Foot & Ankle Surgery Washington, DC

Expert Surgical Care from a Dual Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon

When conservative treatments fail to relieve your foot or ankle pain, surgery may be the solution you need to restore mobility and reclaim your active lifestyle. At DMV Foot & Ankle in Washington, DC, Dr. Alex S. Mattia brings dual board certifications, advanced surgical training, and a commitment to minimally invasive techniques that prioritize faster recovery and optimal outcomes.

When Is Foot or Ankle Surgery Necessary?

Most foot and ankle conditions respond well to conservative treatment. In fact, Dr. Mattia's philosophy emphasizes exhausting all non-surgical options before recommending surgery. However, surgery becomes the best path forward when:

Pain persists despite 3-6 months of conservative treatment including orthotics, physical therapy, or injections
Structural deformities progressively worsen and affect daily activities
Traumatic injuries cause fractures, torn ligaments, or tendon ruptures that require surgical repair
Quality of life significantly declines due to chronic foot or ankle problems
Infection or tissue death threatens limb health, particularly in diabetic patients

At DMV Foot & Ankle, only about 5-10% of patients ultimately require surgical intervention. When surgery is recommended, you can trust that all other options have been carefully considered.

Foot & Ankle Surgical Procedures We Perform

Bunion Surgery (Hallux Valgus Correction)

Bunions occur when the big toe joint becomes misaligned, causing a painful bony prominence on the side of the foot. When conservative treatments such as wider shoes, padding, and orthotics fail to provide relief, bunion surgery can correct the deformity and eliminate pain.

Surgical techniques offered:

Chevron osteotomy - Best for mild to moderate bunions; involves a V-shaped bone cut to realign the joint
Scarf osteotomy - Z-shaped cut offering excellent correction for moderate to severe deformities
Lapidus procedure - Fusion of the first metatarsal-cuneiform joint for severe bunions with hypermobility
Minimally invasive bunion correction - Small incision techniques for appropriate candidates with reduced scarring and faster recovery

What to expect:

Procedure time: 45-90 minutes
Typical recovery: 6-8 weeks for return to regular shoes; 3-6 months for full activity
Success rate: 85-90% patient satisfaction

Hammertoe Correction Surgery

Hammertoes develop when the middle joint of a toe becomes permanently bent, often causing pain, corns, and difficulty wearing shoes. Surgery straightens the toe and restores normal function.

Procedures include:

Arthroplasty - Removal of a small portion of bone at the bent joint to allow straightening
Arthrodesis (fusion) - Permanent fusion of the joint in a straight position for severe cases
Tendon transfer - Redirecting tendons to balance the toe and prevent recurrence

Recovery timeline:

Most patients return to supportive shoes within 2-4 weeks
Full healing typically achieved within 6-8 weeks
Physical activity gradually resumed over 2-3 months

Plantar Fasciitis Surgery (Plantar Fasciotomy)

Approximately 90% of plantar fasciitis cases resolve with conservative treatment. For the remaining 10% who experience chronic heel pain lasting 6-12 months despite comprehensive non-surgical treatment, surgery may provide relief.

Surgical options:

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy - Minimally invasive release of the plantar fascia through two small incisions using a camera
Open plantar fascia release - Traditional approach allowing direct visualization and treatment of associated conditions
Gastrocnemius recession - Lengthening of the calf muscle when tightness contributes to heel pain

Outcomes:

Success rate: 70-90% significant pain reduction
Return to walking: 2-3 weeks in a surgical shoe
Full activity: 6-12 weeks depending on procedure type

Ankle Surgery and Reconstruction

The ankle is a complex joint that withstands tremendous forces during walking, running, and jumping. When injuries or degenerative conditions compromise ankle function, surgical intervention can restore stability and mobility.

Conditions treated surgically:

Ankle fractures - Surgical fixation of broken ankle bones using plates, screws, or rods
Chronic ankle instability - Ligament repair or reconstruction (Brostrom procedure) for recurrent sprains
Ankle arthritis - Joint-preserving procedures, ankle fusion (arthrodesis), or ankle replacement
Achilles tendon ruptures - Surgical repair for complete tendon tears
Osteochondral lesions - Treatment of damaged cartilage within the ankle joint

Why surgical timing matters: Delays in treating certain ankle injuries can lead to chronic instability, early-onset arthritis, and prolonged disability. If you've experienced an ankle injury that hasn't healed properly, evaluation by a foot and ankle surgeon is essential.

Diabetic Foot Surgery and Limb Salvage

Diabetes can cause devastating foot complications including ulcers, infections, and Charcot foot deformity. Dr. Mattia has extensive training and ongoing commitment to diabetic limb salvage, having attended the Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference annually from 2016-2025.

Surgical interventions for diabetic foot:

Wound debridement - Removal of infected or dead tissue to promote healing
Abscess drainage - Surgical treatment of deep infections
Amputation (when necessary) - Toe, partial foot, or below-knee amputation as a last resort
Charcot reconstruction - Surgical correction of bone collapse in the diabetic foot
Tendon balancing procedures - Correction of deformities that cause ulcer formation

Our approach: Every effort is made to preserve the limb and maintain function. Dr. Mattia's expertise in regenerative medicine, including stem cell products and fat pad allografts, provides additional options for promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Trauma and Fracture Surgery

Foot and ankle fractures require precise surgical treatment to ensure proper bone alignment and joint function. Delayed or inadequate treatment can result in chronic pain, arthritis, and permanent disability.

Common fractures we treat:

Metatarsal fractures - Breaks in the long bones of the midfoot
Calcaneal (heel bone) fractures - Complex injuries often resulting from falls
Ankle fractures - Breaks involving the tibia, fibula, or both
Lisfranc injuries - Fractures and dislocations of the midfoot joint complex
Toe fractures - Surgical intervention when conservative treatment is insufficient

Surgical techniques:

Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) using plates, screws, and pins
External fixation for severe injuries or compromised soft tissue
Minimally invasive percutaneous fixation when appropriate

Tendon Surgery

Tendons can become torn, ruptured, or chronically damaged from overuse, trauma, or degenerative conditions. Surgical repair restores function and prevents long-term disability.

Procedures performed:

Achilles tendon repair - Direct repair or reconstruction for complete ruptures
Posterior tibial tendon reconstruction - Treatment for adult-acquired flatfoot deformity
Peroneal tendon repair - Correction of tears in the lateral ankle tendons
Flexor and extensor tendon repair - Treatment for tendon injuries in the foot and toes

Nerve Surgery

Nerve problems in the foot can cause debilitating pain, numbness, and weakness. When conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention can provide relief.

Conditions treated:

Morton's neuroma - Removal of enlarged nerve tissue causing ball-of-foot pain
Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Release of compressed nerve behind the ankle
Peripheral nerve entrapment - Decompression of trapped nerves causing pain or numbness

Our Surgical Philosophy: Conservative First, Surgery When Needed

At DMV Foot & Ankle, we believe surgery should be the last resort, not the first option. Dr. Mattia's approach emphasizes:

Comprehensive diagnosis - Advanced imaging and thorough examination to identify the true cause of your symptoms
Conservative treatment trial - Custom orthotics, physical therapy, regenerative medicine, laser therapy, and other non-surgical options
Patient education - Clear explanation of all treatment options, including risks and benefits
Shared decision-making - Surgery is scheduled only when both patient and doctor agree it's the best path forward
Minimally invasive techniques - When surgery is necessary, using approaches that minimize tissue damage and accelerate recovery

What Makes Dr. Mattia Different

Dual Board Certification

Dr. Alex S. Mattia holds certifications from both the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS, 2024) and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM, 2020). This dual certification demonstrates expertise in both surgical intervention and comprehensive medical management of foot and ankle conditions.

Elite Residency Training

Dr. Mattia completed his surgical residency at the prestigious MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Washington Hospital Center PMSR/RRA program (2017-2020). This rigorous 3-year program provides advanced training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, trauma, and diabetic limb salvage.

Regenerative Medicine Expertise

Certified in Regenerative Podiatric Medicine by the American College of Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons (2025), Dr. Mattia offers cutting-edge treatments that can accelerate healing after surgery and potentially help patients avoid surgery altogether.

Ongoing Professional Development

Dr. Mattia maintains his surgical skills through continuous education:

Annual attendance at the Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference (2016-2025)
AAFAO Advanced and Comprehensive Courses (2018-2019)
Baltimore Limb Deformity Course (2019)
ACFAS Foot & Ankle Arthroscopy Course (2019)

Research Contributions

Dr. Mattia has contributed to the podiatric medical literature:

Scientific literature review on outcomes following Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession (ACFAS, 2020)
Case study on lower extremity management in CLOVES Syndrome (ACFAS, 2018)

Preparing for Foot or Ankle Surgery

Before Your Procedure

Medical clearance:

Pre-operative physical examination
Blood work and any necessary cardiac testing
Review of current medications (some may need to be temporarily stopped)

At-home preparation:

Arrange for transportation home after surgery
Set up a recovery area on the main floor if possible
Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals
Acquire necessary equipment (knee scooter, crutches, surgical shoe)

Day of surgery:

Nothing to eat or drink after midnight (for most procedures)
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Bring your insurance cards and photo ID
Arrive at the scheduled time for pre-operative preparation

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Every surgical procedure has a unique recovery timeline. Generally, patients can expect:

Immediately after surgery:

Surgical dressing and splint or cast applied
Elevation above heart level to minimize swelling
Pain medication prescribed as needed
Ice therapy as directed

First 1-2 weeks:

Non-weight-bearing or limited weight-bearing depending on procedure
Follow-up appointment for wound check and dressing change
Continued elevation and ice therapy

Weeks 3-6:

Transition to weight-bearing as tolerated (for most procedures)
Suture removal if non-absorbable sutures were used
Physical therapy may begin

Weeks 6-12 and beyond:

Gradual return to normal footwear
Progressive increase in activity level
Complete healing of bone and soft tissue

Frequently Asked Questions About Foot & Ankle Surgery

How do I know if I need foot surgery?

Surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments—such as orthotics, physical therapy, injections, and activity modification—have failed to provide adequate relief after 3-6 months. Signs that surgery may be necessary include persistent pain that limits daily activities, progressive deformity, or structural damage visible on imaging.

Is foot surgery painful?

Modern surgical techniques and anesthesia make foot surgery far more comfortable than in the past. During the procedure, you'll receive local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia as appropriate. Post-operative pain is managed with medications and typically decreases significantly within the first week. Many patients report that surgical pain is less than the chronic pain they experienced before surgery.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery time varies based on the specific procedure. Minor soft tissue surgeries may allow return to normal shoes within 2-4 weeks. Bone surgeries typically require 6-8 weeks before transitioning to regular footwear and 3-6 months for full activity. Dr. Mattia will provide a personalized recovery timeline based on your specific procedure and health status.

Will I be able to walk after surgery?

Most patients require some period of limited or non-weight-bearing activity after surgery. Depending on the procedure, you may use crutches, a knee scooter, or a surgical walking boot. Dr. Mattia uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to allow earlier weight-bearing and faster return to activity.

What are the risks of foot and ankle surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific risks depend on the procedure being performed. Dr. Mattia discusses all potential risks during your pre-operative consultation and takes every precaution to minimize complications.

Does insurance cover foot surgery?

Most medically necessary foot and ankle surgeries are covered by health insurance, including Medicare and major commercial plans. Our staff will verify your coverage and provide cost estimates before scheduling surgery. Elective cosmetic procedures are typically not covered.

Where is surgery performed?

Dr. Mattia performs surgical procedures at accredited ambulatory surgery centers and hospital facilities in the Washington, DC area. The surgical location is determined based on the complexity of your procedure and your individual health needs.

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Schedule Your Surgical Consultation

If conservative treatments haven't relieved your foot or ankle pain, it may be time to explore surgical options. Dr. Alex Mattia provides thorough evaluations and honest assessments of whether surgery is right for you.

What to bring to your consultation:

Previous imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, CT scans)
List of current medications
Records of previous treatments and their outcomes
Questions about your condition and treatment options

Contact DMV Foot & Ankle:

Address: 106 Irving St NW Ste 402, Washington, DC 20010

Phone: 202-726-1800

Email: care@dmvfoot.com

Website: www.dmvfoot.com

Online Scheduling: Available through our website

Office Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:45 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday: 7:45 AM - 10:45 AM

Parking: On-site parking garage (Physician's Office Parking) available for patient convenience.

Insurance & Payment Information

DMV Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans including:

Medicare
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
UnitedHealthcare
Cigna
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
And many more

For patients without insurance or those with high-deductible plans, we offer payment plans and can discuss financing options. Contact our office to verify your specific coverage and discuss any financial concerns.

Serving the Greater Washington, DC Area

DMV Foot & Ankle provides expert foot and ankle surgical care to patients throughout the region:

Washington, DC - All neighborhoods including Columbia Heights, Petworth, Brookland, and Capitol Hill
Silver Spring, MD - Just 8 miles north via Georgia Avenue
Bethesda, MD - 6 miles northwest via Wisconsin Avenue
Arlington, VA - 3 miles west across the Potomac
Alexandria, VA - 7 miles south via I-395

Our convenient Washington, DC location near Howard University Hospital is easily accessible from throughout the DMV region.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment recommendations depend on thorough evaluation by a qualified podiatric surgeon. Please schedule a consultation to discuss your specific condition and treatment options.

About the Author: Dr. Alex S. Mattia, DPM is the owner and president of DMV Foot & Ankle, P.C. in Washington, DC. He is dual board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (2024) and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (2020), and certified in Regenerative Podiatric Medicine by the American College of Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons (2025). Dr. Mattia completed his surgical residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Washington Hospital Center, where he received advanced training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, diabetic limb salvage, and trauma care. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and holds medical licenses in Washington, DC and Maryland.