Conditions We Treat

Ankle Sprains & Instability

Ligament injuries of the ankle from rolling or twisting, ranging from mild sprains to chronic instability requiring surgical reconstruction.

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Complete or partial tearing of the Achilles tendon causing sudden pain and inability to push off the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation of the plantar fascia causing heel pain, particularly with the first steps in the morning.

Ankle Arthritis

Degenerative joint disease of the ankle causing chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling with weight-bearing.

Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

Bony prominence at the base of the big toe from misalignment of the metatarsal, causing pain and difficulty with footwear.

Hammertoe Deformity

Abnormal bending of the toe joints causing pain, corns, and difficulty wearing shoes.

Morton's Neuroma

Thickening of nerve tissue between the toes causing burning pain, numbness, and the sensation of a pebble in the shoe.

Stress Fractures

Repetitive loading fractures of the metatarsals or other foot bones, common in athletes and military personnel.

Procedures We Offer

Ankle Ligament Reconstruction (Brostrom)

Surgical repair and tightening of stretched lateral ankle ligaments to restore stability.

Achilles Tendon Repair

Surgical reattachment of completely ruptured Achilles tendon to restore push-off strength and function.

Ankle Arthroscopy

Minimally invasive treatment of ankle ligament tears, osteochondral defects, and loose bodies.

Total Ankle Replacement

Replacement of the arthritic ankle joint with a prosthetic implant, preserving ankle motion.

Ankle Fusion (Arthrodesis)

Surgical fusion of the ankle joint to eliminate painful arthritis, trading motion for pain relief and stability.

Bunion Correction (Osteotomy)

Surgical realignment of the first metatarsal to correct bunion deformity and restore normal toe alignment.

Hammertoe Correction

Surgical straightening of bent toes through tendon release and bone repositioning.

Plantar Fascia Release

Surgical release of the plantar fascia for refractory plantar fasciitis that has not responded to conservative care.

Our Providers

Damon B. Combs, D.P.M.

Damon B. Combs, D.P.M.

Surgical Podiatrist

Foot & Ankle

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Laura C. Wiegand, M.D.

Laura C. Wiegand, M.D.

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Sports Medicine

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need surgery for a complete Achilles tendon rupture?

Complete Achilles tendon ruptures can be treated either surgically or with conservative management in a boot/cast. Surgery generally offers a lower re-rupture rate and may allow faster return to high-level activity, making it preferred for younger, active patients. Non-surgical treatment is often appropriate for older, less active individuals or those with medical conditions that increase surgical risk. We will discuss both options and your specific goals to determine the best approach.

What is the recovery from bunion surgery?

Recovery from bunion surgery typically involves 6 weeks of limited weight-bearing in a surgical boot, followed by gradual return to normal footwear over 3–4 months. Swelling can persist for 6–12 months. Most patients achieve significant pain relief and improved foot function, though complete healing requires patience.

Is ankle replacement better than ankle fusion?

Both procedures effectively relieve ankle arthritis pain, but they have different trade-offs. Ankle replacement preserves motion and may feel more natural for daily activities and gait. Ankle fusion provides excellent pain relief with a longer track record but eliminates ankle motion, which can increase stress on adjacent joints over time. The best choice depends on your age, activity level, bone quality, and deformity pattern.

How can I treat plantar fasciitis at home?

Initial treatment for plantar fasciitis includes stretching of the plantar fascia and calf muscles, wearing supportive footwear (avoiding flat shoes and bare feet), over-the-counter orthotics, ice massage, and anti-inflammatory medications. Wearing a night splint to maintain stretch during sleep is also very effective. If symptoms persist beyond 6–8 weeks, we recommend evaluation for additional treatments including physical therapy, custom orthotics, or corticosteroid injections.

Ready to Get Relief?

Our board-certified orthopaedic specialists are here to help. Schedule your appointment today.

Or call us: (412) 283-0260

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