Foot and Ankle Treatments in Missoula, Montana
Specialties
Providing Comprehensive Care for Foot and Ankle Pain in Missoula, MT
Chronic foot and ankle pain can slow you down, but the proper foot and ankle treatments can make a major difference in how you move, feel, and live each day. At Northern Rockies Orthopedics in Missoula, MT, we understand how sprains, fractures, and other foot and ankle conditions affect your health and daily activities.
We offer comprehensive care that includes physical therapy, custom orthotics, nonsurgical care, and advanced foot and ankle surgery when needed. Our Missoula foot and ankle specialists offer a range of treatment options designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support long-term recovery. If you are struggling with symptoms or need a second opinion, our orthopaedic surgeons can create a customized treatment plan that works for you.
Call Northern Rockies Orthopaedics at (406) 728-6101 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.
Foot and Ankle Conditions Treated at Northern Rockies Orthopaedics
At Northern Rockies Orthopaedics, we treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions in Montana. Whether you are struggling with arthritis, fractures, tendon injuries, or chronic foot and ankle pain, our orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists are here to help improve your mobility and help you live pain-free.
Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
Arthritis in the foot and ankle causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints that help you move. Our orthopaedic foot and ankle team offers nonsurgical care, such as injections, custom orthotics, and physical therapy, to reduce pain and improve function. When arthritis becomes severe, foot and ankle surgery may be needed to repair or replace damaged joints.
Fractures and Sports Injuries
Foot and ankle fractures, ankle sprains, and other sports injuries are some of the most common conditions we treat. Our foot and ankle specialists use many disciplines in sports medicine, including physical therapy, bracing and splinting, and advanced surgical techniques when bones or ligaments need repair. We focus on reducing swelling, restoring stability, and helping you return to sports and everyday activities safely.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles in the lower leg to the heel bone, so an injury can severely limit your range of motion and stability. Our orthopaedic surgeons and physical medicine team treat Achilles tendon tears, strains, and inflammation with nonsurgical care such as physical therapy, bracing, and injections. For severe cases, surgery may be required to reattach the tendon and restore mobility.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most prominent triggers of foot pain, commonly affecting the bottom of the heel. This condition develops when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. Conservative treatments such as rest, NSAID pain relievers, and night splinting can help reduce pain and pressure, but if symptoms continue, our orthopedic experts may recommend surgical treatment to release tension and improve arch support.
Bunions and Hammertoe
Bunions and hammertoe are common foot deformities that can cause pain, pressure, and difficulty with movement. Our orthopaedic foot team uses X-rays to provide a clear diagnosis and then creates a treatment plan designed to reduce pain and improve stability. Nonsurgical care, including custom orthotics, often helps relieve symptoms, while foot surgery may be needed for more advanced deformities.
Morton's Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue in the ball of the foot. The condition causes burning pain and pressure, typically between the third and fourth toes. We offer nonsurgical pain management options, including custom orthotics and corticosteroid injections, to relieve symptoms. However, if pain persists, foot surgery may be necessary to remove the affected tissues.
Chronic Pain and Instability
Chronic foot pain and ankle instability often come from repeated ankle sprains, ligament injuries, or arthritis. Physical therapy and bracing can help strengthen muscles and improve function, while over-the-counter medications and steroid injections can help relieve pain and inflammation. For patients with severe pain and instability, foot and ankle surgery may be necessary to correct underlying issues.
When to Seek Help From a Montana Foot and Ankle Specialist
If you’re experiencing ongoing foot and ankle pain, persistent swelling, or difficulty walking due to an injury or arthritis, consider consulting a foot and ankle specialist in Montana. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedics, we use advanced technology to make accurate diagnoses and create treatment plans designed to alleviate your symptoms and support long-term health. Whether you need nonsurgical foot care or advanced foot and ankle surgery, our expert team is here to help.
Non-Surgical Foot and Ankle Treatments in Missoula
At NRO, we use nonsurgical treatments whenever possible to relieve foot and ankle pain. We start by identifying the cause of your symptoms and developing a personalized plan that may include physical therapy, bracing, orthotics, or activity modification. Our goal is to restore your strength and mobility while helping you avoid surgery.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatment options for foot and ankle conditions. Our physical therapists help patients with ankle sprains, fractures, tendon injuries, and arthritis regain motion and strength. Therapy may include stretching, exercises, balance training, and techniques to improve stability in the joints, ligaments, and muscles of the lower leg and foot.
Orthotics and Custom Bracing
Custom orthotics and bracing play an important role in foot and ankle care. Our orthopaedic foot specialists often recommend orthotics, bracing, and splinting to support the bones, joints, and tendons of the foot and ankle during treatment. These devices reduce pressure, improve alignment, and relieve symptoms caused by foot deformities, arthritis, or injuries.
Injections and Anti-Inflammatory Medications
When swelling and stiffness cause pain in the joints or tendons, foot and ankle injections and anti-inflammatory medications may help. These treatments can reduce pain and improve movement for patients with arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or tendon injuries. Injections and medications often work well with physical therapy and other conservative treatment options, such as rest and activity modification.
Activity Modifications and Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes, even small changes in activity can make a big difference in your foot and ankle pain. We may recommend rest, supportive shoes, weight management, or modified exercises to reduce pressure on the joints and ligaments in the foot and ankle. These lifestyle adjustments can improve mobility, promote healing, and prevent future injuries.
Foot & Ankle Surgeries Performed at Northern Rockies Orthopaedics
When nonsurgical foot and ankle treatments are not enough, surgery may be the best way to reduce pain and restore stability and movement. From traditional open surgeries to the latest minimally invasive procedures, our Missoula orthopaedic surgeons use a variety of surgical techniques to treat both common and complex cases.
Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery
Minimally invasive procedures are used to treat common foot and ankle conditions and deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes, bone spurs, and soft tissue injuries. Surgeons use small incisions to minimize damage to surrounding structures in the foot and ankle, which can help with scarring and shorten the recovery time after surgery.
Total Ankle Replacement
When arthritis severely damages the ankle joint, a total ankle replacement may be needed. In this surgery, the damaged bones and cartilage are replaced with artificial parts to restore movement and stability. This type of ankle surgery can reduce pain, improve joint function, and help patients return to normal activity.
Fracture Repair
Some foot and ankle fractures may require surgery to realign bones and restore proper function. Depending on the injury, surgeons may use plates, screws, or other surgical techniques to stabilize the bones and promote healing. Physical therapy is often included in the treatment plan to support rehabilitation after surgery.
Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery
If the Achilles tendon tears completely, surgery may be necessary to restore stability and movement. Achilles tendon repair surgery reconnects the tendon to the heel bone, allowing the muscles of the lower leg to move the foot again. Our orthopaedic surgeons use advanced technology to treat Achilles tendon injuries and help patients regain stability and strength.
Ankle Arthroscopy
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a tiny camera and small surgical instruments to treat problems within the ankle joint. This procedure can be used for ankle sprains that won’t heal, cartilage damage, ligament injuries, or scar tissue removal. Ankle arthroscopy often results in less swelling, shorter recovery times, and improved joint function.
Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
Repeated ankle sprains or chronic instability may require ankle ligament reconstruction. During this surgery, orthopaedic surgeons repair or replace the damaged ligaments to restore stability and movement in the ankle joint. This treatment option is often recommended for patients with ongoing ankle pain, weakness, or symptoms that affect their mobility. Physical therapy is an integral part of recovery, strengthening muscles and ligaments after surgery.
Bunion and Hammertoe Correction
For painful bunions and hammertoes that limit foot function, surgery may be the most effective treatment. Our orthopaedic surgeons remove or realign bones and tissues to correct foot deformities, reduce pain, and improve movement. Custom orthotics, splints, and physical therapy may also be used after surgery to support recovery. These procedures help patients return to walking comfortably and protect long-term foot health.
Foot and Ankle Revision Surgery
Sometimes, previous surgery does not heal as expected, or new problems develop in the same area. Foot and ankle revision surgery is used to correct issues and restore function in complex cases. Revision surgery may involve repairing fractures, correcting deformities, or replacing implants to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Advanced Foot and Ankle Care for Patients Across Montana
At Northern Rockies Orthopaedics, we provide innovative foot and ankle care for patients throughout Montana. From fractures and tendon injuries to arthritis and foot deformities, we create a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether you need nonsurgical care or advanced foot and ankle surgery, our orthopaedic experts are dedicated to treating your condition and getting you back to doing what you love.
Get Relief From Foot and Ankle Pain With the Expert Team at Northern Rockies Orthopaedics
Foot and ankle pain can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedics, our expert foot and ankle team is committed to providing personalized, effective care for every patient. Whether you need physical therapy, custom orthotics, or advanced surgery, we’ll work with you to create a plan that supports healing and long-term relief.
Don’t wait to take the first step toward better mobility and comfort. Call (406) 728-6101 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.
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