Foot & Ankle

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

Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat

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

Foot & Ankle Treatments

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

Foot & Ankle Tests

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.