What is artificial disc replacement surgery?

Artificial disc replacement (ADR) replaces a damaged cervical or lumbar disc with an artificial implant, preserving natural spinal motion unlike fusion surgery.

Who is a good candidate for disc replacement in New York?

Patients with degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or chronic neck/back pain unresponsive to conservative treatment. Dr. Brusovanik evaluates each patient individually.

What is the recovery time after disc replacement surgery?

Most patients walk the same day and return to light activity in 2-4 weeks. Full recovery takes 3-6 months with post-operative physical therapy.

Does Dr. Brusovanik perform both cervical and lumbar disc replacement?

Yes, Dr. Georgiy Brusovanik, MD performs both cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in NYC and Long Island.

What type of doctor treats shoulder pain?

An orthopedic shoulder specialist treats conditions affecting the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and shoulder joint. Persistent pain, weakness, stiffness, clicking, or instability should be evaluated to determine the precise cause.

What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?

The most common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, impingement, bursitis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, labral tears, instability, fractures, and biceps tendon injuries. A focused examination helps identify which structure is causing the symptoms.

How can I tell if I have a rotator cuff tear?

Common rotator cuff tear symptoms include shoulder weakness, night pain, difficulty lifting the arm, and pain with overhead movement. An orthopedic shoulder specialist may use an examination, X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

Why does shoulder pain become worse at night?

Shoulder pain may worsen at night because sleeping positions place pressure on inflamed tendons, bursae, or arthritic joints. Rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, frozen shoulder, and shoulder arthritis commonly cause nighttime pain that disrupts sleep.

When should I see a shoulder specialist?

See a shoulder specialist when pain lasts several weeks, repeatedly returns, affects sleep, or limits lifting and movement. Sudden weakness, visible deformity, severe pain, or a shoulder that feels dislocated requires prompt medical evaluation.

Can shoulder pain be treated without surgery?

Many shoulder conditions can be treated without surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include activity modification, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, or image-guided injections designed to reduce pain and restore movement.

Does a rotator cuff tear always require surgery?

A rotator cuff tear does not always require surgery. Physical therapy, medication, activity modification, and injections may improve pain and function, while surgery may be recommended for traumatic tears, significant weakness, or symptoms that continue despite treatment.

When is shoulder arthroscopy recommended?

Shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended when a confirmed structural injury continues causing pain, weakness, or instability despite nonsurgical care. It can treat rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, impingement, biceps problems, and damaged tissue within the shoulder.

What is the difference between total and reverse shoulder replacement?

Total shoulder replacement recreates the natural ball-and-socket joint and typically requires a functional rotator cuff. Reverse shoulder replacement changes the joint mechanics and may be used for irreparable cuff tears, severe arthritis, complex fractures, or failed previous surgery.

How long does recovery take after shoulder surgery?

Shoulder surgery recovery depends on the procedure, injury severity, tissue quality, age, and rehabilitation plan. Some patients regain useful movement within weeks, while rotator cuff repair, reconstruction, or shoulder replacement recovery may continue for several months.

Can a failed shoulder surgery be corrected?

Some failed shoulder surgeries can be treated with revision surgery, reconstruction, tendon repair, or shoulder replacement. The appropriate treatment depends on the previous procedure, current imaging, tissue quality, bone loss, stiffness, instability, and remaining shoulder function.

Where can I find a shoulder specialist in New York or New Jersey?

Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides specialized shoulder care across New York, Long Island, and New Jersey. Services include diagnosis, physical therapy, image-guided treatment, shoulder arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, reconstruction, and shoulder replacement.

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Foot & Ankle Specialists in New York & New Jersey

Foot and ankle pain can affect every step, from standing and walking to sports and work. Our orthopedic foot and ankle specialists diagnose plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains and instability, Achilles tendon disorders, bunions, arthritis, and fractures. Treatment may include rehabilitation, bracing, orthotics, medication, injections, or surgery when clinically appropriate.

Same-day requests On-site imaging Specialist care Multiple treatment options

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Specialist care Multiple treatment options

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Meet our foot and ankle specialists

Connect with experienced orthopedic specialists who diagnose and treat ankle sprains, heel pain, tendon injuries, arthritis, fractures, and other foot and ankle conditions.

Showing 3 foot and ankle specialists

Understanding Foot and Ankle Anatomy

Healthy foot and ankle function supports every step you take. These connected structures bear body weight, absorb impact, maintain balance, and generate the push-off required for walking, running, and climbing stairs.

The tibia and fibula meet the talus to form the ankle joint. Ligaments provide stability, while muscles and tendons control movement. The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, supportive arches, and the plantar fascia, which work together to distribute pressure and adapt to different surfaces.

Foot and ankle pain can develop from injury, repetitive stress, arthritis, or structural changes. Ankle sprains, fractures, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon disorders, bunions, and joint damage may cause heel pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, or instability. An accurate diagnosis helps determine the appropriate treatment.

Healthy foot and ankle movement depends on:

Effective foot and ankle treatment begins by identifying the source of pain, swelling, weakness, or instability.

Where Foot and Ankle Pain Begins: Bone, Ligament and Tendon Problems

Foot and ankle pain may arise from a sudden injury, repetitive loading, joint degeneration, or changes in alignment. Symptom location and onset help identify the structure involved.

Acute Injuries & Ankle Instability

A twisting injury can stretch or tear the ankle ligaments, while falls and direct impacts may cause fractures. Sudden acceleration or jumping can injure the Achilles tendon. Significant swelling, deformity, inability to bear weight, or a sudden pop followed by weak push-off requires prompt orthopedic evaluation.

Overuse, Arthritis & Structural Stress

Repetitive loading can irritate the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, or other supporting tendons. Arthritis may produce stiffness and painful weight-bearing, while bunions and changes in arch mechanics can create pressure across the foot. Symptoms often develop gradually and worsen with standing, walking, footwear, or increased activity.

Finding the Cause of Foot and Ankle Pain

The location, timing, and activity pattern of your symptoms provide important diagnostic information. A complete evaluation also considers alignment, stability, footwear, circulation, and nerve function.

Symptom Location & Timing

Heel pain during the first steps after rest commonly occurs with plantar fasciitis. Pain behind the ankle may involve the Achilles tendon, while swelling and tenderness after a twist can indicate a ligament injury or fracture. Instability, numbness, stiffness, or difficulty pushing off provides additional diagnostic clues.

Focused Lower-Limb Examination

Your orthopedic foot and ankle specialist observes standing alignment, arch shape, walking mechanics, and shoe wear. The examination assesses joint motion, ligament stability, tendon strength, tenderness, sensation, and circulation. Comparing both sides helps reveal subtle weakness, swelling, instability, or altered movement.

Imaging & Diagnostic Testing

Weight-bearing X-rays evaluate fractures, arthritis, alignment, and structural deformities. MRI can identify tendon tears, ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and stress fractures that may not appear on initial X-rays. Ultrasound provides dynamic tendon imaging, while CT offers detailed views of complex fractures and bone anatomy.

Your foot and ankle treatment plan reflects the affected structure, symptom severity, walking demands, activity goals, and response to previous care.

Targeted rehabilitation improves ankle motion, strength, balance, and movement control while gradually restoring tolerance for walking and activity.

Braces, supportive footwear, or orthotics may improve stability, redistribute pressure, protect healing tissues, and reduce strain during weight-bearing.

For selected conditions, carefully placed injections may reduce inflammation or help confirm the source of pain. They are not appropriate for every tendon or diagnosis.

Persistent instability, tendon tears, displaced fractures, painful deformities, or advanced arthritis may require repair, reconstruction, fixation, realignment, fusion, or joint replacement.

Foot and Ankle Problems We Diagnose and Treat

Our orthopedic foot and ankle specialists evaluate conditions affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and supporting arches. Accurate diagnosis allows care to address pain, instability, deformity, and difficulty walking.

Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that supports the arch. Repetitive strain near its heel attachment can cause plantar fasciitis, producing sharp pain underneath the heel. Discomfort is often strongest during the first steps after rest and may return after prolonged activity.

Ankle Sprains & Chronic Instability

Ankle sprains occur when stabilizing ligaments are forced beyond their normal range. Most involve the ligaments outside the ankle following a twisting injury. Inadequate healing or repeated sprains can lead to persistent swelling, weakness, and recurrent episodes of the ankle giving way.

Bruising, swelling, and tenderness may develop soon after injury
X-rays may be needed when examination suggests a possible fracture
Rehabilitation improves strength, balance, motion, and protective reflexes
Chronic instability may require bracing or ligament reconstruction

Achilles Tendon Pain & Ruptures

The Achilles tendon transfers power from the calf muscles to the heel. Gradual overload can cause painful tendon degeneration, while an explosive movement may produce a partial or complete rupture. The location, onset, and effect on push-off strength help distinguish these problems.

Tendon pain may occur at the heel attachment or farther up the ankle
Stiffness often increases after inactivity or repetitive exercise
A sudden pop with weakness may indicate an Achilles tendon rupture
Treatment is based on tendon damage, health, and activity goals

Bunions, Arthritis & Fracture Care

Bunions alter the alignment of the big-toe joint and may cause painful pressure inside footwear. Foot and ankle arthritis can restrict motion and make weight-bearing uncomfortable. Acute injuries and repetitive stress can also produce fractures requiring protection or stabilization.

Weight-bearing X-rays evaluate alignment, arthritis, and many fractures
Bunions may cause forefoot widening, redness, and shoe irritation
Stress fractures commonly produce localized pain that worsens with activity
Treatment may include orthotics, immobilization, fixation, fusion, or replacement

Why Choose Total Orthopedics for Foot and Ankle Care?

Total Orthopedics coordinates evaluation, diagnostic imaging, conservative treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation. Care is tailored to the source of your foot or ankle pain, its effect on walking, and your goals for returning to activity.

Care From Diagnosis Through Recovery

Orthopedic providers treat plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, Achilles injuries, bunions, arthritis, and fractures.
Examinations evaluate standing alignment, arch structure, joint motion, tendon function, ligament stability, and gait.
Weight-bearing X-rays, MRI, ultrasound, or CT may be used when the findings require additional detail.
Nonsurgical care can include load modification, medication, physical therapy, bracing, or supportive footwear.
Orthotics may support alignment, redistribute pressure, and reduce stress on painful structures.
Surgical options include ankle arthroscopy, tendon repair, ligament reconstruction, fracture fixation, bunion correction, fusion, or replacement.
Rehabilitation restores mobility, strength, balance, and safe weight-bearing after injury or surgery.
Participating Total Orthopedics locations coordinate appointments according to the condition and appropriate provider.

When Advanced Foot or Ankle Treatment May Help

A procedure may be considered when a clearly diagnosed condition continues to cause pain, instability, deformity, or restricted walking after appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Recommendations account for the expected benefit, recovery demands, and individual health factors.

Examination findings and diagnostic imaging support a specific foot or ankle diagnosis.
Therapy, bracing, footwear changes, medication, or other appropriate care has not provided adequate relief.
The damaged bone, joint, ligament, or tendon can reasonably benefit from the proposed treatment.
Nerve problems, circulation concerns, and pain referred from another area have been considered.
Your overall health, bone quality, healing potential, and functional goals support treatment.

FOOT & ANKLE CARE FAQ

Foot and Ankle Pain, Injury and Treatment Questions

Clear answers about plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, Achilles injuries, bunions, arthritis, fractures, treatment, and recovery.

What kind of doctor treats foot and ankle pain?

An orthopedic foot and ankle specialist diagnoses conditions affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and supporting structures of the foot and ankle. Treatment may involve physical therapy, bracing, orthotics, medication, injections, or surgery.

When should I see a foot and ankle specialist?

Schedule an evaluation when pain persists, repeatedly returns, limits walking, or causes instability. Seek prompt care for deformity, severe swelling, an open wound, numbness, or an inability to bear weight after an injury.

Why does my heel hurt when I first get out of bed?

Pain beneath the heel during the first steps after sleep or prolonged rest is a common symptom of plantar fasciitis. Because Achilles tendon disorders, stress injuries, and other conditions may also cause heel pain, persistent symptoms require an accurate diagnosis.

Is my ankle injured or fractured?

Ankle sprains and fractures can both cause swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty walking. Tenderness directly over a bone, deformity, or an inability to bear weight raises concern for a fracture. Examination and X-rays may be needed to confirm the injury.

How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?

Recovery depends on which ligaments were injured and the severity of the sprain. Mild injuries may improve within several weeks, while severe sprains can require months of rehabilitation. Returning too quickly may contribute to weakness or recurrent instability.

Why does my ankle keep rolling or giving way?

Repeated giving way may result from chronic ankle instability after previous sprains. Loose or damaged ligaments, muscle weakness, reduced balance, and impaired joint control may contribute. Rehabilitation and bracing often help, while persistent instability may require reconstruction.

What symptoms suggest an Achilles tendon rupture?

An Achilles rupture may cause a sudden pop, sharp pain behind the ankle, swelling, reduced push-off strength, or difficulty rising onto the toes. Some people remain able to walk, so suspected ruptures should be assessed promptly.

Can plantar fasciitis improve without surgery?

Yes. Most cases are treated without surgery using activity modification, plantar fascia and calf stretching, supportive footwear, and other individualized measures. Improvement can take time because the irritated tissue remains loaded during standing and walking.

Does a bunion always need surgery?

No. Wider footwear, padding, medication, and selected orthotics may reduce painful pressure, although they do not permanently correct the deformity. Bunion surgery is generally considered when ongoing pain interferes with footwear, walking, or daily activities.

How is foot and ankle arthritis treated?

Treatment may include activity changes, supportive footwear, bracing, physical therapy, medication, or selected injections. When advanced arthritis continues to cause substantial pain and restricted movement, fusion or joint replacement may be considered for appropriate patients.

What imaging is used for foot and ankle injuries?

Weight-bearing X-rays evaluate alignment, arthritis, deformity, and many fractures. MRI can identify ligament, tendon, cartilage, and stress injuries. Ultrasound provides dynamic tendon imaging, while CT produces detailed views of complex fractures and bone anatomy.

Where can I schedule foot and ankle care at Total Orthopedics?

Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine schedules general, sports-related, and fracture-related foot and ankle evaluations. Provider and office availability depends on the condition, so the scheduling team can direct patients to an appropriate participating location.