Foot and ankle problems can range from mild discomfort to complex injuries that limit mobility and impact daily life. At Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics (OIBOrtho), our podiatric specialists manage conditions including bunions, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, and sports-related issues such as sprains and fractures.
With deep expertise in the latest advancements in orthopaedic podiatry, the team at OIBOrtho delivers comprehensive care in a patient-centered environment. Our commitment to clinical excellence makes us a trusted choice for foot and ankle care throughout New Jersey.
Shane M. Hollawell, DPM
Specializing in Foot & Ankle
Meagan Coleman, DPM
Specializing in Foot & Ankle
James R. Polowczyk, DPM
Specializing in Foot & Ankle
Orthopaedic Podiatry Conditions
Our orthopaedic specialists treat a variety of orthopaedic conditions beyond the listed examples. For additional information on our treatments, please contact our office.
Common orthopaedic podiatry treatments and conditions include:
- Ruptured Achilles
- Heel Pain
- Hammertoe
- Hallux Limitus
- Flat Foot
- Bunions
- Arthritis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Ankle Fractures, Breaks & Sprains
- Achilles Tendinitis
Non-Surgical Podiatry Treatments
Many foot and ankle conditions respond well to conservative care. OIBOrtho’s podiatric team offers a range of non-surgical treatments, including the following:Â
- Custom orthotics: Prescription inserts that improve alignment and relieve pressure.
- Immobilization and bracing: Devices like boots or splints are used to stabilize injuries during recovery.
- Anti-inflammatory treatments: Medications or injections that reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical therapy: Exercises and techniques that restore strength, flexibility, and motion.
- Padding and shoe modifications: Offloading techniques that reduce pressure on painful areas.
These options are often used before considering surgery and can be highly effective when paired with the right diagnosis and follow-up care.
Surgical Podiatry Treatment Options
When conservative care is not enough to relieve pain or restore mobility, podiatric surgery may be recommended.Â
The podiatry team at OIBOrtho performs advanced surgical procedures to correct structural issues and support long-term foot and ankle function. These include:
- Plantar fascia release: Surgically loosens part of the plantar fascia ligament to relieve chronic heel pain from plantar fasciitis.
- Hammertoe fixation: Realigns and stabilizes bent toe joints using surgical hardware or soft tissue correction.
- Bunionectomy: Removes the bone prominence at the base of the big toe and restores joint alignment to reduce pressure and pain from bunions.
- Ankle ligament reconstruction: Repairs damaged ligaments that have not healed properly after repeated ankle sprains or instability.
- Achilles tendon repair: Reattaches a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon to preserve strength and motion in the lower leg.
- Ankle fracture fixation: Repositions and secures broken bones in the ankle using plates, screws, or pins to allow proper healing.
What Should I Expect During Recovery From Podiatric Surgery?
Recovery depends on the type of procedure performed and the severity of the condition being treated. For less invasive surgeries, such as hammertoe correction or minor bunion procedures, you may be able to resume light activity within a few days and return to normal footwear within four to six weeks.Â
More complex surgeries, such as Achilles tendon repair, ankle ligament reconstruction, or fracture fixation, may require six to 12 weeks or more of recovery. That includes a period of non-weight-bearing followed by gradual rehabilitation.
In most cases, you will need some combination of crutches, a walking boot, or splinting during early recovery. You will also likely need physical therapy to rebuild strength and balance. Our team will give you detailed post-operative care instructions and monitor your progress closely.
Why Choose OIBOrtho?
At Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics, we pursue better care for everyone by offering a wide range of orthopaedic specialties. That means employing numerous top-tier, board-certified podiatrists and podiatric orthopaedic specialists who manage foot and ankle conditions every day.Â
Our team has the following expertise and skills to help you regain your mobility and comfort:
- Dr. Shane M. Hollawell, DPM, is board-certified in Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery and leads OIBOrtho’s foot and ankle fellowship program, helping shape the next generation of specialists.
- Dr. Meagan Coleman, DPM, is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon known for her strong academic background and commitment to serving patients through personalized, community-based care.
- Dr. James R. Polowczyk, DPM, is a board-certified foot and ankle podiatrist who brings diverse clinical experience from multiple hospital systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OIBOrtho Treat Sports-Related Foot and Ankle Injuries?
Yes. OIBOrtho treats a wide range of sports-related injuries, including sprains, tendon strains, fractures, and repetitive stress conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis.Â
Whether you are recovering from an acute injury or managing a chronic overuse issue, the team develops personalized treatment plans to help you return to activity safely and confidently.
What’s the Difference Between a Podiatrist and an Orthopaedic Podiatrist?
A general podiatrist is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, typically through non-surgical methods.Â
An orthopaedic podiatrist, often working within a multidisciplinary orthopaedic team like OIBOrtho, has additional training or specialization in the musculoskeletal aspects of foot and ankle care. This allows for more integrated treatment of complex conditions involving bones, joints, and tendons, often including surgical options.
Can Podiatric Issues Cause Knee, Hip, or Back Pain?
Yes. Misalignment or instability in the feet can affect how you walk, leading to stress on the knees, hips, or lower back. Conditions like flat feet, leg length differences, or abnormal gait patterns often contribute to discomfort in other parts of the body.
What Types of Imaging Are Used to Diagnose Foot and Ankle Problems?
OIBOrtho uses several imaging tools depending on the condition. Standard X-rays are common for fractures and joint issues. MRI may be used to assess soft tissue injuries like tendon or ligament damage, while ultrasound can help evaluate inflammation or fluid buildup. Imaging helps confirm diagnoses and guide treatment decisions.
Visit OIBOrtho’s Podiatry Team Across New Jersey
Call 732-800-9000 to schedule your appointment or explore treatment options with OIBOrtho’s experienced podiatry team. With convenient locations in Edison, Red Bank, Freehold, Wall, Brick, Toms River, Lacey, and Manahawkin, expert care from board-certified specialists is always within reach.
Find an Orthopaedic Physician
Orthopaedic Leaders in NJ
OIBortho physicians and orthopaedic surgeons aim to create a center of orthopaedic excellence in Central New Jersey through the application of innovation cutting-edge orthopaedic technology, through uncommon expertise, and through a genuine patient-over-profit approach.
The Power To Put Patients First
OIBortho is a proud division 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.