Foot & Ankle Center
Your feet are at the foundation of everything you do. From the routine issue to the highly complex condition, choose the comprehensive team of fellowship-trained experts at The CORE Institute for your foot and ankle care.
Explore Foot & Ankle Care
The fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialists at The CORE Institute, including orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists, are recognized leaders in treating foot and ankle conditions from routine injuries to complex deformities. Rely on experts who understand the intricacies of the foot and ankle and offer a full spectrum of advanced treatment options to maximize your recovery.
Expert Foot & Ankle Care
Treats a wide range of injuries and chronic conditions with specialized knowledge.
Advanced Treatment Options
Offers minimally invasive procedures and therapies to relieve pain and improve motion.
Personalized Recovery Plans
Creates tailored rehab plans to restore strength and function.
Common Symptoms
Foot and ankle problems often lead to pain, especially with walking or running. A sporting injury or acute injury may lead to an immediate problem whereas longer-term issues may result in more chronic conditions. Regardless, typical symptoms can include:
- Bruising and tenderness
- Swelling
- Decreased range of motion
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Frequent giving way or rolling of the ankle
- Difficulty with certain shoe wear
Orthopedic Spine Care
Surgical care for spine conditions, helping restore movement and reduce pain.
Pain Management
Non-surgical treatments for spine-related pain, supporting mobility and daily activity.
Neurosurgery
Expert surgical treatment of spine and nervous system conditions to improve function and comfort.
Foot & Ankle Care
Surgical & non-surgical care for foot and ankle conditions, helping restore mobility and relieve pain.
1 in 4 Adults
Will Injure a Foot or Ankle in Their Lifetime
20%
Of Sports Injuries Affect the Ankle
50%
Of Ankle Sprains Will Reoccur
Conditions We Treat
- Achilles tendon problems
- Arthritis
- Fracture or trauma
- Foot Deformities
- Bunions
- Failed implant or surgery
- Foot arch problems
- Heel spurs
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sports or exercise injury
- Stiffness or swelling from overuse
- Wound care, such as foot ulcers
Available Treatments & Procedures
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy uses a tiny camera and other tiny tools to view, diagnose and treat several ankle conditions. During the procedure, your surgeon uses the camera to view your ankle joint from all angles and perform treatments that can help lessen pain and improve your range of motion. Your arthroscopy will most likely be an outpatient procedure, which means you’ll be able to go home afterward.
Bunionectomy
A bunion, a deformity or abnormal bending of the large toe, can lead to pain and difficulty in shoe wear. The straightening of this deformity through surgical correction can decrease discomfort and improve mobility.
Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery
New techniques allow for smaller incisions and in some instances, faster recovery times to allow you to return to improved mobility more rapidly.
Reconstruction of The Forefoot and Hindfoot
In some instances, surgical procedures to realign and stabilize the foot and ankle, can help address deterioration from arthritis or the effects of previous trauma.
Total Ankle Replacement
For some patients, an artificial ankle joint may be recommended to address painful arthritis of the ankle joint and to help restore mobility.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
The specialists at The CORE Institute will recommend the appropriate non-surgical options that have been proven to be effective in treating foot and ankle problems. These often include:
- Corrective shoes
- Custom foot orthotic supports
- Exercise planning and stretches
- Immobilization, which uses a splint, brace, cast or walking boot to keep provide greater support during recovery
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications
- Targeted injections
Have questions? Speak to one of care consultants at 866.974.2673
Pain Management
Nonsurgical & minimally invasive treatments to manage spine related pain.
150+ Monthly
Procedures
98%
Satisfaction
50+
Spine Specialists
Conditions We Treat
- Back & Neck Pain
- Nerve Pain (Including Sciatica/Radiculopathy)
- Arthritis of the Spine
- Herniated Disc / Disc Disease
- Spinal Stenosis
- Scoliosis & Spinal Deformities
- Spondylosisthesis
- Lumbar Radiculopathy
Available Treatments & Procedures
Physical Therapy & Exercise Programs
Targeted Injections & Nerve Blocks
Radiofrequency Neurotomy / Neurotomy (Nerve Ablation)
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Surgical Options as Needed
Have questions? Speak to one of care consultants at 855.457.4392
Neurosurgery
Surgical care for spine conditions, helping restore movement and reduce pain.
150+ Monthly
Procedures
98%
Satisfaction
50+
Spine Specialists
Conditions We Treat
- Back & Neck Pain
- Spinal Stenosis (Narrowing of the Spinal Canal)
- Spinal Arthritis
- Degenerative Disc Disease & General Disc Degenration
- Nerve Pain / Radiating Pain / Sciatica (Nerve Root Compression)
- Scoliosis & Spinal Deformities
- Spinal Tumors
- Neurogenic Pain
Available Treatments & Procedures
Spinal Fusion
Discectomy
Kyphoplasty
Laminectomy or Decompression Sugery
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Neurotomy
Scoliosis Surgery
Spinal Fusion
Artificial Disc
Replacement
Have questions? Speak to one of care consultants at 855.457.4392
Schedule Your Appointment Online
Schedule a consultation with one of our foot & ankle specialists to discuss your condition and explore personalized treatment options.
Find Your Specialist
Connect with board-certified physicians who specialize in your specific condition. Search by specialty, location, or provider name to find the right care for you.
Mark Campbell
Mark Campbell
John Cory
John Cory
Nirain D’Souza
Nirain D’Souza
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about foot and ankle care at The CORE Institute
When should I see a specialist for foot or ankle pain?
See us if pain persists after rest, you can’t bear weight, or you notice a deformity. Early care prevents minor issues from becoming major surgeries.
How long does recovery take after foot and/or ankle surgery?
Minor repairs take weeks; major reconstructions take months. We’ll provide a specific roadmap based on your surgery and healing progress.
Will I need therapy after surgery?
Usually, yes. Physical therapy helps restore range of motion, strength, and balance so you don’t just heal, but thrive.
What nonsurgical treatments are available?
We offer bracing, custom orthotics, injections (steroid or regenerative), and targeted physical therapy to manage pain without surgery.
How long does it take to return to normal activities?
Walking may happen quickly, but impact sports take longer—usually 2–6 months, depending on the procedure’s complexity.
Can foot and ankle problems be prevented?
Proper footwear, regular stretching, and maintaining a healthy weight are key. Listen to your body; “powering through” often leads to injury.
Patient Success Stories
Real stories from patients who found relief and returned to the activities they love.
J. Morel | 54
Foot & Ankle Procedure Name
“Dr D’Souza is the most pleasant physician I have ever met. He was able to explain the serious issue with my foot in a way that helped me understand the situation, my treatment options and recovery. I feel very fortunate to be under his care.”
- List Item #1
J. Morel | 54
Foot & Ankle Procedure Name
“Dr D’Souza is the most pleasant physician I have ever met. He was able to explain the serious issue with my foot in a way that helped me understand the situation, my treatment options and recovery. I feel very fortunate to be under his care.”
- List Item #1
J. Morel | 54
Foot & Ankle Procedure Name
“Dr D’Souza is the most pleasant physician I have ever met. He was able to explain the serious issue with my foot in a way that helped me understand the situation, my treatment options and recovery. I feel very fortunate to be under his care.”
- List Item #1
J. Morel | 54
Foot & Ankle Procedure Name
“Dr D’Souza is the most pleasant physician I have ever met. He was able to explain the serious issue with my foot in a way that helped me understand the situation, my treatment options and recovery. I feel very fortunate to be under his care.”
- List Item #1
Marlon S.
Shoulder Arthroplasty
“Dr. John Brown just completed my right total shoulder arthroplasty. He will do my left one in three or four months. I trust him implicitly. He is the best doctor I’ve ever had! I am recommending my friends with bad shoulders to visit with Dr. Brown so their lives can be blessed as mine has been through his healing abilities.”
- Sun City West
Carol L.
Hip Replacement Surgery
“I have been visiting the Core Institute in Mesa, AZ, for a couple of years for treatment. I had hip replacement surgery there, which went exceptionally well! Unfortunately, I have other orthopedic issues that require ongoing care at Core. I have seen Dr. William C. Thompson and Dr. Decomas, along with their team. Despite the pain I have experienced, these professionals have significantly improved my quality of life! Definitely Recommend!”
- Mesa
Kelley S.
Spine Injections
“I have had several spine doctors (VA System) when it comes to my spine injections, no other Doctor is as gentle yet effective as Dr. Sherman. He has had a profound effect on my health. It has been a long journey, I’m glad I have had him to guide me.”
- Scottsdale
Milissa C.
Pain Management
“Dr Sherman is the best! He is very empathetic and listens to all of my concerns. He truly cares. His office staff is also fantastic and he is always running on time for his appointments. Go see him for all your pain management needs!”
- North Phoenix
Julie E.
Vein Dysfunction
“Hilary is very knowledgable and explained in detail what problems are caused by vein dysfunction and what symptoms you would have. She had a plan and dates for procedures/follow-up before I left the exam room. Very happy with this experience.”
- Sun City West
Constance C.
X-rays
“The doctor showed me my x-rays and showed me where the crack in my kneecap was. He answered all my questions and was very easy to understand what he was talking about. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him. I’ll be seeing him again in January.”
- Peoria Lakes Club
Johnnie J.
Physical Therapy
“There’s something powerful about having a therapist who truly sees you, not just your injury. That’s how Shannon Geraty works. She made the hard days feel possible and the good days feel like triumphs. I’m walking away not only stronger, but also more confident and encouraged than I thought I could be. I’m deeply grateful for her care.”
- Mesa