Foot and Ankle Specialists in Duluth, MN
The foot and ankle bear more load than any other part of the musculoskeletal system. Between daily activity and athletic use, the joints, tendons, and bones in this region are among the most frequently injured and most commonly affected by chronic conditions.
At Orthopaedic Associates of Duluth, our foot and ankle care is provided by two board-certified foot and ankle surgeons with training and experience across the full range of conditions, from acute sports injuries and trauma to complex reconstructive procedures and total ankle replacement. Your surgeon works alongside our physical and occupational therapy team so that rehabilitation is part of the plan from the start.
Foot and Ankle Conditions and Treatments
Our foot and ankle surgeons evaluate and treat conditions affecting patients of all ages and activity levels. Whether the problem developed gradually over time or resulted from an acute injury, your surgeon will recommend a treatment path based on your diagnosis and what you need to return to doing.
- Foot and Ankle Surgery
- Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery
- Foot and Ankle Injury and Trauma
- Total Ankle Replacement
- Foot and Ankle in Sport and Sports-Related Injuries
- Tendon Disorders
- Bunions
- Hammer Toes
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Diabetic Foot and Charcot Reconstruction
- Arthroscopy
- Arthrodesis
- Non-operative Treatments
Foot and Ankle Treatment Options
at Orthopaedic Associates
Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery
Surgical correction of structural problems affecting the foot and ankle, including deformities, joint damage, and conditions that cause chronic pain or functional limitation. Reconstructive procedures are tailored to each patient’s specific anatomy and diagnosis.
Foot and Ankle Trauma
Evaluation and surgical treatment of fractures, dislocations, and acute injuries affecting the foot, ankle, and surrounding structures. Same-day appointments are often available for urgent foot and ankle injuries.
Bunion Surgery
Surgical correction of bunion deformities causing pain, difficulty with footwear, or limited movement at the big toe joint.
Tendon Disorders and Achilles Tendon Repair
Evaluation and treatment for tendon tears, tendon dysfunction, and Achilles tendon rupture. Both surgical repair and non-operative management are available depending on the severity and the patient’s goals.
Arthroscopy
Minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures performed through small incisions in the foot or ankle joint. Used to address cartilage damage, impingement, loose bodies, and other intra-articular conditions.
Arthrodesis
Surgical joint fusion for patients with severe arthritis or structural joint damage that has not responded to other treatments. Arthrodesis eliminates painful joint motion by fusing the bones of the affected joint.
Total Ankle Replacement
Surgical replacement of a damaged ankle joint with a prosthetic implant for patients with severe ankle arthritis. Discussed in more detail below.
Diabetic Foot and Charcot Reconstruction
Surgical and non-surgical management of foot and ankle conditions related to diabetes, including Charcot foot reconstruction for patients with significant structural deformity caused by diabetic neuropathy.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Not every foot and ankle condition requires surgery. Our physicians evaluate each patient individually and recommend non-operative management when it is the appropriate path, including physical therapy referrals, orthotics, and other conservative measures.
Total Ankle Replacement in Duluth, MN
Indications
Total ankle replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged surfaces of the ankle joint are removed and replaced with prosthetic components. It is indicated primarily for patients with severe ankle arthritis that has caused significant pain and limited movement, when non-surgical treatment has not provided adequate relief.
The goal of total ankle replacement is to relieve arthritis pain while preserving ankle movement, which distinguishes it from ankle arthrodesis, where the joint is fused and motion is eliminated. Your surgeon will evaluate your imaging, anatomy, activity level, and surgical history to determine which approach is more appropriate for your situation.
Meet Our Foot and Ankle Specialists in Duluth, MN
Ryan R. Reinking, DPM
Meet the Doctor: Ryan R. Reinking, DPM
Katherine R. Schnell, DPM
Meet the Doctor: Katherine R. Schnell, DPM
Schedule with a Foot and Ankle Specialist in Duluth, MN
Our foot and ankle surgeons see patients at our Duluth clinic and at locations across Northern Minnesota including Hibbing, Rock Ridge/Virginia, Grand Rapids, and Moose Lake. Same-day appointments are often available for acute foot and ankle injuries.