Foot and Ankle

Ochsner Health treats these ankle and foot conditions:

• Achilles tendonitis/ruptures
• Acquired flatfoot deformity (causes the foot to look flat and sometimes leading to pain or trouble walking)
• Ankle fracture
• Ankle instability
• Ankle sprains
• Athletic injuries
• Bunions and Hallux valgus
• Cavus foot (a condition where the foot has a high arch)
• Fractures of the foot
• Hallux rigidus (stiff big toe)
• Haglund’s syndrome (a condition involving pain and swelling near the heel)
• Hammertoes (a deformity where the toes bend downward at the middle joint)
• Heel spur (small bony growth)
• Metatarsalgia (forefoot pain)
• Morton’s neuroma (a specific type of enlarged or inflamed nerve that affects the ball of the foot)
• Neuromas (enlarged or inflamed nerves in the foot)
• Osteoarthritis (a degenerative joint condition where cartilage wears away over time)
• Osteochondral lesion (damage to the cartilage and underlying bone in the ankle joint)
• Peroneal tendinosis (degeneration or overuse of the outer side of the ankle, causing pain and swelling)
• Plantar fasciitis (inflammation)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sesamoiditis (forefoot pain)
• Stress fractures

• Ankle joint arthroscopy: This procedure is often used in the early stages of arthritis flare-ups. Surgeons use small instruments and cameras to examine the ankle joint for damage or inflammation. If issues are found, they are removed, and the joint surface is cleaned.
• Arthrodesis (joint fusion): This surgery connects the bones of the ankle joint into one continuous bone, providing more stability and often relieving pain. It is typically recommended for patients whose pain hasn’t improved with other treatments.
• Total ankle replacement: Similar to hip or knee replacements, this procedure involves the use of an implant to replace a damaged ankle joint. The Wright Medical Inbone implant is less invasive, preserving more of the surrounding bone. This approach improves mobility, reduces pain, and lessens stress on nearby joints.
• Toe replacement: This surgery replaces a damaged toe joint with an artificial implant to reduce pain and improve movement.
• Surgical intervention for ulcers and infections: Procedures are available to treat or prevent ulcerations and infections, helping to protect overall foot and ankle health.

Patient referrals, transfers and consults are critically important.

We make it easy for you. To obtain copies of patient records, schedule clinic appointments, and to share your preference for receiving post-visit follow-up from your patient's appointment, call the Clinic Concierge, our dedicated physician referral line, at 504-842-7436 or 855-312-4190.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot, gets irritated or inflamed. This often comes from overuse, strain or tiny tears. The pain is usually sharp and felt near the heel, especially when you first get up in the morning or after sitting for a while.

There are several ways to ease the pain and help the tissue heal:

• Rest and avoid activities that stress your foot
• Stretch your Achilles tendon and the bottom of your foot
• Wear supportive shoes or use specially made shoe inserts designed to support the unique shape of your feet
• Use ice to reduce swelling
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen
• Try physical therapy to build strength and flexibility
• Ask your doctor about a steroid shot if the pain doesn’t go away

In rare cases, surgery might be needed if other treatments don’t work after several months. Most people feel better with non-surgical treatments in a few months. Starting treatment early and wearing the right shoes can help prevent long-term pain.

An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments supporting your ankle stretch too much or tear. This often happens from a sudden twist, a fall, or when your foot rolls inward. While sprains are common in sports, they can also happen from something as simple as walking on uneven ground or missing a step.

How long it takes to heal depends on how bad the sprain is:

• Mild sprains can heal in 1 to 2 weeks with rest, ice, and support.

• Moderate sprains usually need 3 to 6 weeks and might include physical therapy.

• Severe sprains can take months to heal and may require a brace or even surgery.

Listening to your doctor, resting your ankle, and doing rehab exercises can speed up recovery and help prevent future injuries.

A sprained ankle happens when the ligaments stretch or tear. A broken ankle means there’s a fracture, or a break, in one or more of the bones.

Both injuries can cause pain, swelling and trouble walking, so it’s not always easy to tell them apart. 

• A sprain often comes with swelling, bruising and mild to moderate pain. You might still be able to put some weight on your foot.
• A broken ankle usually causes sharp, intense pain right away. You might hear a crack or feel the bone shift, and walking or putting weight on it may not be possible.

Only an X-ray can confirm if your ankle is broken. If you’re in severe pain, can’t walk or your ankle looks crooked, see a doctor immediately.

Foot and ankle injuries are super common, whether you’re playing sports or just going about your day. Here are some of the most frequent ones:

• Ankle sprains - These happen when the ligaments around your ankle stretch or tear, often from a sudden twist or fall.
• Fractures - Broken bones in the foot or ankle can result from direct impact or rolling your ankle.
• Plantar fasciitis - This is heel pain caused by inflammation in the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot.
• Achilles tendon injuries - The Achilles tendon can get inflamed, strained or even torn from overuse or sudden movements.
• Stress fractures - Tiny cracks in the bones, often from repeated impact or overuse, are common in runners and athletes.
• Bunions - A bunion is a bony bump on the side of your big toe, usually caused by tight shoes or genetics.

Most of these injuries can be treated with rest, physical therapy or medical care. Getting help early and wearing the right shoes can speed up healing and help you avoid future issues.

Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists both treat foot and ankle problems, but their training and specialties are different.

A foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor who went to medical school, completed a residency in orthopedic surgery, and often had extra training in foot and ankle care. They handle injuries, fractures, joint issues and more complex conditions. They also perform surgeries like ankle replacements or major reconstructions.

A podiatrist, or doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), goes to podiatry school and focuses only on the feet and ankles. Podiatrists treat common issues like heel pain, bunions, nail problems and minor injuries. They also perform some types of foot and ankle surgeries.

You might see a podiatrist for everyday foot care or early treatment. An orthopedic surgeon may be needed for serious injuries, broken bones, long-term pain or complex surgeries.

Both specialists help patients stay active and pain-free. Your primary care doctor can guide you to the right specialist based on your needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the side of your foot, near the base of your big toe. It happens when the bones in the front of your foot shift out of place, making your big toe lean toward the others. This can cause pain, swelling and make it tough to find shoes that fit comfortably.

Bunions can be caused by tight shoes, flat feet, arthritis or even genetics.

If your bunion is mild, you might not need surgery. Many people find relief with simple treatments like:

• Wearing wider, more comfortable shoes
• Using padding or inserts to ease pressure
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Icing the area to reduce swelling

Surgery might be an option if the bunion causes constant pain, makes walking difficult or doesn’t improve with other treatments. Your doctor can help you decide the best approach based on your symptoms and lifestyle.

Chronic ankle pain is pain that lasts more than a few weeks and doesn’t go away with rest or basic care. It can have many different causes.

Here are some common causes:

• Past injuries - A sprain, fracture or other injury that didn’t heal properly can lead to long-term pain.
• Arthritis - Wear and tear in the ankle joint over time can cause stiffness and swelling.
• Tendon problems - Inflammation or tears in the tendons around the ankle can make movement painful.
• Instability - Weak or stretched ligaments can make the ankle feel like it might give out.
• Nerve issues - Irritated or pinched nerves in the foot or ankle can also cause pain.

If your ankle pain isn’t going away, it’s important to see a doctor. Early treatment can ease pain, improve movement and help prevent further damage.

Recovery time after foot or ankle surgery depends on the type of procedure and how serious the injury or condition was.

Here’s a general idea:

• Minor surgeries may heal in a few weeks.
• More complex surgeries can take several months.
• Full recovery, including reduced swelling and returning to normal activities, may take 6 to 12 months.

Most people will need to wear a cast, boot or brace during part of the recovery. Physical therapy is often recommended to rebuild strength and improve movement.

Following your doctor’s instructions, staying off your foot and sticking to your rehab exercises can speed up healing. With the right care, most people get back to their daily activities and feel stronger than before.