From minor discomfort to serious injuries, foot and ankle problems deserve expert attention. The sooner you find the right care, the sooner you can get back to moving without pain.
Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics is home to a highly skilled team of board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, and orthopaedic physicians. Our specialists are experienced in treating the full range of foot, ankle, and podiatry-related conditions.Â
We make it easier for patients to access expert care close to home with multiple convenient locations across New Jersey. Visit us in Edison, Red Bank, Freehold, Wall, Brick, Toms River, Lacey, or Manahawkin.
Meagan Coleman, DPM
Specializing in Foot & Ankle
Shane M. Hollawell, DPM
Specializing in Foot & Ankle
James R. Polowczyk, DPM
Specializing in Foot & Ankle
Common Foot and Ankle Conditions
Our patients often present a wide range of foot, ankle, and podiatry issues, including the following:
Foot Conditions
- Heel pain
- Hammertoe
- Hallux limitus
- Flat foot
- Bunions
- Arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
Ankle Conditions
- Ruptured Achilles
- Achilles tendonitis
- Ankle fractures, breaks, and sprains
Surgical Foot & Ankle Treatment Options
We offer surgical solutions for chronic and acute foot and ankle conditions to help restore movement and reduce pain, such as:
Foot Treatments
- Plantar fascia release:Â A surgical procedure that reduces tension on the plantar fascia to alleviate chronic heel pain not responsive to conservative treatment.
- Hammertoe fixation:Â Straightens and stabilizes the affected toe joint using surgical hardware or soft tissue correction to restore comfort and function.
- Bunionectomy:Â Removes the bony prominence at the base of the big toe, correcting alignment and reducing pain caused by bunions.
Ankle Treatments
- Ankle ligament reconstruction:Â Repairs and stabilizes damaged ligaments following severe sprains or chronic ankle instability.
- Achilles tendon repair:Â Surgically reattaches torn or ruptured Achilles tendons to restore mobility and prevent long-term complications.
- Ankle fracture fixation:Â Involves repositioning and stabilizing broken bones using plates, screws, or other hardware to support proper healing.
Each procedure is performed by a board-certified specialist with advanced training in foot and ankle surgery.
Recovery & Rehabilitation After Surgery
Recovering from foot or ankle surgery is a gradual process that requires time, consistency, and support. After your procedure, your specialist will give you detailed post-operative instructions based on the type of surgery performed. This may include wound care, activity restrictions, use of assistive devices (like a boot or crutches), and medication guidance.
Rehabilitation will be an important part of restoring your strength and mobility. Most patients will begin physical therapy shortly after their initial healing phase. Our goal is to help you return to your normal routine safely.
Nonsurgical Treatments
While surgery may be the best option for certain injuries or advanced conditions, many patients respond well to nonsurgical treatments. For example, we may try to treat the following conditions nonsurgically first:
- Plantar fasciitis: Rest, ice, stretching exercises, physical therapy, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections.
- Hammertoe:Â Padding, toe splints, shoe modifications, orthotics, and stretching exercises.
- Bunions:Â Shoe changes, bunion pads, ice, anti-inflammatory meds, orthotics, and activity modifications.
- Ankle sprains and instability:Â Bracing, physical therapy, balance training, rest/ice/compression/elevation (RICE), and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Achilles tendinitis:Â Physical therapy, heel lifts, eccentric strengthening, rest, and medications.
- Mild ankle fractures:Â Immobilization with a boot or cast, rest, elevation, and gradual return to activity under supervision.
Why Choose Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics?
The team at Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics (OIBO) brings advanced training and experience to the full spectrum of foot and ankle care. Whether you are dealing with a sports injury, chronic pain, or a complex condition, OIBO combines clinical skill with a patient-first mindset to guide your recovery with care and precision.
OIBO’s foot and ankle specialists include:
- Dr. Shane M. Hollawell, DPM: Board-certified in Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery and Director of the foot and ankle fellowship program.
- Dr. Meagan Coleman, DPM: Fellowship-trained surgeon with a strong academic background and community-focused care philosophy.
- Dr. James R. Polowczyk, DPM: Board-certified in Foot Surgery and Rearfoot/Ankle Reconstruction, with experience across several hospital systems.
These providers bring collaboration and specialized knowledge to every case.
Commonly Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Podiatrist and an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon?
A podiatrist is a medical specialist who focuses exclusively on the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They complete podiatric medical school and surgical training in foot and ankle care.Â
An orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon is a medical doctor who completes medical school and a full orthopedic surgery residency, followed by subspecialty training in foot and ankle surgery.Â
Both can diagnose and treat many of the same conditions, and at OIBO, they collaborate to provide comprehensive care.
How Do I Know if My Foot Pain Is Something Serious?
Persistent pain, swelling, numbness, visible deformity, difficulty walking, or pain that doesn’t improve with rest could be signs of a more serious issue. If your symptoms last more than a few days or interfere with your daily activities, it’s time to see a specialist.
Will Physical Therapy Be Part of My Treatment Plan Even if I Don’t Need Surgery?
Yes. Physical therapy is often used as a first-line treatment for many foot and ankle issues, including sprains, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and joint stiffness. Therapy can improve flexibility, build strength, and reduce pain, even without surgery.
How Do You Treat Recurring Ankle Sprains or Instability?
Recurrent ankle sprains are often a sign of ligament damage or joint instability. Treatment typically includes bracing, physical therapy focused on balance and strength, and possibly regenerative injections.Â
If these options are unsuccessful, surgical ligament reconstruction may be recommended to stabilize the ankle and prevent future injury.
Find an Orthopaedic Physician
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain or need a second opinion on your condition, call us today at 732-800-9000 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced providers.
With convenient locations in Edison, Red Bank, Freehold, Wall, Brick, Toms River, Lacey, and Manahawkin, we are proud to bring advanced treatment options closer to where you live and work.Â
The Power To Put Patients First
OIBortho is a proud part of OrthoNJ
Patients deserve personalized, outcome-driven care provided by physicians who genuinely care about them. As medicine has become more corporate and transactional, OrthoNJ prioritizes exceptional doctor/patient relationships. This is why we say we have The Power to Put Patients First.