Foot Surgery in New Jersey

Restore mobility, comfort, and confidence with advanced foot surgery in New Jersey. Dr. Bernstein delivers minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures that relieve pain and restore natural function so you can move freely again.

Foot Surgery Expertise at New Jersey Spine Surgeons

At Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics, our New Jersey spine surgeons provide comprehensive care for patients suffering from chronic foot pain, deformities, and injuries. Known for his precision and patient-centered approach, Dr. Bernstein specializes in advanced surgical techniques that ensure safety, faster recovery, and long-term relief. Schedule your consultation today to explore your options with one of New Jersey’s leading foot surgeons.

What Is Foot Surgery?

Foot surgery encompasses a variety of corrective and reconstructive procedures designed to treat deformities, injuries, or chronic pain that have not responded to conservative care. Depending on your diagnosis, surgery may involve repairing tendons, removing bone spurs, realigning joints, or reconstructing bone and soft tissue structures to restore balance and function.

Foot Surgery Videos

Tarsal Tunnel Fix! - Dr. Bernstein

Got Plantar Fasciitis? This Is The Solution! - Dr. Bernstein

Patella Tendon Rupture: What You Need to Know - Dr. Porter

Hardware Removal with Dr. Bernstein

3 Reason Why You Should Consider Arthroscopic Surgery - Dr. Porter

Watch How We Repair An Achilles Tendon!- Dr. Bernstein

Got Ankle Arthritis? We Can Help! - Dr. Bernstein

Fixing A Broken Ankle In Less Than 30 Seconds!- Dr. Bernstein

Before & After X-Rays Of A Foot & Ankle Reconstruction- Dr. Bernstein

Ankle Scope & Repaired Ligament Testimonial- Dr. Bernstein

Foot & Ankle Surgery Testimonial- Dr. Bernstein

Repairing Torn Ankle Ligaments- Dr. Bernstein

Charcot Foot Surgery- Dr. Bernstein

Answering Google’s FAQ’s About The Foot & Ankle- Dr. Bernstein

Introducing Progressive Spine’s New Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Dr. Steven Bernstein

Ankle Injuries: Winter Edition- Dr. Bernstein

Dr. Bernstein Talks About Plantar Fasciitis

Am I a Good Candidate for Foot Surgery?

You may be a candidate for foot surgery if you experience ongoing pain, stiffness, or deformities that interfere with daily activities and haven’t improved through physical therapy, orthotics, or medication. Common surgical candidates include those with bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, neuromas, and stress fractures. Ideal candidates are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about recovery and outcomes.

Why Choose Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics for Foot Surgery in New Jersey?

Dr. Steven Bernstein is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and brings extensive expertise in reconstructive and minimally invasive procedures. Each patient receives a personalized surgical plan tailored to their anatomy and condition. At Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics, you’ll always be treated directly by Dr. Bernstein, not by trainees or residents, ensuring the highest level of surgical precision and individualized care from start to finish.

Your Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Bernstein conducts a detailed evaluation that may include imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans to determine the exact source of your discomfort. You’ll discuss your medical history, activity level, and treatment goals. From there, Dr. Bernstein designs a customized plan that aligns with your needs and lifestyle, guiding you confidently from diagnosis to recovery.

What to Expect During Foot Surgery

Most foot surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis using local or regional anesthesia. Dr. Bernstein makes small, precise incisions to access and correct the affected structures, whether repairing tendons, realigning bones, or removing damaged tissue. Most procedures take one to two hours. Before you leave, you’ll receive detailed postoperative instructions and have direct access to your care team for support throughout recovery.

Schedule A Consultation

Foot Surgery Recovery and Results

Recovery depends on the procedure and individual healing. Mild tenderness and swelling typically resolve within three to four months, while more complex reconstructions may require up to a year for full recovery. Dr. Bernstein provides pain management guidance, follow-up appointments, and personalized physical therapy recommendations to help restore strength and mobility. Once healed, most patients experience lasting relief and improved function with minimal scarring.

Conditions Foot Surgery can treat:

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a thick ligament connecting your heel to the front of your foot. It acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot. Too much wear and tear or stress can damage this ligament, causing a stabbing pain near the heel on the bottom of the foot. If steroid injections and medication do not resolve the situation well enough, Dr. Bernstein can perform surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is caused by repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon. This band of tissue connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Achilles tendinitis is experienced by pain in the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity. This condition is treated with rest, physical therapy, and orthotics. Severe cases may require surgery to remove damaged tissue and repair the tendon.

Hammer Toe

A “hammer toe” describes a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toes. The toe is bent at the middle joint in a way that resembles a hammer.

Flexible hammertoes: Flexible hammer toes are still moveable at the joint and can be treated sooner, before the condition becomes more serious.
Rigid hammertoes: Rigid hammertoes are more serious and can be seen in patients with severe arthritis or in patients who wait too long to seek treatment for flexible hammertoes. Foot surgery in New Jersey is typically the only option for patients with rigid hammertoes, as the tendons are tight and the joint is misaligned and immobile.

Common Types of Foot Surgery

Bunion correction: Realigns the toe joint and removes bone overgrowth that causes pain and swelling.
Hammertoe repair: Straightens bent toes and balances joint alignment to restore normal appearance and comfort.
Plantar fascia release: Eases chronic heel pain by releasing tight connective tissue in the sole.
Neuroma removal: Excises inflamed nerve tissue to resolve burning or tingling sensations between the toes.
Flat foot reconstruction: Corrects bone and tendon deformities to rebuild the arch and relieve strain.

Complementary Treatments for Foot Pain

In addition to surgery, several non-surgical and adjunctive treatments can enhance recovery and support long-term comfort:

PRP injections: Platelet-rich plasma accelerates healing and reduces inflammation.
Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts that improve alignment and distribute weight evenly.
Physical therapy: Strengthens muscles, restores flexibility, and improves gait mechanics.
Fat grafting: Transfers natural fat tissue to reduce chronic heel pain from fat pad atrophy.

Foot Surgery FAQs

How long will I need to stay off my feet after surgery?

Recovery varies by procedure. Most patients require one to two weeks of limited weight-bearing before gradually resuming normal activity under Dr. Bernstein’s guidance.

Is foot surgery painful?

Discomfort is typically mild and well-controlled with medication. Minimally invasive techniques help reduce pain and swelling compared to traditional surgery.

When can I return to work after foot surgery?

Patients with desk jobs may return within two weeks. Physically demanding jobs often require six to eight weeks or more, depending on the procedure and healing rate.

Can foot surgery correct long-term deformities?

Yes. Reconstructive foot surgery permanently corrects misalignments, restores joint function, and prevents future progression of the deformity.

What are the risks of foot surgery?

Possible risks include infection, nerve irritation, delayed healing, or recurrence of symptoms. These are rare under the care of an experienced, board-certified surgeon.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

Yes. Most patients benefit from a personalized rehabilitation program to rebuild strength, flexibility, and balance during recovery.

Do you offer minimally invasive foot surgery?

Yes. Whenever appropriate, Dr. Bernstein performs minimally invasive procedures that minimize tissue disruption and promote faster recovery.

Can arthritis in the foot be treated surgically?

Yes. Severe arthritis may require joint fusion or replacement to relieve pain and restore stable motion.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Mobility

If foot pain or deformity is limiting your life, expert care is within reach. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Bernstein at New Jersey Spine Surgeons today and take the first step toward lasting relief and confident movement.