Dr. Vazales is the BEST doctor I've ever had. He's thorough. Straight forward. And GENUINE. Explains your situation in layman's terms and offers the patient their options. I was in so much pain to my ankle surgery that I thought my life was over. Now I'm back to normal with NO pain!

Foot and ankle surgery can be complex and require a long recovery. Minimally invasive techniques for surgery use smaller incisions and tools to reduce some of the complications and setbacks of conventional surgeries. They use imaging scopes so Dr. Vazales can visualize the tissues as he works without a large incision. Some benefits of minimally invasive surgeries are:

• Shorter recovery times
• Less scarring
• Less bleeding
• Less postoperative pain
• Fewer complication risks

Dr. Vazales informs you of the technique he intends to use for your surgery ahead of time after a detailed evaluation of your foot and ankle health, including X-rays and other imaging tests for diagnosis and surgical planning.

Surgery isn’t always necessary, but advanced surgical techniques can treat a wide range of severe foot and ankle injuries — especially if they don’t respond well to more conservative care options. Dr. Vazales regularly performs foot and ankle surgery to treat:

• Congenital deformity
• Limb deformity
• Achilles tendon ruptures
• Athletic injuries
• Foot / Ankle Fractures
• Arthritis
• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Arch conditions
• Drop foot

Minimally invasive techniques are available for some of these injuries and conditions. After surgery, you often go through physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Dr. Vazales specializes in a wide range of foot and ankle surgeries to restore your walking abilities and correct malalignment. Many foot and ankle injuries and conditions limit your mobility and cause pain or discomfort, but foot and ankle surgery may be able to control the damage and keep your foot and ankle functional.  After careful evaluation, he may recommend surgeries like:

• Revision surgery
• Big toe fusion
• Partial joint replacement
• Complete joint replacement
• Bunion minimally invasive surgery
• Mid-foot fusion
• Ankle fusion / ankle replacement
• Cartilage transplant
• Orthoplastic surgery for limb preservation

Many people are able to return to an active lifestyle once they recover from surgery and rehabilitate their feet and ankles through physical therapy. Dr. Vazales can also offer helpful tips for preventing foot and ankle injuries and complications in the future, so you don’t have to go through surgery again.

Foot or ankle revision surgery allows Dr. Vazales to repair, reposition, or realign the bones, tendons, and ligaments present in your foot or ankle. In certain cases, the surgery may involve the removal of fixation devices or damaged implants. He may place new fixation devices to improve your stability and contribute to your quality of life moving forward.

A second opinion can offer insight into a foot or ankle condition or injury. It can also help guide you to suitable treatments to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent future foot or ankle complications. You might benefit from a second opinion after getting a diagnosis or treatment recommendation for:

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Foot and ankle arthritis
• Cartilage injuries
• Limb-threatening wounds, ulcers, and infections
• Ankle instability
• Foot and ankle fractures

You might get your initial medical evaluation from your primary care provider, an urgent care doctor, an orthopedic specialist, or another podiatrist. Getting a second opinion doesn’t necessarily mean you disagree with their evaluation, but that you simply want more information before you make major medical decisions like undergoing surgery.