Advanced foot and ankle treatments

Orthopedic specialists at Ascension Saint Thomas provide nonsurgical and surgical foot and ankle treatments to relieve pain and improve mobility.

Foot and ankle treatments and procedures

At Ascension Saint Thomas in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee, our podiatrists treat the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, providing compassionate care to relieve pain, improve mobility and support your long-term health.

We offer both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options based on your condition and care needs. When surgery is recommended, whenever possible, our foot and ankle surgeons use minimally invasive procedures, which can lead to shorter recovery time and less pain.

Ankle replacement surgery replaces a damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant. This surgery can help relieve pain and swelling, improve movement and make walking and everyday activities easier.

Bunion surgery helps correct a bunion, a bump that forms at the base of the big toe caused by joint misalignment. Surgery may help relieve pain, improve foot alignment and make walking or wearing shoes more comfortable.

Corrective surgery, including club foot and limb lengthening, may be used to improve the shape, alignment or function of the feet or legs to help reduce pain and improve movement.

Cryotherapy is a common treatment used to remove warts by freezing them with a very cold liquid. The freezing helps destroy the wart so it can heal and fall away over time. Often used for plantar warts on the feet, mild redness, soreness or blistering can occur after treatment.

Exercise physiology focuses on how the body responds to movement and physical activity. In foot and ankle care, exercise specialists may help create plans to improve strength, flexibility, balance and overall mobility while helping reduce pain and prevent injury.

Immobilization helps the foot or ankle heal by limiting movement. A cast, brace, splint or walking boot may be used to protect the area, reduce pain and give the injury time to heal properly.

Limb lengthening is a procedure used to gradually lengthen a leg bone when one leg is shorter than the other. This treatment can help improve balance, walking and movement.

Medication therapy and injections may help relieve foot and ankle pain, reduce swelling and improve movement. Treatment options can include medications or injections, such as cortisone shots, to help reduce irritation and discomfort.

NSAIDs are medications used to reduce pain and swelling. Common over-the-counter options include ibuprofen and naproxen. Prescription-strength medications may also be recommended based on your needs.

Ankle and foot braces to help support and stabilize the feet and ankles. Braces may be used to protect injured or weak joints.

Orthotics are shoe inserts designed to support the feet and improve comfort while walking or standing. They can help relieve foot and ankle pain and provide support for conditions like flat feet, high arches and plantar fasciitis.

Physical therapy helps improve strength, flexibility and movement in the feet and ankles. It may include exercises, stretching and other therapies to help reduce pain, improve balance and support recovery after an injury or surgery.

The R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This home treatment approach may help reduce pain and swelling after a foot or ankle injury.

Foot wound care helps treat cuts, sores, ulcers and other foot injuries to support healing and help prevent infection. Treatment may include cleaning the wound, applying bandages or dressings, and protecting the area from pressure or further injury. Proper wound care is especially important for people with diabetes or poor circulation as wounds may take longer to heal.