Treatments

Rapid technology advances have led to a number of new treatment options that help patients achieve lasting results with less time away from work and play. By combining the expertise of several foot and ankle specialists from multiple disciplines, we stay abreast of advances and determine the most effective, least invasive approach to providing our patients with pain relief and increased mobility.

Diagnosis

Effective treatment requires a thorough understanding of the underlying condition. At Sutter, patients have access to a complete spectrum of imaging tools, biomechanical studies, and other diagnostic tools that allow doctors to pinpoint the source of the patient’s complaint.

Noninvasive

Because the human body naturally works toward repairing injuries, non-invasive treatment should be initiated first. Acute injuries should be cared for with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Avoiding activities that exacerbate the injury and taking medications for pain and inflammation will provide relief while the body repairs damage. Shoe modifications and orthotics can help correct minor postural abnormalities of the foot and take pressure off sensitive areas. Physical therapists can expedite your return to full activity and sports after an injury through customized exercises, stretching programs, ultrasound and electrical stimulation. Judicious use of injections cannot only help solidify your diagnosis but also act as a therapeutic agent. Certain conditions such as chronic Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis respond well to shock wave therapy when other modalities of treatment fail.

Surgery is prescribed when non-surgical treatment fails or when the standard of care dictates an operation.

Minimally Invasive

While traditional open surgeries still provide the best outcomes for some conditions, a growing list of foot and ankle conditions can now be treated with arthroscopic surgery through small incisions using a fiber-optic camera.

Surgery

In cases of trauma or when less invasive techniques have failed, patients often find relief through surgery that corrects conditions of the bones, joint or connective tissue. Sutter offers the complete range of surgical services through orthopedic surgeons with fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery and surgical podiatrists.

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