Dr. Ettore Vulcano, MD

03/24/2026

That sharp, burning pain at the back of your heel when you step out of bed? That ache after every run, walk, or stair climb that just won’t quit?
You’ve tried rest. Stretching. PT. Maybe even a boot. But the pain keeps coming back.
Here’s what most people don’t realize: when Achilles tendinitis becomes chronic, there’s often a structural or biomechanical problem driving it.
That’s where the minimally invasive Zadek osteotomy comes in.
Through one or two tiny incisions (3–5 mm), I remove a precise wedge of bone from the heel under real-time X-ray guidance — tilting the bony prominence away from the tendon and eliminating the impingement at its source. No large incision. No detaching the Achilles. Home the same day.
The results from my peer-reviewed, multi-center research speak for themselves:
→ Significantly fewer wound complications
→ Less postoperative pain
→ Earlier return to weight-bearing
→ Faster recovery vs. traditional open surgery
→ The Achilles tendon is preserved — not split open

If your heel pain has been holding you back, there’s a better path forward. Link in bio for the full guide.
📍 Miami Beach, FL
🔗 ettorevulcano.com

03/19/2026

Morton’s neuroma isn’t actually a tumor — it’s a nerve that’s being compressed and irritated between the metatarsal bones in your forefoot. That burning, shooting pain between your 3rd and 4th toes? That’s your nerve telling you it’s being squeezed.
For decades, the standard surgical treatment has been neurectomy — cutting the nerve out entirely. While it can relieve pain, it also permanently removes sensation from that area and leaves many patients dissatisfied.
There’s a better way.
Minimally invasive metatarsal osteotomy treats the cause, not just the symptom. Instead of removing the nerve, we create more space around it by:
🔹 Making a precise, controlled cut in the 4th metatarsal bone through a 2-3mm incision
🔹 Releasing the deep transverse metatarsal ligament that’s compressing the nerve
The nerve decompresses. The inflammation resolves. Sensation is preserved.
In my published research (Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2025), patients who underwent this procedure saw their pain scores drop from 7.35 to 0.41 out of 10 — with only a single metatarsal osteotomy needed.
No large incisions. No nerve removal. No prolonged recovery.

📍 Miami Beach, FL
🔗 Link in bio

03/17/2026

Postoperative complications are among the most feared scenarios in foot and ankle surgery — and every surgeon will face them. That’s exactly why we wrote this book. Bringing together thought leaders in the field, many of whom I’m fortunate to call dear friends, to create a comprehensive resource for managing these challenges has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. We hope surgeons around the world find it as valuable in practice as it was meaningful for us to write.

03/11/2026

Hammertoes don’t fix themselves.
They start as a small bend in the toe. Then the corns form. The ball of your foot starts aching. Shoes that used to fit become painful. And year after year, it gets worse.
If conservative treatments have stopped working, surgery may be the answer — but not all hammertoe surgery is the same.
I correct hammertoes using minimally invasive, percutaneous techniques through 2–3 mm stab incisions. No large wounds. No long scars on your toes.
Here’s what that means for you:
🔹 Walk the same day in a postoperative boot
🔹 Back in normal shoes in as little as 4–6 weeks
🔹 Less swelling, less pain, less soft tissue damage

And because hammertoes and bunions often go hand in hand, I frequently correct both in a single session — treating the root cause and the deformity together.

If your toes are curling, don’t wait. Hammertoes are progressive — early evaluation gives you the most options.
📍 Miami Beach, FL

03/05/2026

Bunions affect 1 in 4 adults — and no, tight shoes didn’t cause yours. It’s mostly genetics.
The real issue? A bunion isn’t just a bump. It’s a 3D structural deformity of the joint at the base of your big toe. And once it starts progressing, no splint or spacer will reverse it.
The good news: bunion surgery has changed dramatically. Percutaneous bunion correction fixes the problem through incisions smaller than half an inch — no large open cuts, no crutches, no knee scooter.
Here’s what that means for you:
↳ Walk the same day as surgery
↳ Less pain — most patients skip narcotics entirely
↳ Back in sneakers in 4–6 weeks
↳ Minimal scarring
↳ Better preserved toe mobility

Not every bunion needs surgery — but if yours is limiting your life, there are better options today than ever before.
Full article on my website. Link in bio.
orthopedicsurgery halluxvalgus miami miamidoctor footsurgery bunions MIS

02/28/2026

👟 The #1 shoe mistake I see in my patients? Using the same pair for everything.

As a foot & ankle orthopedic surgeon, I can tell you — your running shoes and your training shoes are not interchangeable. And wearing the wrong one is one of the most common reasons people end up in my office with stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and ankle injuries that could have been prevented.

Here’s the quick version:

🏃 **Running shoes** = cushion, shock absorption, higher heel-to-toe drop. Built for repetitive forward motion over miles and miles.

🏋️ **Training shoes** = firm, flat, stable. Built for lifting, lateral movement, and multi-directional work.

Squatting in a cushy running shoe? Unstable platform. Running 5 miles in a flat trainer? Not enough shock absorption. Both are recipes for injury.

A few other things I tell every patient:
→ Replace running shoes every 300–500 miles
→ Rotate between two pairs when you can
→ Get professionally fitted — shoe size is more than just a number
→ And please, don’t push through foot pain. Early intervention always wins.

12/10/2025

🌟 Understanding Flatfoot 🌟

Flatfoot, or fallen arches, can be painful and challenging. It’s characterized by a flattening arch, swelling on the inside of the ankle, and an angled heel that misaligns with the leg.

But there’s hope! 🙌 Minimally invasive surgery can correct these issues, allowing for a full return to activities once healed. If you’re facing discomfort from flatfoot, consult with a specialist to explore your options. Prioritize your foot health and regain your mobility! 🦶❤️

10/10/2025

Do high heels cause bunions?!

Watch, follow, and discover more trending content.

10/01/2025

🦶💡 **Ankle Surgery Recovery!** 💪🔍

Did you know that scientific evidence suggests it’s often safe for most patients recovering from ankle fracture surgery to put weight on their foot earlier than you might think? 🏃‍♂️😮

Rather than staying non-weightbearing for a full 6 weeks, many patients can start to apply pressure as soon as they feel comfortable—helping to speed up the healing process and get you back on your feet! 🚶‍♀️✨

**Remember:** It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s specific recommendations, as each recovery journey is unique. 🩺🦽

09/26/2025

🌟 Transform Your Step with Total Ankle Replacement! 🌟

Struggling with chronic ankle pain or limited mobility? Total ankle replacement might be your gateway back to an active lifestyle! 🌈

🔍 **What is it?**
Total ankle replacement is a surgical procedure designed to restore movement and relieve pain for those with severe arthritis.

💪 **Benefits:**
- Pain relief
- Maintain ankle motion
- Enhanced quality of life

📅 **Recovery:**
Recovery varies, but many patients are back on their feet within weeks, feeling more in tune with every step. 👣

09/24/2025

👠💡 Myth Buster Alert: Do certain cause ? The answer might surprise you—it’s a NO! 🙅‍♀️

👣 Bunions are primarily linked to genetics and congenital factors. However, tight shoes and high heels can certainly make the symptoms more pronounced. But fear not! Your favorite stylish shoes aren’t the root cause.

So go ahead, strut your stuff in those fabulous shoes guilt-free! 💃✨

09/22/2025

Achilles tendon ruptures represent a significant challenge in the realm of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly due to extended healing durations and delayed sports reintegration. 📚🦶

In recent years, advancements in have revolutionized treatment protocols, significantly reducing recovery time and improving functional outcomes. These techniques minimize tissue disruption, which not only shortens hospitalization but also accelerates the rehabilitation process.

Research demonstrates that patients undergoing minimally invasive techniques often experience reduced postoperative complications and faster regain of tendon strength when compared to traditional open repair methods. Such innovations underscore the importance of personalized treatment plans tailored to individual health profiles and activity demands.

For athletes and active individuals, the integration of these advanced surgical approaches has shown promise in restoring kinetic function while preserving the natural biomechanics of the foot and ankle. 📈

Engaging in an informed discussion with an orthopedic specialist can provide clarity on treatment modalities, ensuring decisions are evidence-based and aligned with personal health goals.