Services

Minimally Invasive Foot & Ankle Surgery

At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, we are proud to lead the region in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery (MIS) — a modern surgical approach designed to deliver effective results with less pain, smaller incisions, and a faster recovery.

Unlike traditional surgery, which often requires large cuts and extended downtime, minimally invasive techniques use small portals to access and correct bone or soft tissue problems. With specialized tools and imaging, Dr. Carl Speer is able to treat complex foot conditions precisely and gently, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.

InvisiFoot™ is our exclusive, minimally invasive technique for treating bunions, hammertoes, bunionettes, neuromas, and bone spurs — all performed in-office with a tiny incision, no screws or plates, and same-day walking recovery, only at Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center in Pensacola.

We use minimally invasive surgery to address conditions such as:

• Bunions
• Bunionettes
• Hammertoes
• Neuromas
• Bone Spurs

Benefits of MIS include:

• Faster Recovery: Patients typically experience quicker return to daily activities compared to open surgery.
• Less Pain: Smaller incisions mean less pain during recovery and reduced reliance on pain medication.
• Minimal Scarring: Minimally invasive procedures leave small, inconspicuous scars as opposed to the larger, more noticeable scars associated with open surgery.
• Reduced Risk of Infection: Smaller incisions decrease the risk of postoperative infections.
• Preservation of Healthy Tissue: MIS aims to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible, which can lead to better long-term outcomes.

If you’ve been told you need foot or ankle surgery or you’re simply tired of living in pain, minimally invasive surgery may be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options.

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine is revolutionizing the way we treat foot and ankle injuries, and Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center is proud to be the only practice in the area offering these advanced solutions under the expert care of Dr. Carl Speer.

Regenerative therapies focus on stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, reducing inflammation, and repairing damaged tissues without the need for traditional surgery. This means faster recovery, less downtime, and long-term relief for many patients.

We offer regenerative treatments for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Tendon pain (Achilles, peroneal, posterior tibial)
• Plantar fasciitis
• Joint inflammation
• Soft tissue injuries
• Chronic foot and ankle pain

At Emerald Coast Foot & Ankle Center, we are excited to offer the latest technology in regenerative medicine for addressing structural defects, with little to no downtime: Wharton’s jelly Allografts.

We use connective tissue supplementation to combat structural defects that may be the root cause of the patient’s dysfunction or debilitating issue. This approach uses umbilical tissue allografts to support enhanced structural integrity of damaged tissue and the surrounding areas. We are able to apply Wharton’s jelly directly to the affected area. Once the allograft is applied, the tissue provides cushioning, structural support, as well as a natural scaffold for the body’s own cells to repopulate utilizing its natural ability to heal itself. The whole procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. It is expected that patients may experience significant relief within a few weeks.

If you’re seeking a modern, non-surgical solution for chronic pain or injury, regenerative medicine may be your best path forward. Let us help you move beyond symptoms and into healing.

Onsite Digital X-rays

When it comes to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, clear imaging matters. That’s why we offer onsite digital X-rays at Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, so you can get fast answers and personalized care — all in one visit.

Digital X-rays provide immediate, high-resolution images of your bones and joints, allowing Dr. Carl Speer to identify problems such as:

• Fractures or stress fractures
• Bone deformities (bunions, hammertoes)
• Joint degeneration (arthritis)
• Heel spurs
• Abnormal bone alignment

Compared to traditional film X-rays, digital imaging is quicker, safer, and more accurate, using less radiation and providing sharper detail. The images are instantly available, allowing Dr. Speer to review and explain your results with you during your visit, so you can feel confident in your diagnosis and next steps.

Our onsite X-rays support real-time evaluation for a range of issues — from sudden injuries to long-standing pain — eliminating the need for referrals or delays in care.

Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or chronic discomfort, our in-office imaging helps us get to the root of the problem fast, so we can focus on getting you better.

Non-Surgical Ingrown Toenail Care

Ingrown toenails may seem like a small problem, but they can cause big discomfort and even lead to serious infection if not treated properly. At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, we offer gentle, non-surgical solutions to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and help you prevent recurrence.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to symptoms such as:

• Redness and tenderness along the nail border
• Swelling or inflammation
• Pain when wearing shoes or walking
• Drainage or signs of infection

While some ingrown nails resolve on their own, many need professional treatment, especially if the nail is recurring or causing infection. We provide non-invasive care tailored to your specific needs, including:

• Safe trimming and shaping of the nail
• Topical or oral medications for inflammation or infection
• Protective padding or nail splints to redirect growth
• Footwear recommendations to reduce pressure

Our team focuses on comfort and prevention, helping you avoid future problems without jumping straight to surgery. For patients with frequent or chronic issues, we can also discuss permanent correction options when needed.

If you’re suffering from toe pain or recurring ingrown nails, don’t wait for it to worsen. With compassionate, expert care, we’ll help your feet feel better fast.

Bunion Surgery

When conservative treatments no longer bring relief, bunion surgery may be the key to restoring your comfort and mobility. At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Carl Speer specializes in minimally invasive bunion correction, including the Emerald Bunion Transformation — a modern alternative to traditional open surgery.

Bunions develop when the bones of the big toe become misaligned, creating a painful bump at the base of the toe. Left untreated, bunions can lead to chronic pain, joint stiffness, and difficulty walking or fitting into shoes.

Our approach to bunion surgery is centered on:

• Minimally Invasive Techniques: Tiny incisions and precise bone correction
• Reduced Post-Op Pain and Swelling: Thanks to less tissue disruption
• Faster Recovery Times: Most patients walk the same day
• Minimal Scarring: For better cosmetic and functional outcomes

Dr. Speer uses advanced imaging and surgical tools to ensure proper alignment and lasting correction. His technique allows patients to return to activity more quickly, without the extended downtime typical of traditional bunion procedures.

If bunion pain is interfering with your life, we’re here to help you take the next step toward relief, realignment, and a better quality of life.

Hammertoe Surgery

For patients dealing with painful or rigid hammertoes, surgery can offer permanent correction and lasting relief. At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Carl Speer provides minimally invasive hammertoe surgery that straightens the affected toe while preserving flexibility and function.

Hammertoes occur when the middle joint of the toe becomes bent or contracted, often due to muscle imbalance, ill-fitting shoes, or foot structure. Over time, the deformity can worsen, leading to:

• Pain and pressure on the top of the toe
• Corns and calluses from rubbing
• Inflammation or swelling
• Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably

When non-surgical treatments like orthotics or splints are no longer effective, surgery may be needed to release or realign the toe. Dr. Speer performs hammertoe correction with minimally invasive techniques, often using a tiny incision and specialized tools to reshape the bone or release tight tendons.

Benefits of this approach include:

• Less tissue trauma
• Quicker healing
• Lower risk of complications
• Improved cosmetic appearance

We’ll walk you through every step of the process — from pre-op planning to post-op care — with compassion and clarity. If hammertoe pain is slowing you down, surgery may be the step forward your feet need.

Toe Straightening Surgery

Misaligned or overlapping toes can cause more than just cosmetic concerns — they can lead to chronic pain, balance issues, and skin irritation that impact your quality of life. At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, we offer toe straightening surgery using minimally invasive methods designed to improve both form and function.

Toe deformities, such as curled, rotated, or overlapping toes, may be present from birth or develop over time due to conditions like hammertoes, bunions, or trauma. These problems can lead to:

• Difficulty wearing shoes
• Skin breakdown or corns
• Instability or gait issues
• Ongoing pain and irritation

Dr. Carl Speer performs precision-guided toe straightening surgery using techniques that require only tiny incisions. The goal is to restore alignment while maintaining the natural flexibility of the toe whenever possible. Depending on the condition, surgery may involve:

• Releasing or lengthening tight tendons
• Removing or reshaping bone
• Realigning joint structure
• Internal fixation to hold the toe in place

Recovery is generally faster than with traditional surgery, and patients often return to normal footwear in a matter of weeks. If crooked or painful toes are limiting your activity or causing embarrassment, toe straightening surgery can provide both relief and renewed confidence.