Your feet carry you through life, supporting movement, balance, and stability. When pain, injury, or structural issues arise, everyday tasks can become challenging. That’s why specialized orthopaedic care is vital. With the right guidance, even complex foot and ankle problems can be managed effectively, helping you return to comfort, mobility, and an active lifestyle.
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, our board-certified orthopedic foot and ankle providers are dedicated to delivering advanced, patient-first care. From early diagnosis to surgical and non-surgical solutions, we treat each patient with personalized attention and expertise. If you're experiencing foot or ankle pain, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with our experienced team today.
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Let’s explore why choosing an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist can make all the difference in your health and recovery.
Common Foot Problems Requiring Specialized Care
Foot and ankle issues are among the most frequent orthopedic concerns seen in clinical practice. These conditions often result from biomechanical imbalances, repetitive stress, acute injuries, or developmental abnormalities—and when left untreated, they can significantly impact your mobility and comfort.
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, we care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain
- Flat feet (pes planus) and high arches (pes cavus)
- Degenerative arthritis of the foot and ankle joints
- Bunions, hammertoes, and other toe deformities
- Achilles tendinitis and tendon ruptures
- Stress fractures and traumatic bone fractures
- Ankle instability or recurrent sprains
- Neuromas and nerve entrapment syndromes
Even mild discomfort in the foot or ankle can be an early indicator of a more complex issue. Prompt evaluation by a foot and ankle specialist ensures accurate diagnosis, early intervention, and a personalized treatment plan, helping you return to daily activities with improved function and less pain.
Benefits of Seeing an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist
When it comes to foot and ankle issues, specialized care can make all the difference. While general practitioners can provide basic support, orthopedic foot and ankle specialists offer advanced training and focused expertise in diagnosing and managing complex conditions affecting these vital structures.
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, our foot and ankle providers are board-certified physicians who have completed medical school, orthopedic residency, and additional subspecialty training, often including a dedicated ankle fellowship. This background equips them to deliver comprehensive, targeted care for both routine and advanced orthopedic concerns.
Choosing to work with a foot and ankle specialist offers key advantages:
- Precise diagnosis using advanced imaging and biomechanical assessments
- Customized treatment plans tailored to your mobility, goals, and lifestyle
- Access to a wide range of treatment options, including custom orthotics, physical therapy, and the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Conservative-first approach, using nonsurgical therapies before considering operative care
- Ongoing support for chronic, congenital, or degenerative foot and ankle problems
At OAA, we emphasize lifelong learning and continuing medical education to ensure every patient benefits from the most current, evidence-based orthopedic care available.
The Role of Biomechanics in Foot Health
The way your foot functions directly affects your entire body’s movement and stability. When the biomechanics of the foot are disrupted—whether from joint misalignment, abnormal gait patterns, or uneven weight distribution—it can lead to overuse injuries, chronic discomfort, and long-term musculoskeletal issues.
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, we take a whole-body approach to foot and ankle care. Our specialists carefully assess how your ankle bones, joints, tendons, and muscles interact with your posture and gait. Identifying these patterns helps us uncover the root causes of pain—not just the symptoms.
For many patients, custom foot orthoses (orthotic inserts) are an effective solution. These devices are designed to improve alignment, relieve pressure points, and support proper mechanics during everyday activities. In some cases, biomechanical concerns may also result from previous injuries, compensatory habits, or congenital differences.
Our goal is to correct the source of the issue, restore natural movement, and prevent future injury, so you can move with greater comfort and confidence.
Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatment Options
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, our first priority is to explore non-surgical treatments that can effectively reduce pain, restore function, and improve long-term outcomes. Many foot and ankle conditions respond well to conservative care, which may include:
- Activity modification and structured rest
- Custom orthotics or bracing to improve alignment and relieve pressure
- Anti-inflammatory medications for pain and swelling
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation in targeted areas
- On-site physical therapy focused on stretching, strengthening, and joint mobility
- Patient education to help prevent ankle sprains, overuse injuries, and recurrence
When non-surgical options are not sufficient, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons are trained in the most advanced surgical techniques. Our team performs:
- Minimally invasive foot and ankle procedures for faster recovery and less tissue disruption
- Reconstructive surgery for foot deformities or structural abnormalities
- Arthroscopy for diagnosing and treating joint injuries
- Fusion or total joint replacement in cases of severe arthritis or degenerative joint disease
Whether you are dealing with a recent injury or a long-standing condition, our physicians develop a treatment plan that reflects your personal goals, activity level, and overall health.
Our team includes highly trained specialists, including Dr. Jay Kaufman, Dr. Byron Cook, Dr. Mark Maehrer, and Dr. Dusty Haverly, who bring decades of collective expertise to every step of your care. Each surgeon is dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Preventive Care for Long-Term Foot and Ankle Health
Preventive care is essential to maintaining foot and ankle function throughout life. By identifying issues early and building healthy movement habits, patients can reduce their risk of injury, manage chronic conditions, and support overall mobility.
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, we encourage the following proactive steps:
- Wear footwear that fits your activity and foot structure, especially if you have flat feet, high arches, or prior injuries
- Incorporate low-impact exercise to maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength without overstressing the foot and ankle
- Stretch regularly, particularly the calves, Achilles tendons, and plantar fascia, to improve mobility and reduce strain
- Use orthotics or custom insoles when appropriate to support alignment and distribute pressure more evenly
- Schedule a specialist evaluation at the first sign of discomfort, swelling, or structural changes—early diagnosis leads to better outcomes
Our orthopedic foot and ankle team works closely with new and returning patients to reinforce the connection between foot health and whole-body function. Whether you're aiming to prevent injuries or address early symptoms, our goal is to help you move confidently for years to come.
Step Into Better Foot Health with OAA Orthopedic Specialists
Foot pain shouldn’t limit your lifestyle. The right orthopedic care can restore your comfort, confidence, and quality of life. Our team at OAA Orthopedic Specialists is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care for every step of your journey.
If you’re struggling with an orthopedic foot issue, reach out today. Schedule your visit with our foot and ankle specialists and start moving toward better health.
