About the Institute
A focused practice for nerve problems of the foot, ankle and lower leg
Lower Extremity Nerve Institute is a specialty practice of Ozturk Foot & Ankle, dedicated to evaluating and treating nerve-related conditions of the lower extremity.
Why a focus on nerves?
Burning, tingling, numbness and electric-shock pain are some of the most distressing symptoms a foot can produce — and some of the easiest to misunderstand. They are sometimes treated as ordinary joint or tendon pain, or attributed to “neuropathy” without a closer look at whether a specific nerve is involved.
The Institute brings together the evaluation and treatment of these problems in one place: conditions such as Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Baxter’s nerve entrapment and other nerve entrapments, nerve pain after surgery or injury, and foot-focused evaluation of peripheral neuropathy.
The Institute is part of Ozturk Foot & Ankle, not a separate organization: you’ll see the same physician, Dr. Efe Ozturk, a Foot and Ankle Surgeon and podiatrist, at the same offices, with the same phone number and team. For general foot and ankle care — bunions, sports injuries, fractures and more — visit ozturkfootankle.com, or the Limb Salvage Institute for wounds that won’t heal.
How we practice
Four principles that guide our care
A careful diagnosis comes first
Nerve symptoms in the foot can come from a pinched nerve, a body-wide neuropathy, the lower back, circulation, or several of these at once. We take the time to work out which — because the right treatment depends on it.
Non-surgical care, whenever it’s appropriate
Many people improve with footwear changes, padding, orthotics, therapy and medication coordinated with their other clinicians. Surgery is discussed when symptoms persist, the diagnosis is well supported, and the expected benefit outweighs the risks.
Honest expectations
Nerves heal slowly and results vary. We explain what is realistic for you — including uncertainty — so you can make decisions with clear information.
Coordinated care
Nerve problems often involve more than one specialty. We work with your primary care physician, neurologist, endocrinologist, pain specialist, physical therapist or previous surgeon when that helps your care.
The path of care
From first visit to recovery
Step 1: Listen and examine
A detailed history and a hands-on examination of sensation, strength, circulation, skin, gait and footwear.
Step 2: Clarify the diagnosis
Imaging or nerve studies only when they will change the plan — coordinated with other specialists when needed.
Step 3: Non-surgical care first
When appropriate: footwear, padding, orthotics, activity changes, therapy, and medication managed with your other clinicians.
Step 4: Surgery, selectively
Discussed only when symptoms persist, the diagnosis is well supported, and the expected benefit outweighs the risks for you.
Step 5: Recovery and follow-up
Realistic timelines, rehabilitation guidance and follow-up visits. Nerves recover slowly, and results vary.
What we evaluate and treat
- Morton’s neuroma
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Baxter’s nerve entrapment
- Other nerve entrapments of the foot and ankle
- Nerve pain after surgery or injury
- Peripheral neuropathy evaluation
Treatments
Testing and coordination
Many nerve problems can be identified from a careful history and examination. When more information is needed, imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be recommended. Nerve-conduction studies and EMG are usually performed by another specialist; when they’re needed, we coordinate the testing and review the results with you.
Appointments
Talk with us about your symptoms
An evaluation can clarify what’s causing your symptoms and what your options are — starting with non-surgical care whenever that’s appropriate.