John Goodner, DPM

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist) | Sports Medicine

9970 Central Park Blvd 300 Boca Raton FL, 33428 Show map

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Dr. John D. Goodner, D.P.M., brings a wealth of expertise as a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, specializing in comprehensive care for foot, ankle, and leg injuries across all age groups. With a dedication to utilizing the latest minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgical techniques, Dr. Goodner is committed to providing exceptional care to his patients. A native of Broward County, Dr. Goodner's passion for sports and medicine was evident from an early age. As a standout two-sport varsity letterman in baseball and football at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, he garnered recognition for his academic and athletic achievements, including nominations for the Wendy's High School Heisman and the Miami Herald Silver Knight. Choosing to pursue a career in sports medicine, Dr. Goodner declined multiple collegiate athletic offers to focus on his academic pursuits. He earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Florida, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Pre-Professional Health Science. Dr. Goodner then distinguished himself at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, graduating with Pi Delta Eta honors. Completing his rigorous foot and ankle surgical residency at Memorial Healthcare System, which included training at a Level 1 Trauma Center and Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital, Dr. Goodner received extensive training from esteemed foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists and orthopedists. Dr. Goodner's commitment to education and community extends beyond his clinical practice. With experience as a team physician for St. Thomas Aquinas, he shares his sports medicine expertise through surgery lectures and surgical skills labs as academic faculty for the HCA Florida Northwest Hospital Foot & Ankle Surgical Residency Program. Patients value Dr. Goodner's unique perspective as a former athlete, recognizing his specific insight into sports injuries and his compassionate approach to patient care. Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Goodner remains actively involved with Kids In Distress, an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and supporting abused and neglected children. In his leisure time, Dr. Goodner enjoys staying active through sports, exploring new destinations through travel, and spending quality time with his wife and children.

Education and Training

Barry University DPM 2015

Memorial Healthcare System Surgical Residency 2018

Board Certification

American Board of Podiatric Surgery

Foot Surgery (Podiatric Surgery)

Reconstructive Rearfoot / Ankle Surgery (Podiatric Surgery)

Provider Details

Male English

John Goodner, DPM

Increased Lower Extremity Fracture Risk with Osteoporosis
Very few adults at risk for advanced bone loss and fracture are participating in necessary testing to determine the extent of their bone density decline. With a large volume of the population being over the age of 50, patients who fail to be proactive regarding their bone health fall into the fast...
My Child is Toe Walking, Should I Be Concerned?
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Does My Child Have Growing Pains or Merely Flatfeet? Parents Be Pro Active!
Foot, ankle and leg problems in the growing child are often considered to be “Growing Pains” in the bone and muscles of the lower extremity. While in a small number of cases this might be true, in a majority of the cases the pains that plague these children and teenagers may be caused by lower...
Bone Stress Injury and Female Athlete Triad
The female athlete triad can occur in any sport or exercise , most commonly in sports that emphasize a lean body build. Low energy availability can be accompanied by an eating disorder, to which the resultant is amenorrhea and eventual osteoporosis leading to a higher incidence of bone stress...
What Can I Do About My Bunion?
1. What is this large bump on the inside of my foot? It is called a bunion. A bone is becoming more prominent on the inside of the foot. It is part of your normal foot and not a growth of new bone. The foot bones are starting to spread out, making the bone more prominent.2. What is the cause...
Advanced Treatment Options for Foot and Ankle Conditions
Advanced Treatment Options for Foot and Ankle ConditionsIf you've had a foot and ankle injury, that has lasted for several months, and has not gotten better despite rest and physical therapy, then I would encourage you to explore the following advanced treatment options to get you back to your...
Athletic Injuries and Synthetic Playing Surfaces
Generations of advancing technology have provided the most durable and versatile artificial surfaces now installed at the professional, collegiate, and high school fields and arenas. Musculoskeletal injury is greatly impacted by the interface between the athletes shoe and the playing surface....
Common Lower Extremity Injuries for Runners
Many people will try out new exercise or running routines, however, if they are not careful there are many foot and ankle injuries they may suffer. It is recommended to increase physical activity gradually, 10% increments of intensity or distance each week going forward. Doing too much too soon,...
What are the best surfaces to run on?
What are the best surfaces to run on?Dr. John Goodner...
Benefits of Running with Orthotics
Benefits of Running with OrthoticsBy Dr. John GoodnerWhether you like to run 5K’s, 10K’s, Half or Full Marathons, having the proper running shoe is the single most important factor in injury prevention for runners of any level of competition or training. Running shoes must be selected based on...

What are the symptoms of a bunion?
What causes the pain over the bunion? Shoes that are narrow put pressure on the skin, nerves and bone. Numbness or tingling may also develop as the nerve gets compressed against the bone by tight shoes. READ MORE
The arch in my foot has lessened over time?
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a progressive lowering of the arch secondary to weakness or tearing of the tendons and ligaments that support it. CAUSE: Inflammation of a tendon on the inside of the ankle and foot from overuse (uphill running) or wearing excessive flat or worn shoes. Rupture or tearing of the major tendon (posterior tibial) supporting the arch. Weakening or tearing of the ligaments supporting the arch and foot joints. Connective tissue disease (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and Reiter’s syndrome). Trauma to the foot or ankle (i.e. bad sprain turning the foot down and out). Flatfoot deformity that progresses over time. Associated with diabetes, hypertension and obesity. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: Pain in the arch and inner ankle when walking. Difficulty standing in one place without developing pain in the ankle and foot. Unable to run or participate in sports. Swelling inside the ankle and foot. Weakness of the muscles and ligaments supporting the arch. Lowering or flattening of the arch causing a flatfoot deformity. Foot starts to deform and bulge on the inner ankle and foot. Foot points outwardly (when standing, the affected foot points away from the body to the outside). Associated with tight Achilles tendon which further deforms the foot. TREATMENT: Identify the primary cause of the problem. Identify the extent of ligament and/or tendon injury. Supporting the foot and ankle with braces. Immobilization in a cast or boot to allow healing (with or without crutches). Orthotic (custom insole) to support the arch and prevent further damage. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the arch and lessen the inflammation in the tendon and joints. Anti-inflammatories to decrease the swelling and inflammation in the ankle and foot. Surgery to reconstruct the arch and prevent further damage if the condition has been unresponsive to conservative care. PROGNOSIS: If treated early, the deformity and its progression can be minimized. In more moderate cases surgical stabilization of the foot will allow a return to activities. In severe cases surgical reconstruction of the arch will allow the person to return to many activities. READ MORE
How do you know a child's foot is broken?
X- ray can confirm the presence of any foot fracture. Our Foot, Ankle & Leg Specialists know what it takes to treat injuries in patients of all ages. We are Broward County's premier pediatric, adolescent and adult sports medicine practice. Call the Foot, Ankle & Leg Specialists at South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine.   We accept same day appointments, provide x-ray, ultrasound and fracture care and will advise you on the best course of action - for less than the cost of an urgent care or emergency room visit.   Weston (954) 389-5900 Pembroke Pines (954) 430-9901 Plantation (954) 720-1530   (If you are experiencing an emergency please call 9-1-1 or immediately go to your nearest emergency room) READ MORE
How do you test for ankle instability?
When chronic ankle instability is present, it can also be divided into functional and mechanical instability. Mechanical instability involves pathologic joint laxity. This is typically delineated by a talar tilt discrepancy greater than to 10 degrees or an anterior drawer difference of 10 mm compared to the contralateral ankle. Functional instability is ascribed to sensorimotor and neuromuscular deficits that accompany ligamentous injury, but mechanical instability is not necessarily present. Physical Examination The initial patient evaluation starts with an assessment of standing hindfoot alignment. The contralateral ankle should be evaluated for range of motion, strength, ankle drawer and associated forefoot and hindfoot abnormalities. This gives the examiner an appreciation for the patient’s baseline exam. The exam is then repeated in the same manner on the pathologic side, noting the discrepancies between sides. Additionally, particular attention should be paid to peroneal strength, subluxation/dislocation, or pain. The inversion test evaluates the integrity of the CFL. This is performed by first dorsiflexing the ankle to neutral and then inverting the hindfoot. Increased laxity is highly specific for CFL injury. The anterior drawer test is performed with one hand stabilizing the tibia and the contralateral hand cupping the heel and pulling forward. If the ATFL is disrupted the talus will translate anteriorly and with a more subtle internal rotation because of the intact medial structures. Other contributing factors such as hindfoot varus, plantarflexion of the first ray, and midfoot cavus should be evaluated. Imaging Plain radiographs, including anteroposterior (AP), lateral, and mortise views of the ankle, should be obtained to evaluate for boney pathology. Stress radiographs including anterior drawer and talar tilt may be helpful when indicated. MRI of the ankle without contrast is important to evaluate for other associated pathology, in particular peroneal tendon tears and osteochondral lesions, when the physical exam warrants. READ MORE
When should you see a doctor for foot pain?
Now or As Soon As Possible! Call the Foot, Ankle & Leg Specialists at South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine.   We accept same day appointments, provide x-ray, ultrasound and fracture care and will advise you on the best course of action - for less than the cost of an urgent care or emergency room visit.   Weston (954) 389-5900 Pembroke Pines (954) 430-9901 Plantation (954) 720-1530   (If you are experiencing an emergency please call 9-1-1 or immediately go to your nearest emergency room) READ MORE
When can I put weight on my foot after bunion surgery?
Can I walk on it immediately after surgery? We advise people to stay off their foot for two or three days with limited weight bearing. A surgical walking boot is utilized for a period of six weeks to protect the area and allow it to heal properly. READ MORE
What is the meaning of the term ballerina foot?
COMMON CAUSES OF DANCE INJURIES: Overuse injuries are common due to the repetitive nature of dancing. They most commonly involve the tendons around the back and inside of the ankle. These injuries are more common in dancers who do not properly stretch or increase training time too rapidly in preparation for a performance. Mishaps may occur from stepping incorrectly or landing from a jump. They most commonly involve the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Technical Errors occur when dancers are improperly trained. Proper technique is critical as a way of preventing injury. Physique, because of the special requirements of certain types of dance, some body types are predisposed to recurrent injuries. INJURY TYPES: 1. Achilles Tendon – Injuries to the Achilles tendon are usually due to inflexibility of the calf muscles and overuse of the tendon. They are more common in dancers who are flatfooted and go barefoot. Stiffness and soreness are usually felt after getting up from sitting and starting to walk. The pain usually lessens or even goes away with activity but recurs later. Rest, ice and physical therapy may be necessary to allow the inflammation to recede. Wearing a shoe with a small heel when not dancing may be indispensable in resting the tendon after it has been used. When the injury has not improved a short period of immobilization in a removable boot may be necessary to allow the area to heal. In some cases the dancer can continue to perform but as soon as the performance is done the removable boot is reapplied so that it rests the remainder of the day. The boot or a night splint may also be necessary to improve the flexibility of the calf. If the condition advances and causes discomfort throughout the day, immobilization in a fiberglass cast may be needed to completely rest and allow the area to heal. 2. Impingement Syndrome - Pain in the front or back of the ankle can occur from a dancer standing “on point” or “demi point”. The pain in the back of the ankle is made worse by the foot pointing down and may be caused by a small fracture to the cartilage in the back of the ankle (os trigonum). An injury to this area may require a period of immobilization to allow the area to heal. In some cases this can become a recurrent problem and a small piece of bone may be removed to allow the dancer to return to full activity. Pain in the front of the ankle is usually caused by thickening of the ankle joint lining and can cause pain while moving the leg forward on the foot. This impingement syndrome is usually associated with an ankle ligament injury and can become very painful, especially the first thing in the morning when getting out of bed to walk or after sitting for a short period of time and getting up to walk. The inflammation and soreness usually lessen with activity but return later on in the day. Physical therapy and a short course of anti-inflammatory medication may be necessary to reduce the inflammation in the ankle joint. If that does not improve, a cortisone injection may be necessary to reduce the thickening of the soft tissue. In some cases the impingement in the front part of the ankle does not improve and arthroscopic debridement may be necessary to completely regain the ankle mobility without discomfort. In some cases a small spur is present on the front part of the lower leg bone. This can cause chronic pain and stiffness in the ankle. If present, arthroscopic removal of the bone spur is also performed to allow the dancer to resume activity. 3. Stress Fractures - Stress fractures are microfractures that usually occur in the front part of the shin bone (tibia), the outer leg bone (fibula) or the top of the foot (metatarsal). The most common presentation is a dancer who presents with a sudden alteration in their training regimen (increased training intensity) that develops pinpoint pain and localized swelling over the bone. This type of injury is more common in teenage girls, especially those with menstrual irregularities and lower calcium intake. Treatment includes immobilization in a walking boot for 4-8 weeks to allow the bone to heal. Depending on the degree of injury to the area some dancing may be allowed during the healing process. 4. Sprained Ankle - The most common traumatic injury in dance is a twisting injury to the ankle that disrupts the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Pain, swelling and discoloration may occur and is proportional to the magnitude of the injury. Difficulty weightbearing may be a sign that the ligament(s) may be torn. Immediate treatment includes temporary immobilization in brace or cast to minimize damage. Physical therapy begins once the injury stabilizes. In some cases inflammation of the joint causing an impingement syndrome prevents the dancer from returning to full activity. When conservative care fails to alleviate the pain, arthroscopic removal of the soft tissue that is causing the impingement will allow the dancer to return to activity very quickly. Occasionally, chronic instability may develop causing the ankle to twist very easily with activity. If the physical therapy does not improve the ankle’s strength and mobility, tightening the ligaments on the outside of the ankle surgically followed by a short period of immobilization and physical therapy will allow the dancer to resume all activities without any problems. 5. Sesamoid Injuries – Sesamoids are bones the size of a pea on the ball of the foot just under the big toe joint. Frequent jumping on the ball of the foot may cause the bone to break or injure the cartilage that covers it. These injuries are very painful and do not allow dance participation. Tenderness is directly on the bone on the ball of the foot. Treatment includes immediate rest and immobilization of the foot to allow it to heal. Cast and often crutches are needed to give it the rest necessary to allow complete resolution of the symptoms. Following immobilization orthotics are used to unload the sesamoids. Surgery, although rarely necessary, may be needed to resolve the condition if conservative treatment fails. In most cases this will allow the dancer to resume activities without any long-term problems. 6. Bunions – A prominence of bone on the inside of the foot is called a bunion. This is not a growth of bone but shifting of the bones in the foot that is starting to take place. This is a hereditary condition that is made worse by dancing. Dancing will not cause bunions. Nonpainful bunions do not require any treatment. Unfortunately, bunions are progressive and the condition gets worse over time. In addition, arthritis does develop in the big toe joint, causing problems in the future. If the bunions are painful the patient may need surgery to correct the problem. This will allow complete future participation and dance without any problem. The old thoughts of not operating on dancers does not hold true any longer. Advance techniques allow complete restoration of joint movement and prevention of arthritis years later. 7. Hallux Rigidus – Early arthritic changes may develop in the big toe joint, limiting joint mobility. Structural problems of the foot or an injury to the big toe joint may set up a cascade of events that will limit the joint’s ability to move. Bone spurs may develop on the top of the big toe joint, limiting the ability of the big toe to move up. Joint stiffness and soreness is usually present, especially when “on point”. Early aggressive treatment with physical therapy and orthotics may be needed to lessen the inflammation and improve the joint’s mobility. In most cases surgery is needed to improve the joint’s flexibility. Unfortunately, conservative care only helps for a short period of time. Cortisone injections should not be given in the big toe joint, as this will cause further degeneration of the cartilage. 8. Heel Pain – Heel pain in dancers is common, especially in the 8 to 14-year-old age group. Tight calf muscles and dancers that are flatfooted contribute to this problem. It is also commonly seen during growth spurts. Symptoms include mild discomfort in the heel towards the end of an activity. Occasionally stiffness in the foot and ankle in the morning may be present. Tenderness is felt in the back of the heel with touching or grasping of the heel bone. No associated discoloration or swelling are ever seen. If swelling is present a stress fracture may have developed to the heel bone. Treatment includes Taping the foot to support the heel and prevent pulling of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia on the heel bone. Proper shoe gear while the dancer is not performing is also necessary to lessen some of the stress to the area. A shoe with a small heel is ideal. It is necessary for the dancer to avoid going barefoot at all times. Heel lifts in sneakers and orthotics may permanently alleviate the pain. Physical therapy may be necessary to improve overall muscle flexibility. If unresponsive to this conservative treatment approach immobilization in a cast or a brace may be necessary to completely rest the area and allow the dancer to heal completely and resume all activity. 9. Trauma (other) – Avulsion fractures from sprains of joints and ligaments, Muscle tendon tears READ MORE
Can bunions indicate an underlying foot problem?
What is the cause of bunions? Most commonly it is hereditary. Tight shoes will often bring out the problem sooner. Poor foot structure (i.e. flatfeet) may also contribute to the problem. READ MORE
Can a bunion be treated without surgery?
What can be done to help this condition? Wider shoes are the first step in the treatment process. This will take pressure off of the skin, nerves and bone. If the foot is functioning poorly an orthotic (custom-molded inserts into the shoes) will help. Occasionally medication and physical therapy will be of some benefit. Will exercises of the toe or wearing of a pad between my toes help? Pulling the big toe away from the second toe and wearing a toe spacer will be of limited benefit in the long term. Do bunions get worse? Over time the bones in the feet spread out further making a bunion appear larger. It may take months to many years, but they will almost always get worse. Will I develop arthritis in the area? Over the years the big toe joint will become affected by the separating of the bones in the foot. Cartilage will start to wear thin and some degree of arthritis may develop. It may be mild, causing pain occasionally with movement of the toe or severe, causing pain with every step. The arthritis that may develop is different from the pain directly on the bunion. READ MORE
How are bunions removed?
Can the bunion be corrected? Bunions can be corrected surgically if the bunion is painful and it is unresponsive to conservative care. In some cases small bunions hurt much more than large bunions. What is the process of getting it corrected? Surgical correction may take place after a thorough history and physical examination. X-rays are performed to see the degree of deformity. A treatment plan is then formulated based on the physical findings and lifestyle of the patient. The procedures are done outpatient and patients choose the type of anesthesia they prefer. Some choose to go completely to sleep and others to be minimally sedated. The procedure takes less than one hour to perform and it is done without any hospital stay. How is the bunion corrected? There are tight tendons and ligaments in the foot that need to be loosened and loosened tendons and ligaments that need to be tightened during the surgical procedure. The bone that is sticking out is precisely cut with a special saw and it is positioned back into the foot. This allows the big toe to be straightened and the bunion to be completely eliminated. The bunion is not shaved or cut off as many people think. Is it painful to have surgery? When done correctly by an experienced surgeon minimal pain is involved. Can I walk on it immediately after surgery? We advise people to stay off their foot for two or three days. A surgical boot is utilized for a period of six weeks to protect the area and allow it to heal properly. How quickly can I return to work after surgery? Usually requires four days of rest at home before returning to work. A special surgical shoe or boot is given to take stress off the area and prevent problems from developing postoperatively. READ MORE
Are orthotics enough for foot bunions?
What can be done to help this condition? Wider shoes are the first step in the treatment process. This will take pressure off of the skin, nerves and bone. If the foot is functioning poorly an orthotic (custom-molded inserts into the shoes) will help. Occasionally medication and physical therapy will be of some benefit. READ MORE
What is the treatment for a torn ankle ligament?
LIGAMENT injuries to the ankle are very common. The ligaments connect bones together. When the ligament stretches beyond its elastic limit, partial or complete tears develop. The most common ligament injury in the ankle is due to a twisting injury of the foot down and in. This can occur from sports, twisting the foot under the leg in a hole, or even falling off of a shoe. A thorough evaluation will best determine the injured part and the extent of the injury. With the increased participation in sports at a very young age, the frequency of ankle ligament injuries has been rising. Return to play is carefully determined by the Foot and Ankle Specialist based on the specifics of your sport or activity. Physical therapy is highly necessary for a full recovery and to minimize the recurrence of injury secondary to ankle instability. A gradual increase in activity is encouraged, usually at 10% increments per week. Low-impact exercise usually begins once the ligaments appear clinically healed and proprioception is restored to the ankle joint. Sport-specific rehabilitation can expedite the recovery of the patient and potentially lead to a faster return to play. Many patients and athletes may need an Ankle brace for several months after return to play are initiated. TREATMENT: Immediate care is necessary to prevent any long-term problems. Mild injuries associated with minimal swelling may be treated with rest, ice, elevation, and an ankle brace. Moderate injuries in which a partial tear has occurred may necessitate immobilization for 2-6 weeks in a removable boot or hard cast. Severe injuries need to be immobilized in a hard fiberglass cast, or removable boot and brace combination, for 4-6 weeks to allow the ligaments to heal properly. Weight-bearing is usually allowed. Anti-inflammatories such as Advil, ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, or Naprosyn should ALWAYS BE AVOIDED in the first 5-7 days of injury. Ligaments heal with an accumulation of growth factors and scarring; these medications lessen inflammation which essentially reduces scarring. This is NOT a good thing to do. Acetaminophen, Tylenol, is preferable for pain management, in addition to the Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation protocols. Physical therapy following bracing or cast removal is necessary to improve muscle strength, ankle stability, and joint proprioception and to restore the complete ankle range of motion. If left untreated, chronic instability commonly develops. Recurring twisting injuries than occur with minimal stress. This will require chronic use of an ankle brace and physical therapy. Prolotherapy can sometimes be performed to cause inflammation in an attempt to restore or increase stability. This is a series of weekly injections into the ankle ligaments, ultrasound-guided with an irritant solution of Dextrose and Lidocaine (sugar water). Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections may provide a stimulus to healing If there is chronic instability, surgery would be necessary to surgically reconstruct the ligaments in the ankle and allow a full return to activity. In such cases, the prognosis is excellent. READ MORE
Is ankle arthritis curable?
In mild cases, bone spurs may develop around the ankle joint. A small degree of joint space narrowing may also be present. As arthritis progresses there is a further loss of joint space. The joint surface appears to be white and diffuse bone spurring develops around the joint region. Treatment options: Mild cases: Braces - ankle, and foot orthoses, (AFOs) may help to decrease motion in the ankle joint, lessening the pain. Moderate cases: When a conservative case has not helped, arthroscopic surgery to remove the abnormal bone, soft tissue, and cartilage may be of benefit. If the disease process is advanced, only temporary benefits may be achieved. Severe cases: When arthritis has advanced and has been unresponsive to conservative care and/or arthroscopy, a fusion of the ankle joint is the gold standard. During the fusion, the cartilage and the joint surface are completely removed. The bones are then put together and held in place with screws. This procedure can be performed arthroscopically if there is a minimal deformity to the foot and ankle. If there is severe deformity the procedure may be performed open. The long-term outcome is excellent following the procedure with regards to eliminating the pain. Most patients can return to walking without discomfort. Some cases of severe arthritis may be candidates for Total Ankle Replacement surgery. This is a technique where the ankle joint is replaced by a prosthetic (artificial) ankle. READ MORE
Should I see a doctor about this?
I would recommend an x-ray and a clinical exam with that amount of bruising and pain. Call the Foot, Ankle & Leg Specialists at South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine. We accept same-day appointments, provide x-ray, ultrasound, and fracture care, and will advise you on the best course of action - for less than the cost of an urgent care or emergency room visit. READ MORE
My heel is hurting?
Plantar fasciitis or heel pain PROBLEM: An inflammation of the main ligament in the arch where it attaches to the heel bone and supports the foot. CAUSES: Excessive activity over a short period of time. Flat or high-arched feet.Tight muscles, especially the calf and hamstrings.Poor shoe gear or walking barefoot for prolonged periods of time. SYMPTOMS: Pain first thing in the morning when getting out of bed and putting the foot down to the ground. With walking the pain usually diminishes. Pain after sitting for a prolonged period of time or getting out of a car and starting to walk. Occasionally burning, numbness, shooting or tingling in the heel. Extreme tenderness to touch the heel or arch region. Commonly associated with lower back pain. TREATMENT: Avoid going barefooted and good supportive shoe wear. Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation. Taping the foot to support it and give immediate relief. Custom molded orthotic (shoe insert) to permanently support the foot and prevent re-injury. Frequent stretching of the calf and hamstring muscles to improve overall flexibility. Splinting the foot at night to stretch the muscle in the back of the leg. Occasionally immobilization in a cast or a boot to completely rest the foot. Shockwave therapy if pain persists. Surgery is a last resort to release a small portion of the ligament from the heel. READ MORE
Injured foot?
Unlikely, but not impossible. Jones fractures are fractures of the fifth metatarsal that occur in an area of the fifth metatarsal that has a poor blood supply. Jones fractures are more common in active people and are very common in football, basketball and soccer players. These fractures have often been described as excessive stress to the fifth metatarsal, especially with the foot pointed in a down position in which the ankle also rolls to the outside. This is also commonly seen in athletes that have a high arch foot or ones that have the front part of the foot turned in relative to the back part of the foot (met adducts). Pain in the fifth metatarsal in an athletic person should often be evaluated relatively quickly after it is felt. Stress to the fifth metatarsal may weaken the bone, predisposing it to more simple trauma that can break the bone in an area with poor circulation. Initial x-rays may be necessary but if the clinical exam is consistent with an injury, MRIs may be necessary to further evaluate the injury. If MRLs do show that there is bone marrow edema then this injury should be treated with a period of immobilization to allow the area to heal. Failure to address this when it is in a pre-fracture stage may predispose the athlete to further injury. If the x-ray does show that the bone has fractured in the region with poor circulation, conservative and surgical treatment options are offered. Conservative care includes a non weightbearing cast for eight weeks. A return to sports may be 3-4 months. There is a high risk of refracture to this area in athletes with a high arch foot. In those patients, surgical treatment may be performed initially to allow the fracture to heal more rapidly and return the athlete back to sporting activity. This would require non weightbearing for six weeks in a boot. Athletes can usually return to activity following the use of screw fixation in approximately 10-12 weeks. If the foot has an excessively high arched posture in which the heel bone is turned under, surgery in the rearfoot may also be necessary at the same time to get the heel bone straight and take the stress off of the outside of the foot. A procedure on the heel bone usually recovers more quickly than a procedure on the metatarsal. Surgery when performed is done on an outpatient basis under a twilight anesthetic. An incision of approximately 1/4" is placed on the side of the foot. Through this incision, a small pin is placed into the bone. A screw is then applied over the pin to compress the fracture and allow it to heal more rapidly. The size of the screw depends on the size of the bone. We usually employ a 4.5 mm titanium screw in females. In athletic males who have much larger bone screws that are 5.5 mm to 7.0 mm may be necessary. In athletes, we prefer solid screws over partially threaded screws. We have had great long-term success in healing patients with these fractures. Patients are typically allowed to bathe 2-4 days after the procedure, as only one stitch is used. Although they are non weightbearing they can get into the gym very quickly and work their upper body. Leg extensions and leg curls can also be performed. We have found a period of non weightbearing for six weeks is typically best. However, x-rays and clinical exams are important to assess how the patients are healing. A return to walking in a boot is usually performed at week 7 or 8. If the fracture is healing as expected sneakers and an orthotic device in their shoes utilized in running can begin between 8 and 12 weeks depending on the clinical exam and x-rays. A return to active sports may take 10 or more weeks. We typically do not allow athletes to return sooner for fear of reinjury to the bone or fracturing the screw. Jones fractures can often go on to delayed union. This means that the fracture is not healing in the expected time. In those cases, bone stimulators may be used to help accelerate the healing process. In some cases, this fracture may go on to a nonunion. Nonunions of the fifth metatarsal can become very painful and cause a disability in a running athlete. It will most often require surgery to remove the areas of the bone that are devoid of blood supply. A bone graft is then applied to the fracture and a small plate or screw is utilized to stabilize the fractured area. Nonweightbearing for 8-12 weeks would be mandatory. The long-term prognosis is excellent. If there is a foot deformity that predisposes the patient to increased stress to the fifth metatarsal, surgery would be necessary for these other areas to unload the fifth metatarsal more permanently. READ MORE
My ankle is swollen?
The bruising with associated swelling and pain is concerning. I would recommend an MRI to rule out ligament, tendon, cartilage injury etc. READ MORE
Best course of action for month old toe injury?
I would recommend an x-ray to rule out a fracture and an offloading shoe or boot. READ MORE
Achilles question?
If the pain is not improving after 1 month, I would recommend for your parents or legal guardian to take you to see a foot and ankle specialist for an exam and imaging studies. READ MORE
Can a doctor do anything for a broken toe?
After an x-ray is performed, it will be determined if any intervention is indicated. Dependent on fracture type and severity; treatment options range from taping, splinting, offloading shoes/boots, closed reduction of the fracture with local anesthesia, percutaneous pinning, or open reduction internal fixation of toe fracture. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Sports InjuryPediatric Foot and Ankle ConditionsPediatric Sports MedicineSports MedicinePediatric Foot and Ankle Fracture, Sprain and InjuryPediatric Foot and Ankle Reconstructive SurgeryAdult Foot and Ankle Reconstructive SurgeryAdult Foot and Ankle ConditionsAdult Foot and Ankle Fracture, Sprain and InjuryPediatric BunionAdult BunionAchilles tendon injuryAnkle SprainFoot SprainHallux LimitusHallux RigidusPediatric and Adult Hammertoe, Curly Toe, Mallet ToeHeel pain and Plantar fasciitisGrowth Plate injuryCalcaneal ApophysitisIn Toe GaitOut Toe GaitToe walkingCalf and leg injuryAchilles tendon ruptureArthroscopic foot and ankle surgeryMinimally invasive foot and ankle surgeryPediatric and Adult Foot and Ankle TraumaLis Franc InjuryAnkle fractureCalcaneal FracturePilon Ankle FractureConservative and Surgical management of Flat feetPediatric Flat footAdult flat footPediatric and Adult OrthoticsRegenerative MedicinePlatelet rich plasmaStem Cell therapyShockwave therapyToe fractureMetatarsal fractureJones FracturePeroneal tendon injuryTotal Ankle Replacement

Faculty Titles & Positions

Clinical and Surgical Teaching Staff HCA Westside Hospital Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgical Residency Program 2019 - Present

Awards

Best Podiatrist 2023 Our City Pembroke Pines

Professional Memberships

Fellow of American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Diplomate of American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

Kids In Distress South Florida

What do you attribute your success to?

As a former athlete, there is nothing more rewarding than getting our patients back to the sports and activities they love. I comprehensively evaluate all injuries and conditions of the lower extremity. I evaluate gait and take xrays when necessary to complete the exam and provide an accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment plan that is well adapted to the patient's specific sport or activities. In most cases, conservative care is best. However, when necessary, surgery is offered if all conservative care options have failed. Before any procedure, all risks and benefits are always discussed. Our greatest asset is the team approach from our group of multi specialty surgeons. I am an advocate for my patients and readily give them my email address after our visit to answer any further questions or clarify our conversation.