The foot and ankle are highly specialized structures that help us get around; walking, running, hiking, skiing and much more. When you think about it, this part of the human anatomy is essential for a full active life. The built-in combination of mobile and stable joints makes it possible for us to adapt to any surface we encounter. By supporting the weight of the body, the feet undergo a lot of wear and tear in the course of a lifetime, and the complex interaction of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bones make this area highly susceptible to injuries. When an injury does happen or if the foot and ankle structures become weakened from chronic overuse or disease, it’s important to see a qualified orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon right away, to evaluate and treat the condition.
Our orthopaedic physicians are experienced in all facets of foot and ankle injuries and associated degenerative conditions. Treatments for foot and ankle problems can range from a simple change of footwear to surgical repair of damaged bones or tendons,. When an injury occurs, a visit to an orthopaedic physician will get you back on your feet. SRO’s Foot and Ankle Program provides a comprehensive array of treatment alternatives covering nonsurgical as well as surgical methods to overcome a patient’s pain and lost function. SRO is home to the North Bay’s premier Foot and Ankle Program, the only program of its kind in California, north of San Francisco. We serve both patients and referring physicians by providing a complete, balanced approach to the treatment of foot and ankle disorders.
Keeping One Step Ahead
SRO’s Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Program provides state-of-the-art care for all types of problems related to the foot and ankle. This includes, but is not limited to, trauma of the foot and post-traumatic reconstruction of the foot and ankle, foot deformities related to neuromuscular, arthritic and congenital conditions, tendon injuries of the hind foot and ankle, sports-related injuries and foot complications of diabetes mellitus.
Foot and ankle injuries are common in people across a range of lifestyles from top-performing athletes to sedentary individuals. In fact, 75 percent of Americans will experience some type of foot problem in their lifetime. Each year in the U.S., an estimated two million people are treated by orthopaedists for ankle injuries alone. Injuries that are not recognized or are improperly addressed can lead to significant functional disability. This may affect quality of life and in some cases impact one’s ability to accomplish everyday tasks.
Our medical team at SRO’s Foot and Ankle Program emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive evaluation in order to develop a proper diagnosis. Then we use the latest treatments and surgical techniques to restore function and relieve pain. We invite you to come and see what makes our patients so satisfied with their care.
Getting You Back on Your Feet
Dr. Schakel
Dr. Mark E. Schakel is the director of the Foot & Ankle Program and the director at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital’s Foot and Ankle Trauma Service. He has extensive experience in treating problems of the foot and ankle, including reconstructive, traumatic, sports-related and congenital problems and is the only fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Lake and Humboldt counties. He has treated patients of all ages, walks of life and activity levels, including high school and college athletes.
