specifically trained to diagnose and treat even the most complex foot and ankle conditions. We employ the most innovative evidence-based methods available, including the latest surgical techniques, in addition to medications, bracing, and custom orthotics.
What We Do
- Accessory navicular
- Achilles tendonitis and tendinopathy
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Ankle arthritis
- Ankle fracture
- Ankle instability
- Ankle sprain
- Big toe arthritis (hallux rigidus)
- Bunion (hallux valgus)
- Calcaneus fracture
- Charcot arthropathy
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease
- Claw toe
- Crush injury
- Diabetic foot conditions
- Flatfoot
- Foot fractures
- Foot drop
- Foot sprain
- Fracture malunion and nonunion
- Fusion malunion and nonunion
- Haglund's deformity
- Hallux varus
- Hammer toe
- Heel spur
- High ankle sprains (syndesmotic injury)
- High arches (cavus foot)
- Jones fracture
- Lisfranc injuries
- Masses and cysts
- Mallet toe
- Metatarsalgia
- Midfoot arthritis
- Morton’s neuroma
- Neuromuscular conditions and deformity
- Neuropathy
- Os trigonum syndrome
- Osteochondral lesions of the talus
- Osteonecrosis of the talus (avascular necrosis)
- Peroneal tendon conditions
- Plantar fasciitis
- Posterior ankle impingement
- Posterior tibialis tendon conditions
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sesamoiditis and sesamoid fracture
- Sinus tarsi syndrome
- Sports injuries
- Subtalar and hindfoot arthritis
- Tailor’s bunion (bunionette deformity)
- Talus fractures
- Tarsal coalition
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Tibial plafond (pilon) fractures
- Toe fractures
- Work-related foot and ankle injuries
- Achilles tendon reconstruction
- Achilles tendon repair
- Ankle fracture repair
- Biologics
- BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate)
- Bracing
- Bunion correction
- Casting
- Cavus foot reconstruction
- Charcot foot reconstruction
- Deformity correction
- Flatfoot reconstruction
- Foot and ankle arthroscopy
- Forefoot deformity correction
- Hammer toe correction
- Injections
- Joint fusion (arthrodesis)
- Ligament repair and reconstruction
- Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery
- Nerve decompression and release
- Oral and topical medications
- Orthotics
- Osteochondral lesion of talus repair and cartilage restoration
- Physical therapy
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
- Revision foot and ankle surgery
- Shoe wear modifications
- Tendon repair and reconstruction
- Tendon transfers
- Total ankle replacement
- Trauma and fracture repair
- CT scan
- EMG (electromyography)
- Fluoroscopy
- MRI
- NCS (nerve conduction velocities)
- Ultrasound
- Weightbearing CT
- X-Ray
Leaders in Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive Techniques
Our specialists make every effort to avoid surgery whenever possible by exploring conservative, non-surgical treatment options first, such as physical therapy or biologic therapies like platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections that stimulate healing. If surgery is necessary, the surgeons at MOR are highly skilled at leading-edge, minimally invasive procedures designed to minimize your hospital stay and your recovery time. These groundbreaking surgeries include Tightrope bunion surgery, limb realignment, diabetic foot reconstruction, cartilage replacement, and total ankle replacement.
MOR physicians are also intimately involved in ongoing research, especially in the areas of adult reconstruction, rheumatoid arthritis, industrial injuries, sports medicine, diabetes, and biomechanics. Our research and clinical trials have led to advancements in surgical techniques, prosthesis design, and patient rehabilitation. Today, thanks in part to our research, many conditions once considered debilitating can be effectively treated.
One Team, from Physicians to Therapists
Treating injuries to structures as complex and essential for activity as the foot and ankle requires an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals. In addition to our exceptional physicians, the team at MOR is made up of specialty nurses, physician assistants, rehabilitation therapists, and pain management specialists — all dedicated to restoring function and reducing discomfort to the fullest extent possible.
Helping Elite Performers Be Their Best
More than 25% of all sports-related injuries are to the foot and ankle, and 40% of dancers’ injuries involve the lower extremity. Our foot and ankle specialists are the official orthopedic providers for the world-renowned Joffrey Ballet, working closely with on-site therapists to help keep performers injury free. The team at MOR also includes sports medicine physicians, certified athletic trainers, and physical therapists who help patients improve strength, balance, and flexibility in the lower extremity.
Ready to See a Foot & Ankle Specialist?
Schedule an appointment today and get back to your best.
Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients can walk with a protective boot within 1 to 2 weeks and transition back to normal shoes around 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the procedure. Return to running or high-impact activity typically takes 3 to 6 months. Recovery time varies based on the severity of the bunion and which surgical technique is used.
Plantar fasciitis often improves gradually over 6 to 12 months with stretching, supportive footwear, night splints, and activity modification. Cases that don't respond to conservative care may benefit from corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy, or, rarely, surgery. Early treatment generally leads to faster resolution.
A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments, while a fracture is a break in the bone itself. Both can cause swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight, and they often can't be distinguished without an X-ray. Any ankle injury with significant swelling, deformity, or inability to walk should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist.
Most ankle procedures — including arthroscopy, ligament repair, and many fracture repairs — are outpatient and patients go home the same day. Complex reconstructions or ankle replacements may involve a short hospital stay. Our foot and ankle surgeons discuss the expected recovery plan before surgery.
A specialist evaluation is appropriate when pain persists beyond 2 to 3 weeks of home care, when an injury prevents weight bearing, or when deformity, numbness, or recurring instability is present. Early evaluation often shortens recovery and prevents chronic issues.
Yes. Our foot and ankle team treats Achilles tendonitis, partial tears, and full ruptures, with both nonsurgical and surgical options. Return-to-sport protocols are tailored to the injury and patient's goals, and our team cares for both recreational and professional athletes.
Yes. Foot and ankle specialists at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush treat diabetic foot conditions in coordination with endocrinology and vascular care, including Charcot foot, diabetic ulcers, and related deformities. Early intervention is important for preserving mobility.