Foot & Ankle
Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Care
The ankle specialists at Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance have expertise in both non-surgical and surgical ankle treatments for a wide array of conditions. Our approach to ankle pain focuses on individualized care to improve your outcome for the long term. We also integrate cutting-edge ankle pain diagnostics, surgical and non-surgical treatments, and physical therapy as needed – all at facilities conveniently located throughout Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin.
As with many other parts of the body, chronic or acute ankle pain is usually caused by injury, wear and tear, bone disease or congenital flaws. Environmental factors, such as shoes without proper support, high-heels or running and walking on uneven ground can all be problematic.
Ankle pain and injuries are very common because this area of the lower leg and foot bears the brunt of your body’s weight. When you take a misstep or come down on your ankle the wrong way, you’re exerting incredible force – which could result in a severe sprain. Even day-to-day walking and running can cause swelling and a lot of wear and tear.
So, whenever you’re experiencing ankle pain, it’s a good idea to seek advice from an orthopedic specialist to help prevent long-term complications.
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Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat
Our foot and ankle specialists diagnose and treat the full range of conditions and injuries affecting the foot and ankle, creating a personalized plan to relieve your pain and get you back on your feet.
Other Foot & Ankle Conditions
Ankle Instability
Ankle instability is a chronic condition in which the ankle repeatedly gives way, usually along the outer side, often following one or more ankle sprains that did not fully heal. People with unstable ankles may feel wobbliness on uneven ground and experience recurring sprains, pain, and swelling. Treatment ranges from bracing and physical therapy that strengthens the supporting muscles to surgical ligament reconstruction for persistent cases.
Loose Bodies
Loose bodies are small fragments of bone or cartilage that break off and float within the ankle joint, often as a result of injury, arthritis, or wear over time. They can cause catching, locking, pain, and swelling as they interfere with normal joint motion. When symptoms persist, these fragments can usually be removed with minimally invasive ankle arthroscopy.
Clubfoot
Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which a baby’s foot is turned inward and downward because the tendons connecting the leg muscles to the foot are too tight. It is usually painless in infancy but, left untreated, can make walking difficult and lead to long-term problems. Most cases respond well to early nonsurgical treatment such as gentle stretching and casting, with surgery reserved for more severe cases.
Foot Arthritis
Arthritis of the foot occurs when the cartilage in the joints of the foot and toes wears down or becomes inflamed, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling that can make walking uncomfortable. It may result from age-related wear, a previous injury, or an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment typically begins with anti-inflammatory measures, supportive footwear or orthotics, and physical therapy, with surgery considered for advanced cases.
Foot Fracture
A foot fracture is a break in one or more of the many bones that make up the foot, often caused by a fall, a direct blow, or repetitive stress. Symptoms usually include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Treatment depends on which bone is broken and how severe the break is, ranging from immobilization in a cast or boot to surgical fixation for displaced or unstable fractures.
Foot Tendonitis
Foot tendonitis is inflammation of one of the tendons in the foot, commonly caused by overuse, improper footwear, or a sudden increase in activity. It typically causes pain, tenderness, and swelling along the affected tendon that worsens with movement. Most cases improve with rest, ice, supportive footwear, and physical therapy, though persistent cases may require additional treatment.
Hammertoe
A hammertoe is a deformity that causes a toe to bend abnormally at the middle joint, often linked to tight footwear, muscle imbalance, or arthritis. It can lead to pain, corns, and calluses where the bent toe rubs against shoes. Early treatment focuses on roomier footwear, padding, and orthotics, while a rigid or painful hammertoe may require surgical correction.
Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Treatment
No two cases of foot or ankle pain are alike, so we don’t treat them in isolation but consider how the foot, ankle, leg and knee work together. Our specialists offer surgical and non-surgical options, used alone or in combination, and will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that may include:
Conservative Treatments
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Custom-made footwear or braces
- Ankle arthritis management
- Ankle therapy and rehabilitation
Surgical Treatments
We rely on minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery techniques whenever possible to minimize pain and speed your recovery. Depending on your procedure and necessary recovery time, you may have same-day (or outpatient) surgery or you may need to be admitted to the hospital for a few days (inpatient). Surgical options include:
- Ankle arthroscopic surgery
- Ankle arthrodesis
- Ankle ligament reconstruction
- Ankle tendonitis treatment
- Ankle fracture treatment
- Ankle replacement
- Bunion surgery
- Arthritis foot treatment/surgery
- Foot arthrodesis
- Foot fracture treatment
With the proper foot and ankle diagnosis and treatment, and using the most advanced technology available, most foot and ankle problems can be successfully treated so you can get back to the activities you enjoy as quickly as possible.
Foot and Ankle: Disorders of the Bones and Soft Tissues of the Lower Legs
The majority of disorders can be treated initially without surgery.
Ankle
Stress fractures, sprains, arthritis, instability, compartment syndrome
Procedures: Injection, ankle replacement, ankle fusion, ligament reconstruction, compartment release
Physicians: Dr. Guehlstorf
Foot
Bunions, hammertoes, stress fractures, flat foot, fractures, pinched nerves
Procedures: Injections, fusions, bunion correction, hammertoe correction, nerve release
Physicians: Dr. Guehlstorf
Schedule Your Foot and Ankle Consultation Today
Please contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance at 414-384-6700 for more assistance or to set up an office consultation to be evaluated for new exciting treatment on the cutting edge of orthopedics and sports medicine.