When people hear the words trauma care, they often assume it automatically means an emergency room visit. But when it comes to foot and ankle injuries, that’s not always the case – and in many situations, it’s not the most efficient or cost-effective option. One of my goals is to help more people understand what foot and ankle trauma care really looks like, when it’s needed, and how Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic can help you get treated quickly and get back to doing what you love.

We see our role as helping Alaskans stay active, upright, and out doing what they love. Being in the great state of Alaska, there is boundless opportunity for activities year round, those outings are important to me, and I know they’re important to you. We’re excited to expand our focus on urgent and trauma care, something people often may not realize we are a resource for! No referral needed even!

What does “trauma care” really mean? When is it an option? And why is AFAC working to make urgent foot and ankle care more accessible?

One of the most common misconceptions I see is that fractures or sudden injuries automatically require an Emergency Room visit. In reality, a large number of foot and ankle injuries end up being treated in an outpatient setting anyway. These injuries are serious and deserve prompt attention, but that care doesn’t always need to start in a hospital setting.

What often happens is that patients go to the ER, wait for hours, receive X-rays and pain medication, and are then sent home with instructions to follow up with a specialist. This route means more appointments, more time, and significantly higher costs. For many patients, coming directly to our clinic allows them to receive faster, more direct, and more affordable care – without sacrificing quality of care or treatment outcomes.

At Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic, we’re equipped to manage a wide range of urgent and traumatic lower-extremity injuries, including fractures, severe sprains, tendon injuries, and Achilles ruptures. If someone suspects they’ve had a fracture or a traumatic injury that needs immediate attention, I always encourage them to call us first, because we can often see patients the same day. Calling the clinic allows our team to quickly triage the situation and coordinate care efficiently. Patients don’t need a referral to be seen here, and starting with a phone call helps us get them the right care, sooner.

My interest in trauma care started long before medical school. I’ve been drawn to trauma care since high school, when I took my first EMT course, and that interest followed me as I trained and worked alongside physicians in different specialties. Over time, foot and ankle trauma became a natural focus. With the outdoor lifestyle so many of us enjoy, injuries to the feet and ankles are common, and helping people recover from those injuries and return to the activities they love is incredibly rewarding.

That connection to the outdoors is personal for me as well. Hunting, fishing, hiking, and spending time outside are a big part of my own life, which makes this work especially meaningful. One of the most satisfying moments for me is when patients come back for follow-ups and show me photos of themselves back outdoors after a traumatic injury, doing things they weren’t sure they’d be able to do again.

Knowing when to seek care is key. Anytime someone has an injury – especially if it causes pain, swelling, or difficulty walking – it’s worth being evaluated. Some injuries are relatively minor and can be treated with minimally invasive techniques, but when they’re ignored or “toughed out,” they can turn into much larger problems. I’ve seen situations where what could have been a straightforward repair became a much more complex procedure simply because the injury wasn’t addressed early enough.

The reality is that what might start as a simple injury can worsen significantly if it’s left untreated, leading to longer recovery times and more invasive treatment. That’s why I always encourage patients to trust their instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to have it checked sooner rather than later.

Traumatic injuries can be frightening, and it’s natural for patients to worry about worst-case outcomes. But the good news is that the majority of patients, especially those who were active before their injury, heal well and are able to return to their normal activities with appropriate care. Helping people regain mobility, confidence, and independence is what makes trauma care so rewarding. Seeing patients return to full activity and get back to what they love is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job.

We’re excited to expand access to urgent and trauma services outside of traditional emergency rooms. Our goal is to make it easier for patients to receive specialized, people-focused care that’s tailored to their lifestyle, activities, and recovery goals.

If you experience a foot or ankle injury, Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic is a trusted resource for the care you deserve. We’re here to help you navigate your options, coordinate care quickly, and get you back on your feet as safely and efficiently as possible.