Foot and Ankle Surgery
Foot & Ankle Surgery in Lauderdale Lakes, FL
When conservative treatments are not enough to relieve your pain or restore your function, surgical intervention may be the best path forward. At Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC, Dr. Jonathan Mollineda, DPM — Board Qualified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) — brings advanced surgical training and a patient-first approach to every procedure. We serve patients in Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, Plantation, North Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Margate, and throughout Broward County.
Surgical Procedures We Perform
Dr. Mollineda is trained in a wide range of foot and ankle surgical procedures, including:
Bunionectomy (bunion surgery) — Correction of the bony bump at the base of the big toe to realign the joint, relieve pain, and restore normal foot function. Multiple surgical techniques are available depending on the severity of the deformity.
Hammertoe correction — Straightening toes that have become bent or contracted due to muscle imbalance, ill-fitting shoes, or arthritis. Surgery may involve releasing tendons, removing small portions of bone, or stabilizing the toe with a pin or implant.
Ingrown toenail surgery (matrixectomy) — Permanent removal of the ingrown portion of the nail and treatment of the nail root to prevent recurrence, typically performed in-office under local anesthesia.
Neuroma excision — Removal of a thickened nerve (most commonly a Morton's neuroma between the third and fourth toes) that causes burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot.
Tendon repair — Surgical repair of torn or ruptured tendons in the foot and ankle, including Achilles tendon injuries, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), and peroneal tendon tears.
Ankle stabilization — Repair or reconstruction of damaged ligaments in the ankle to restore stability in patients with chronic ankle sprains or ankle instability that has not responded to bracing and physical therapy.
Fracture fixation — Surgical repair of broken bones in the foot and ankle using screws, plates, pins, or wires to hold the bone in proper alignment while it heals.
Plantar fascia release — For severe plantar fasciitis that has not responded to 6-12 months of conservative treatment, partial release of the plantar fascia can relieve chronic heel pain.
Wart excision — Surgical removal of stubborn plantar warts that have not responded to topical treatments, cryotherapy, or other conservative measures.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Whenever clinically appropriate, Dr. Mollineda utilizes minimally invasive surgical techniques that involve smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Minimally invasive approaches can be used for certain bunion corrections, hammertoe procedures, and other conditions. During your surgical consultation, Dr. Mollineda will discuss whether a minimally invasive approach is a good option for your specific condition.
What to Expect Before Surgery
Every surgical patient at Sunshine Foot & Ankle receives a thorough pre-operative evaluation that includes:
• A comprehensive physical examination of the foot and ankle, including range of motion, stability, and neurovascular testing
• Diagnostic imaging (X-rays and, when needed, MRI or CT scan) to precisely evaluate the problem and plan the surgical approach
• Review of your complete medical history, current medications, and any allergies
• Discussion of anesthesia options — most foot and ankle procedures are performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or regional nerve blocks for patient comfort
• A detailed explanation of the procedure, expected outcomes, potential risks, and realistic recovery timeline
• Insurance pre-authorization — our office handles the pre-authorization process with your insurance company before surgery to confirm coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery timelines vary depending on the type of procedure performed:
• Minor procedures (ingrown toenail surgery, wart excision, small neuroma removal) — Most patients return to normal shoes and activities within one to two weeks.
• Moderate procedures (hammertoe correction, bunionectomy, plantar fascia release) — Patients typically wear a surgical shoe or walking boot for four to six weeks, with gradual return to regular footwear and activity over six to twelve weeks.
• Major procedures (fracture fixation, ankle stabilization, complex reconstructive surgery) — Recovery may involve a period of non-weight-bearing followed by progressive weight-bearing in a boot or cast, with full recovery taking three to six months or longer.
Dr. Mollineda provides clear, personalized post-operative instructions for every patient and schedules regular follow-up visits to monitor healing. When indicated, he will coordinate physical therapy or rehabilitation to help you regain strength, flexibility, and confidence in your recovery.
Insurance Coverage for Foot & Ankle Surgery
Most medically necessary foot and ankle surgeries are covered by insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, and major private plans. Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC accepts Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Medicaid, among others. Our team will work directly with your insurance to obtain pre-authorization and help you understand your coverage and any financial responsibilities before surgery.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living
If you have been living with foot or ankle pain that has not improved with conservative care, a surgical consultation with Dr. Mollineda can help you understand your options and make an informed decision about your care.
Book your surgical consultation today.
Serving patients in Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, Plantation, Lauderhill, North Lauderdale, Margate, and throughout Broward County, FL.