10 Best Foot and Ankle Surgeon in the World

Ankle and foot pain can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of daily life, from simple walks to athletic pursuits. When conservative treatments fail, finding an expert surgeon is the most critical step toward recovery. The field of orthopedics has seen remarkable advancements, and today, some of the best foot and ankle surgeons in the world are not only found in traditional Western medical hubs but also in leading medical tourism destinations like Mexico and Turkey.

These international experts offer a complete spectrum of care, from minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to advanced robotic-assisted joint replacements and cutting-edge regenerative medicine. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of modern foot and ankle treatments, introduces you to globally recognized surgeons, and outlines the key factors to consider for your journey back to pain-free mobility.

Key Takeaways

• Mexico and Turkey have become premier global destinations for orthopedic surgery, offering world-class foot and ankle care at significantly lower costs than in the US or UK.
• Patients can save 50-70% on common procedures. A bunionectomy in Mexico can cost around $4,000, while the same procedure in the US can exceed $15,000.
• Modern foot and ankle surgery emphasizes minimally invasive techniques like arthroscopy, which leads to less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery times.
• Regenerative medicine, including stem cell therapy, is an emerging, non-surgical option offered at specialized clinics for conditions like arthritis and plantar fasciitis.

10 Best Foot and Ankle Surgeon in the World

1. Dr. Jesus Raul Arjona Alcocer

Dr. Arjona is a renowned orthopedic surgeon in Cancun, with a distinct specialization in sports medicine. With over 3,000 successful surgeries, he is an expert in treating athletes and active individuals suffering from complex foot and ankle injuries. His practice focuses on rapid recovery protocols and minimally invasive techniques like ankle arthroscopy to get patients back to their peak performance safely and quickly. His experience with high-impact injuries makes him a top choice for ligament repairs, cartilage restoration, and fracture care.

2. Dr. Kayhan Turan

Dr. Turan is a trailblazer in the field of robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery in Turkey. While highly skilled in all areas of orthopedics, his pioneering work with robotic systems provides an unparalleled level of precision for joint replacement surgeries, including total ankle replacements. This technology allows for perfect implant alignment, leading to better long-term function and durability. Patients from around the world seek his expertise for complex joint reconstruction and arthroplasty.

3. Dr. Francisco Arroyo

Dr. Arroyo offers a unique, dual approach to orthopedic care. He is not only a skilled surgeon but also a specialist in regenerative medicine. For foot and ankle conditions like early-stage arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and tendonitis, he provides cutting-edge, non-surgical options like stem cell therapy. This approach aims to heal damaged tissue naturally, offering an alternative for patients who wish to avoid or postpone surgery.

4. Assoc. Prof. Erhan Sukur

With over 18 years of experience and more than 5,000 surgical cases, Dr. Sukur is an esteemed and high-volume orthopedic specialist in Turkey. His extensive international experience has equipped him with a broad range of advanced surgical skills. He is known for his meticulous approach to complex foot and ankle reconstructions, including corrective osteotomies for deformities and intricate tendon transfers, providing reliable and life-changing results for his patients.

5. Prof. Dr. Murat BEZER

Practicing with the prestigious Bayindir Healthcare Group, Dr. Bezer is a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon with a strong academic background. His practice covers the full spectrum of foot and ankle surgery, from common procedures like bunionectomies to complex reconstructions for trauma and degenerative conditions. His affiliation with a major healthcare group ensures his patients receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary care in a state-of-the-art hospital environment.

6. Dr. Hanifi ÜÇPUNAR

Dr. Üçpunar is another highly skilled surgeon in Turkey specializing in both traditional and robotic-assisted surgery. His expertise allows him to offer the most appropriate technology for each patient's specific needs. In foot and ankle surgery, this precision is critical for achieving optimal alignment and function, particularly in joint replacement and complex deformity correction.

7. Dr. Gino Antonio Perretta Rodriguez

Dr. Perretta Rodriguez is a highly skilled orthopedic doctor in Mexico, providing top-tier care to both local and international patients . His practice is known for its patient-centered approach, where he takes the time to thoroughly explain conditions and treatment options. He is proficient in a wide range of foot and ankle procedures, delivering excellent outcomes for everything from sports injuries to chronic degenerative conditions.

8. Dr. Juan Antonio Bustamante

Practicing at the well-regarded Family Hospital in Mexicali, Dr. Bustamante is a highly qualified orthopedic surgeon with decades of experience. Since graduating in 1983, he has dedicated his career to orthopedic excellence. He is a trusted and seasoned expert, particularly skilled in treating arthritic conditions and performing joint surgeries of the foot and ankle, offering patients the benefit of his extensive and time-tested expertise.

9. Dr. Bunyamin Berber

Dr. Berber is a highly qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon at Private Algomed Hospital in Adana. He is known for his comprehensive approach to patient care and his skill in a wide array of orthopedic procedures. For the foot and ankle, he provides expert treatment for trauma, fractures, and degenerative diseases, utilizing modern surgical techniques to ensure a swift and effective recovery.

10. Dr. Burhan Subasi

Dr. Subasi is a highly skilled surgeon with a dual specialization in general orthopedics and intricate hand surgery. His expertise in the delicate mechanics of the hand gives him a unique and profound understanding of the equally complex structures of the foot and ankle. This makes him exceptionally adept at performing detailed procedures, such as nerve decompressions and delicate tendon repairs, in addition to standard orthopedic surgeries.

Cost of Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Global Comparison

The cost of orthopedic surgery is a significant factor for many patients. Traveling to world-class facilities in Mexico or Turkey can reduce this cost by more than half, without any compromise on quality.

Procedure	Approximate Cost in the USA	Approximate Cost in Mexico	Approximate Cost in Turkey
Bunionectomy	$12,000 - $20,000	$3,500 - $6,000	$3,000 - $5,000
Ankle Arthroscopy	$15,000 - $25,000	$4,500 - $7,500	$4,000 - $6,500
Achilles Tendon Repair	$18,000 - $30,000	$5,000 - $8,500	$4,500 - $7,000
Total Ankle Replacement	$40,000 - $60,000+	$16,000 - $22,000	$15,000 - $20,000

Disclaimer: Prices are estimates and can vary. Packages abroad often include the surgery, hospital stay, surgeon's fees, anesthesia, and necessary hardware/implants.

When to See a Foot and Ankle Surgeon

You should consider consulting a foot and ankle surgeon when you experience persistent pain, deformity, instability, or limited motion that doesn't improve with conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or medication.

Common conditions that may require surgical intervention include:

• Bunions (Hallux Valgus): A bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe.
• Ankle Arthritis: Degeneration of the cartilage in the ankle joint, causing pain and stiffness.
• Achilles Tendon Disorders: Including chronic tendonitis or a complete rupture of the tendon.
• Ankle Instability: Recurring "giving way" of the ankle, often resulting from previous sprains.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Chronic heel pain caused by inflammation of the tissue band connecting the heel bone to the toes.
• Sports Injuries: Including fractures, ligament tears, and cartilage damage.

Common Foot and Ankle Surgical Procedures

Today's top surgeons use advanced, often minimally invasive, techniques to correct deformities, repair injuries, and restore function with greater precision and faster recovery.

Bunionectomy

This procedure corrects the deformity of the big toe joint. Modern techniques, like the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction, address the root cause of the bunion by stabilizing the entire metatarsal bone, which significantly reduces the chance of recurrence.

Ankle Arthroscopy

A minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon inserts a tiny camera (arthroscope) and small surgical tools through keyhole incisions. It is used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions inside the ankle joint, such as removing bone spurs, repairing cartilage, and addressing synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining).

Ankle Fusion (Arthrodesis)

For severe, end-stage ankle arthritis, this procedure involves fusing the ankle bones together into a single bone. This eliminates the pain from the arthritic joint, providing stability, though it sacrifices the up-and-down motion of the ankle.

Total Ankle Replacement (Arthroplasty)

As an alternative to fusion for advanced arthritis, this procedure involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components made of metal and plastic. The goal of an ankle replacement is to relieve pain while preserving more natural motion compared to a fusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the recovery time for a bunionectomy?

Recovery varies depending on the technique used. For traditional procedures, you may need to avoid putting weight on the foot for several weeks. For modern 3D correction techniques, weight-bearing can often begin much sooner, within a week or two. Full recovery and a return to all activities typically takes 3-4 months.

2. Is ankle fusion or ankle replacement better for arthritis?

This depends on your age, activity level, and goals. Ankle fusion is incredibly durable and provides excellent pain relief but sacrifices motion. Ankle replacement preserves motion and provides a more natural gait but may wear out over time, making it better suited for older, less active patients.

3. How successful is ankle arthroscopy?

Ankle arthroscopy is highly successful for treating conditions within the joint, like removing bone spurs or loose cartilage. It is less effective for treating widespread arthritis. The success rate is directly tied to a proper diagnosis of the problem.

4. Can I avoid surgery for my foot or ankle problem?

In many cases, yes. Conservative treatments like physical therapy, custom orthotics, bracing, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections (including cortisone or regenerative medicine like PRP/stem cells) are often tried first. Surgery is typically recommended only when these methods fail to provide adequate relief.

5. What are the risks of foot and ankle surgery?

As with any surgery, risks include infection, blood clots, nerve damage, and issues with anesthesia. Specific risks for foot/ankle surgery include non-union (bones failing to heal), stiffness, and persistent pain. An experienced surgeon can minimize these risks.

6. Is it safe to have orthopedic surgery in Mexico or Turkey?

Yes, it is very safe when you choose an accredited hospital and a board-certified, experienced surgeon. Top international hospitals often have JCI accreditation, meeting the highest global standards for safety and quality. Surgeons in these destinations often perform a high volume of procedures, leading to extensive experience.