Foot & Ankle Surgery in Thane
Foot and ankle surgery in Thane with Dr. Kuldeep Gadkari, who completed a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery in the United States. Most foot and ankle problems improve without an operation.
Specialist Care for the Foot and Ankle
Your feet carry your whole body weight with every step, thousands of times a day. Each foot has 26 bones, more than 30 joints and many tendons and ligaments, all working together. When something goes wrong, even a small problem can make walking, standing at work or climbing stairs painful.
Dr. Kuldeep Gadkari is a foot & ankle surgeon in Thane who completed a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at Orthopedic Associates of Michigan in Grand Rapids, USA, under Dr. John Anderson and Dr. Donald Bohay. His foot and ankle research was published in international journals, including Foot & Ankle International, and he is a member of the Indian Foot & Ankle Society.
That training matters because foot and ankle problems are easy to confuse. A painful heel, a weak ankle or a swollen foot can each have several causes, and the right treatment depends on finding the exact one. Read more about his training.
Which of These Sounds Like You?
- “I twisted or fell on my ankle, it swelled up quickly and I can barely put weight on it.”Ankle Fracture
- “I felt a snap at the back of my heel during sport, as if someone kicked me.”Achilles Tendon Rupture
- “I keep rolling my ankle, or it still feels weak months after a sprain.”Ankle Sprain & Instability
- “My heel hurts most with the first steps in the morning or after sitting.”Heel Pain
- “My doctor says a tendon in my foot or ankle is torn and may need repair.”Tendon Repair Surgery
- “I have broken a bone in my foot or leg and want to understand the options.”Fracture & Trauma Care
Common Foot and Ankle Problems
Injuries
- Ankle fractures, often from a twist, a fall on stairs or a missed step.
- Ankle sprains, when the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle are stretched or torn.
- Achilles tendon tears, common in people in their 30s to 50s who play sport now and then.
- Fractures of the foot, including stress fractures from long walks, running or standing.
Wear and Overuse
- Heel pain, most often plantar fasciitis, the tissue under the foot.
- Achilles tendon pain at the back of the heel, from overuse.
- Ankle arthritis, often years after an old fracture or repeated sprains.
- Ongoing ankle weakness (instability), when the ankle keeps giving way after old sprains.
Dr. Gadkari’s Approach
Most foot and ankle problems get better without surgery. Dr. Gadkari starts by examining how you stand and walk, checks the ligaments and tendons, and looks at X-rays and, when needed, an ultrasound or MRI scan.
He then explains what is wrong in plain words and starts with the simplest treatment that is likely to work, such as the right footwear, stretching, a brace or a boot, and physiotherapy. Surgery is recommended when it will clearly give you a better result, for example for some ankle fractures, torn tendons and ankles that keep giving way.
Understand Your Diagnosis
He goes through your X-rays and scans with you, so you know exactly what is wrong and why.
Try Non-Surgical Care
Medicines, physiotherapy, weight and activity changes come first, for as long as they help.
Operate When It Helps
Surgery is advised only when it will clearly improve your pain and daily life.
Treatment Options
Step 1 of 5
Footwear and Self-Care
Supportive shoes, avoiding long periods barefoot on hard floors, rest from aggravating activities, and ice or heat for comfort.
Step 2 of 5
Physiotherapy and Exercises
Stretching, strengthening and balance exercises, which are the main treatment for heel pain, tendon pain and weak ankles.
Step 3 of 5
Insoles, Braces and Boots
Supports that protect an injured ankle or tendon while it heals, or that take strain off a painful heel.
Step 4 of 5
Injections
Occasionally used for stubborn pain, once other treatment has had a fair chance.
Step 5 of 5
Surgery
Fixing fractures, repairing torn tendons, tightening ligaments in an unstable ankle, or treating advanced ankle arthritis.
Read about surgery
Looking After Your Feet
- Choose shoes with a firm heel, cushioning and room for your toes. Thin slippers give little support on hard floors.
- Build up walking and running gradually, especially after a break.
- Keep your calf muscles flexible with daily stretches.
- If you have diabetes, check your feet every day for cuts, blisters or colour changes, and see a doctor early about any wound.
- Do not ignore a sprain that is not improving after a few weeks. Early rehab prevents an ankle that keeps giving way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why see a foot and ankle specialist?
The foot and ankle have many small bones, joints and tendons that work together with every step. A surgeon with specialist foot and ankle training is used to telling these problems apart and choosing the treatment that keeps the foot working well for walking, work and sport.
When can I walk on a broken ankle?
It depends on the fracture. Stable fractures can often take weight in a boot within days. After surgery, many people keep weight off the ankle for around six weeks while the bone heals. Dr. Gadkari will tell you exactly how much weight your ankle can take and when.
Does every torn Achilles tendon need surgery?
Not always. Some Achilles tears heal well in a special boot with a carefully staged rehab plan. Surgery may be better for active people, late presentations or tears with a large gap. Dr. Gadkari will explain the options and help you choose.
Why is my heel worst with the first steps in the morning?
This is typical of plantar fasciitis. The band of tissue under the foot tightens overnight, so the first steps stretch it painfully. Gentle calf and foot stretches before getting out of bed often help.
Book a Consultation
Talk to Dr. Gadkari about a foot or ankle problem. Message the clinic on WhatsApp or call, and they will find a time and place that suits you.
Pending Medical Review: Dr. Gadkari has not yet approved this page.