What Is the Best Treatment for a Foot Injury? One Richmond Orthopaedic Surgeon Says the Best Answer Often Comes From the Patient

RICHMOND, VA--(Marketwired - Jul 31, 2013) - Dr. Jan-Eric Esway, an orthopaedic surgeon in Richmond, focuses on providing patients individualized care at his practice. With careful listening at the heart of his practice's philosophy, Dr. Esway works toward achieving each patient's goals in relation to their specific injury rather than relying on routine protocols.

Dr. Esway says he commonly sees a wide spectrum of foot injuries and ankle injuries among his patients. He adds that most of these injuries -- including fractures, Achilles tendon ruptures, and severe sprains -- occur while his patients are playing sports or while they are at work.

According to Dr. Esway, an accurate diagnosis comes from really listening to each patient. He says physical exams and radiographs are used to confirm each diagnosis and rule out the possibility of any underlying problems. Dr. Esway notes that the use of more expensive tests (such as MRIs) are typically reserved for patients seriously considering surgical treatment.

Because Dr. Esway believes each patient is unique, he says he mostly designs his treatment plans by listening to each patient's goals. While some of his patients want to be able to walk for exercise, other patients want to compete in sports -- and the treatment methods for these goals will differ. However, Dr. Esway says he always takes a conservative approach to treatment, saving surgery as a last resort. "I recommend non-surgical treatments first, like anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, bracing, orthotics, and sometimes corticosteroid injections. Surgery is only considered for patients who continue to suffer symptoms that affect their overall health and quality of life."

In cases where surgery may be necessary, Dr. Esway says he strives to be at the forefront of his field's innovations as surgical techniques for the foot and ankle continue to evolve. He says he is able to apply many of the same tools he learned in training from Dr. Freddie Fu -- a physician known for his innovative contributions to the field of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine -- to his foot and ankle Orthopaedic Surgery practice. As a result, Dr. Esway feels he is able to provide his patients with the strongest repairs using the least invasive surgical methods.

Dr. Esway notes that he has also learned a great deal by treating patients who have complex problems from previous surgeries. While he notes that many doctors are not excited about taking care of patients who have complications from procedures performed by other surgeons, Dr. Esway says that he personally likes the challenge. He adds that by taking on these more complex cases, he has become a better, more experienced, and more confident surgeon. As a result, Dr. Esway states that he has been able to modify standard techniques in ways that yield stronger repairs and faster recovery times.

About Jan-Eric Esway, MD

A graduate of Harvard University, Dr. Jan-Eric Esway earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Medicine, where he also completed a five-year residency in orthopaedic surgery. He is a member of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Esway offers a range of orthopaedic and sports medicine treatments for foot and ankle conditions. Dr. Esway is available for interview upon request.

For more information on Dr. Esway and his practice, visit janeswaymd.com and facebook.com/JanEricEswayMd.