Welcome
Thank you for choosing Crescent City Orthopedics.

Experience specialized orthopedic care so you can move past injury and get back to the life you love.

Request an Appointment

​​​​​​
branding: image of soccer players

Specialized Ankle Care
To Move You Forward

At Crescent City Orthopedics, our doctors are Louisiana natives who are passionate about helping each of their patients. We know that ankle injuries can make each step difficult or impossible, which is why we proudly offer the latest treatments and personalized care plans for your ankle injuries and conditions so you can move past your injury and get back to the life you love.

We take pride in the expertise our board-certified orthopedic surgeons provide for our patients at Crescent City Orthopedics. As dedicated, compassionate experts committed to providing you with specialized ankle care, our orthopedic ankle surgeons, Dr. Scott Buhler and Dr. John Cazale, are skilled experts in their field with decades of combined experience and training. Together, they make up a team committed to your recovery by offering the latest in orthopedic technology and procedures for all your ankle needs.

Ankle Specialists in the Greater New Orleans Area

Committed to serving Metairie and the surrounding areas, our doctors work with you to deliver the high-level, specialized care you deserve. With their extensive training and years of experience, our ankle doctors are experts in the treatment of various ankle injuries and conditions, including sprains, fractures, and Achilles tendonitis.

Nonsurgical treatment options will be recommended first when developing an individualized treatment plan. These methods may include receiving physical therapy, wearing a brace, or taking over-the-counter medication. These nonsurgical approaches can reduce or even eliminate ankle pain.

If nonoperative care is ineffective or becomes less effective over time, our ankle surgeons will discuss surgical options with you to help you determine which surgery is right for you. Our surgeons have the expertise and exceptional skills needed to perform the required surgery as well as access to the latest surgical equipment, which helps ensure the best outcome possible.

Our surgeons are prepared to educate you and answer any questions you may have regarding your recommended surgical options.

  • Common Conditions

    With years of experience and orthopedic training, our ankle doctors assess, diagnose, and treat ankle injuries as well as other conditions that can develop in the ankle and foot, such as Achilles tendon rupture and ankle sprains. 

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Symptoms

  • Sudden, severe pain in the back of the ankle or calf
  • A popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury
  • Swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking or standing on the affected leg

Causes

  • Repetitive strain or degeneration of the Achilles tendon, common in older patients or in athletes who engage in sports that involve jumping or sudden changes in direction
  • A sudden, forceful contraction of the calf muscle, which can occur during activities such as running or jumping

Achilles Tendonitis

Symptoms

  • Pain in the back of the ankle, just above the heel
  • Stiffness in the ankle, especially in the morning
  • Swelling around the Achilles tendon

Causes

  • Overuse or repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon, common in athletes who engage in sports that involve jumping or sudden changes in direction
  • Tight calf muscles or improper footwear

Ankle Sprain

Symptoms

  • Pain in the ankle
  • Swelling around the ankle
  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle

Causes

  • Twisting or turning the ankle in an awkward way
  • Walking or exercising on an uneven surface
  • Participating in activities that involve jumping, running, or sudden changes in direction

Fracture

Symptoms

  • Severe pain in the affected area
  • Swelling and bruising around the area
  • Inability to bear weight on, move, or lift the affected arm or leg
  • In severe cases, deformity of the area is visible

Causes

  • Trauma or injury, such as a fall or car accident
  • Osteoporosis or weakened bones
  • Participating in high-impact activities

Plantar Fasciitis

Symptoms

  • Pain in the bottom of the foot near the heel
  • Stiffness and tenderness in the foot, especially in the morning
  • Pain that worsens after standing or walking for extended periods of time

Causes

  • Overuse or repetitive strain on the plantar fascia
  • Tight calf muscles or flat feet
  • Footwear that does not support your feet well enough

Treatment Options

  • Achilles Tendon Repair
  • Arthroscopic Repair
  • Bracing/Splinting
  • Fracture Fixation

Our experts offer a wide array of traditional treatment methods as well as state-of-the-art surgeries, including Achilles tendon repair, arthroscopic repair, bracing, splinting, and fracture fixation.

  • Achilles Tendon Repair

    Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture may involve surgical repair of the tendon, where the surgeon reattaches the torn ends of the tendon. This is followed by a recovery period in a cast or brace as well as physical therapy exercises to restore strength and flexibility to the ankle.

    Benefits

    • Restores normal function and range of motion to the ankle joint
    • Prevents complications, such as chronic pain, stiffness, or weakness
    • Enables return to normal activity and sports participation
       
  • Arthroscopic Repair

    Using an arthroscope, or small surgical camera, the surgeon repairs damaged tissue or removes loose fragments in the joint. This allows for better movement and reduced pain. Arthroscopic repair is a minimally invasive surgical technique, meaning it allows for smaller incisions and less tissue damage compared to traditional open surgery.

    Benefits

    • Improved joint function and range of motion
    • Reduced pain and swelling in the affected joint
    • Faster recovery time and shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery
       
  • Bracing/Splinting

    Bracing and splinting involve using a support or device to protect and stabilize the affected area, often reducing pain and improving function. It can be used as a primary treatment for some conditions, such as ankle sprains. Bracing and splinting may involve custom-made devices or off-the-shelf products, depending on the specific needs of the patient and the type of injury or condition being treated.

    Benefits

    • Provides support and stability to the affected area, limiting the risk of further injury or aggravation while reducing pain and stiffness
    • Can be used in conjunction with other treatments to improve outcomes
    • May help to prevent or delay the need for surgery in some cases
  • Fracture Fixation

    In some cases, casting alone is not sufficient to properly manage a fractured bone. Surgery for a fracture is known as fracture fixation. During the procedure, the surgeon realigns and stabilizes the broken bones using metal plates, screws, or rods. After the surgery, the patient typically wears a cast or brace and undergoes physical therapy exercises to regain strength and mobility in the affected area.

    Benefits

    • Restores proper alignment and stability to the bone or bones
    • Promotes healing
    • Reduces the risk of complications, such as chronic pain or deformity
Our Ankle Doctors

Scott A. Buhler, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist

Specialized Ankle Care When You Need It

Our doctors at Crescent City Orthopedics know that injuries can happen when least expected. We are proud to offer same-day appointments at our Metairie location for all your urgent bone, joint, and muscle needs. When you choose Crescent City Orthopedics, you choose our highly skilled experts who prioritize patient-focused care.

If you are suffering from ankle pain that is keeping you from the life you love, call (504) 309-6500 or request an appointment online to get the care you need in Metairie.