Most of the time, we hardly give a thought to getting places by walking. But when our feet hurt, even a short distance can be an agonizing ordeal. This can negatively affect our quality of life, including our jobs, hobbies, and our social relationships
Anatomy of the foot and ankle
The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments. While this complex structure allows us to walk, run, and jump, it also exposes us to a variety of injuries when we wear improperly fitting shoes or subject our feet to repetitive stress in sports and other activities. If we have misaligned bones or too-tight muscles, the foot’s function can be impaired to the point where even walking is painful. Because the feet are the foundation for the body’s entire skeletal system, problems in our feet and ankles can affect our knees, hips, and spine!
Orthopedic surgeon vs podiatrist
Many people do not realize that orthopedic surgeons treat foot and ankle conditions. At Orthopedic Associates of Northern California, or OANC, for short, we believe in early treatment of all musculoskeletal problems, including foot and ankle problems. We always start with nonsurgical, conservative therapies when they make sense. As the orthopedic foot and ankle specialist at OANC, my goal is to provide thoughtful and compassionate care to my patients by considering all forms of treatment, both surgical and non-surgical, in order to develop the best treatment plan together.
Whole body approach
Given that problems in our feet and ankles can affect other parts of the musculoskeletal system, I take a comprehensive approach to evaluating your symptoms. As an orthopedic surgeon, I have training and experience in treating the entire musculoskeletal system. If there are problems with these other bones, joints, and muscles, I can also examine and diagnose these problems and recommend appropriate treatment, saving you another referral and the time waiting to figure out what to do!
Schedule a consultation
So while you may think that OANC is mainly for knees, hips, shoulders, and hands, we also treat your foot and ankle problems, big and small, from bunions and hammertoes, all the way to ankle ligament repairs and ankle replacements. Next time you think “foot,” think “OANC!”
Calvin Hu, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship Trained Foot & Ankle Sub-Specialty
