“Dr. Patish is the best podiatrist I have had! By far the least pain and best recovery.”Google · Kelcey Storkersen · Feb 2026
“Awesome front desk and even better doctor. Great job for the care and surgery of my toe.”Google · Justin Houser · Apr 2023
“He is a very experienced doctor — made me feel confident in my surgery. I was scared for 5 years.”Google · Adam Smith · Jul 2021
“I waited years to have work on my bunions. My feet Rock!”Google · Arlene Koutoulas · Mar 2021
“He is amazing. He truly cares about making me feel better and wants me to have a better quality of life.”Healthgrades · Mar 2019
“I have had 5 foot surgeries and still have issues. He is helping me improve my quality of life when walking.”Yelp · Dot G. · Apr 2019
“Very professional, very friendly. My ingrown toe was handled in one visit.”Google · Brienne Stoddard · Apr 2018
“For fifteen years I saw countless doctors for pain in the ball of my foot. Dr. Patish's diagnosis was dead on.”Google · A. Holston · Jan 2023
“Dr. Patish is the best podiatrist I have had! By far the least pain and best recovery.”Google · Kelcey Storkersen · Feb 2026
“Awesome front desk and even better doctor. Great job for the care and surgery of my toe.”Google · Justin Houser · Apr 2023
“He is a very experienced doctor — made me feel confident in my surgery. I was scared for 5 years.”Google · Adam Smith · Jul 2021
“I waited years to have work on my bunions. My feet Rock!”Google · Arlene Koutoulas · Mar 2021
“He is amazing. He truly cares about making me feel better and wants me to have a better quality of life.”Healthgrades · Mar 2019
“I have had 5 foot surgeries and still have issues. He is helping me improve my quality of life when walking.”Yelp · Dot G. · Apr 2019
“Very professional, very friendly. My ingrown toe was handled in one visit.”Google · Brienne Stoddard · Apr 2018
“For fifteen years I saw countless doctors for pain in the ball of my foot. Dr. Patish's diagnosis was dead on.”Google · A. Holston · Jan 2023
Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery
Minimally invasive foot surgery: tiny incisions, local anesthesia, and a recovery plan built around you.
At a glance: Minimally invasive foot surgery (MIS) uses tiny incisions and fluoroscopic guidance instead of large open incisions. Smaller incisions mean less tissue is disturbed; how much pain, swelling and recovery time that saves varies by procedure and by person. Dr. Patish performs MIS bunion correction, hammertoe straightening, bone spur removal, and plantar fasciotomy — all under local anesthesia in the office, with patients walking out in a surgical shoe.
Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery: Benefits & Procedures
At Fallbrook Podiatry, we believe surgical precision shouldn’t come at the cost of recovery. That’s why Dr. Patish specializes in minimally invasive (micro-surgical) foot procedures—advanced techniques that correct painful conditions through incisions often smaller than tiny. Using fine instruments, magnified visualization, and precise anatomical targeting, these approaches deliver powerful results with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
Location Note: All minimally invasive surgical procedures are performed at our Fallbrook office (407 Potter Street, Suite A), where our surgical suite and in-office fluoroscopy are located. Fluoroscopy provides immediate imaging for surgical guidance and acute trauma. For diagnostic X-rays and MRIs (such as for tendon or ligament injuries), we refer to imaging centers in Temecula, Murrieta, Oceanside, and Carlsbad. All minimally invasive procedures are performed at our Fallbrook office. Your initial consultation can take place at either our Fallbrook or Temecula office.
Why Choose Minimally Invasive Surgery?
- Tiny incisions: One or two micro-incisions very small, often with no stitches.
- Pain and swelling: Minimal soft-tissue and bone trauma for a more comfortable recovery.
- Scarring: Small skin marks that tend to fade over time.
- Recovery: Protected walking in a surgical shoe from the start; regular shoes and daily activities resume once Dr. Patish clears you.
- Wound care: Small entry points are easier to keep clean and dress; you'll get clear aftercare instructions.
- Local anesthesia: Comfortable procedures while avoiding general anesthesia risks.
- Precision results: Intra-operative guidance and micro-instruments help achieve accurate correction.
Minimally Invasive Procedures We Offer
Minimally Invasive Bunion Repair
Gentle micro-corrections realign the joint through small incisions—preserving natural bone structure while relieving pain and restoring balance. Learn more about MIS bunion surgery →
Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction
Through tiny incisions, bent or contracted toes are straightened and stabilized without large cuts or stitches, reducing downtime and swelling. Learn more about MIS hammertoe correction →
Minimally Invasive Bone Spur Removal
Painful spurs (commonly on toes or heel) are precisely shaved or contoured through tiny poke incisions, with patients walking out in a surgical shoe (protected walking) and usually no sutures. Learn more about MIS bone spur removal →
Minimally Invasive Plantar Fascia Surgery
For chronic plantar fasciitis unresponsive to conservative care, the tight fascia is released through tiny incisions, with protected walking in a surgical shoe or boot from the start. Learn more about MIS plantar fasciotomy →
Minimally Invasive Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Combining micro-surgical techniques with a chemical matricectomy, we remove the curved or infected nail edge and treat its root for a permanent correction, though in a small percentage of patients the edge can grow back. Laser therapy and the Onyfix System are available as boutique cosmetic options for select cases. Learn more about ingrown toenail treatment →
Designed for Comfort, Healing, and Lasting Results
Every minimally invasive procedure at Fallbrook Podiatry follows one philosophy: maximize relief, minimize trauma. With gentle tissue handling, advanced instrumentation, and modern local anesthesia protocols, Dr. Patish helps your feet heal, look natural, and feel comfortable.
Whether you’re seeking relief from bunion pain, toe deformities, bone spurs, or chronic plantar fasciitis, our minimally invasive approach helps you return to walking confidently—with fewer limitations.
Ready to Talk About Minimally Invasive Options?
Call or text to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your goals, examine your feet, and outline a personalized plan—from office-based micro-procedures to advanced MIS corrections.
Typical MIS Recovery Timeline
Day of Surgery Walk Out in a Surgical Shoe
Small incisions, local anesthesia, no hospital stay. You go home walking in a protective surgical shoe — protected walking only until Dr. Patish clears you for regular shoes and activity.
48–72 Hours First Dressing Change
Return for your first dressing change and wound check. Keep foot elevated and dressing dry until this visit.
Weeks 1–4 Weekly Follow-Ups
Weekly dressing changes and wound monitoring. Continue protected weight bearing. Avoid icing if you have diabetes, gout, or poor circulation.
Weeks 5–7 Transition to Regular Shoes
X-rays confirm healing. Supportive sneakers replace the surgical shoe.
Weeks 9–13 Full Recovery
Return to all activities. Recovery times vary by procedure — your specific timeline will be discussed at your consultation.
Ready to get started? Our team typically sees patients within a few days. Call (760) 728-4800 or book online to schedule your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes foot surgery 'minimally invasive'?
Minimally invasive surgery uses incisions of just a few millimeters instead of traditional large cuts. Specialized instruments and real-time imaging allow precise corrections while preserving surrounding tissue.
What conditions can be treated with minimally invasive foot surgery?
Common conditions include bunions, hammertoes, bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, and certain neuromas. Not every case qualifies — we evaluate each patient individually.
Is minimally invasive surgery safer than traditional surgery?
MIS disturbs less tissue than open surgery. What that means for pain, scarring and recovery time varies by procedure and by person. It requires specialized training and equipment that not all practices offer.
Will I be put to sleep for the surgery?
Most minimally invasive foot procedures are performed under local anesthesia in our office. You're awake, comfortable, and go home the same day.
How soon can I return to work after minimally invasive foot surgery?
Many patients return to desk work within days. Jobs requiring extended standing or physical labor typically require several weeks depending on the specific procedure.
