Ankle fractures
A break in one or more of the ankle bones, often from a twist or fall. Care ranges from a protective boot to surgical fixation with plates and screws to restore alignment.
Dr. Arena is one of the only foot and ankle surgeons in the region to offer minimally invasive procedures — treating conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and more through incisions just millimeters wide instead of larger, more invasive procedures.
Often just a few millimeters — less disruption to surrounding tissue.
Many patients need less pain medication and bruise far less.
A quicker return to walking and the activities you love.
Most procedures are same-day, so you recover at home.
Drag the handle on each image to compare before and after. Actual patient results.
For end-stage ankle arthritis, a total ankle replacement removes the worn, painful joint surfaces and replaces them with metal and plastic implants — preserving the up-and-down motion of the ankle so you can keep moving, often as an alternative to fusing the joint.
Unlike a fusion, the joint keeps moving — for a more natural stride.
Removes the bone-on-bone surfaces that cause end-stage ankle pain.
For the right candidate, a motion-preserving option versus ankle fusion.
The goal is a comfortable, more mobile ankle for everyday North Idaho life.
Drag the handle on each image to compare the worn, arthritic ankle with the total ankle replacement. Actual patient X-rays.
From a rolled ankle to high-energy fractures, foot and ankle injuries need an accurate diagnosis and a plan that restores alignment and gets you moving again. Dr. Arena treats the full range of acute and chronic trauma — both operatively and non-operatively.
A break in one or more of the ankle bones, often from a twist or fall. Care ranges from a protective boot to surgical fixation with plates and screws to restore alignment.
Stretched or torn ankle ligaments. Most recover with bracing and rehab; repeated giving-way may call for ligament repair or reconstruction.
A tear of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle, often felt as a sudden pop during sport. Treated with bracing or surgical repair, followed by a structured recovery.
Injury to the ligaments and joints of the midfoot. Easily missed, and often needing precise realignment with fixation or fusion to prevent lasting problems.
A fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal, where blood supply is poor. Frequently treated with a screw to speed healing and lower the chance of nonunion.
Heel-bone fractures, usually from a fall from height. Restoring the bone's shape and joint surface is key to comfortable long-term function.
Fractures of the talus, the bone that links the leg and foot. Its limited blood supply makes prompt, anatomic treatment important to protect the joint.
“I love to ski, hike and bike, and an ankle injury was holding me back. Six months after surgery my progress and lack of pain exceed expectations — I'm back to skiing, hiking and biking again.”
“Dr. Arena is the absolute best. He took amazing care of our daughter's ankle and let us try other options before surgery. He truly cares and always puts his patients first.”
“From the first visit he was thorough, knowledgeable and genuinely attentive — and never rushed. A minimally invasive technique meant less pain and swelling, and my recovery went smoothly.”
“After 25 years of ankle problems, Dr. Arena planned carefully and operated when others had turned me away. For the first time I have real pain relief and far more use of my foot and ankle.”
“He explained every option clearly, with the pros and cons, in a way I could understand — and went above and beyond to coordinate my care with other specialists.”
“Easy to get an appointment, and the whole team listened. Professional, kind, and genuinely focused on getting me back on my feet.”
“I love to ski, hike and bike, and an ankle injury was holding me back. Six months after surgery my progress and lack of pain exceed expectations — I'm back to skiing, hiking and biking again.”
“Dr. Arena is the absolute best. He took amazing care of our daughter's ankle and let us try other options before surgery. He truly cares and always puts his patients first.”
“From the first visit he was thorough, knowledgeable and genuinely attentive — and never rushed. A minimally invasive technique meant less pain and swelling, and my recovery went smoothly.”
“After 25 years of ankle problems, Dr. Arena planned carefully and operated when others had turned me away. For the first time I have real pain relief and far more use of my foot and ankle.”
“He explained every option clearly, with the pros and cons, in a way I could understand — and went above and beyond to coordinate my care with other specialists.”
“Easy to get an appointment, and the whole team listened. Professional, kind, and genuinely focused on getting me back on my feet.”
Dr. Arena is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and a world expert in foot & ankle care. Patients travel to him not only from across North Idaho, but from the greater Pacific Northwest, from across the country, and from around the world.
Canadian and international patients can access timely, world-class foot & ankle surgery with Dr. Arena on transparent international patient rates, paired with an inclusive stay at the iconic Coeur d'Alene Resort. Your procedure is performed at the state-of-the-art Hayden Surgery Center, and you recover in lakeside comfort.
From Tubbs Hill to the Selkirks — we treat ankle sprains, instability, and the tendons that take the strain on every climb.
Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, Pend Oreille — heel pain, Achilles trouble, and staying steady from the dock to the paddleboard.
Back to the trail and the riverbank — stress fractures, sports injuries, and a safe, guided return to running.
Board Certified
FAAOS Fellow
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon · Fellowship-Trained Foot & Ankle Specialist
Dr. Arena is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the foot, ankle, and lower extremity. He earned his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Bio-Engineering, at Penn State University, then completed his Doctorate of Medicine at West Virginia University. He returned to Penn State for a five-year orthopedic surgery residency and chief residency, followed by a foot & ankle surgery fellowship at the University of Utah.
His focus is world-class, cutting-edge care for the lower extremity — using minimally invasive and joint-preserving techniques wherever possible. Beyond the clinic, he serves as an adjunct instructor at the University of Idaho, reviews for the journal Foot & Ankle International, and continues to publish research in orthopedic surgery.
To Dr. Arena, patient care is a privilege — helping people improve their quality of life is the reason he became an orthopedic surgeon. He cares for patients across Hayden, Coeur d'Alene, and the surrounding North Idaho communities.
Outside the clinic, he enjoys upland hunting, training pointer dogs, fly fishing, and running.
Dr. Arena trained at leading orthopedic programs and stays active in teaching and research.
Dr. Arena specializes in foot, ankle, and lower-extremity surgery — using minimally invasive and joint-preserving techniques whenever possible.
Dr. Arena offers independent medical examinations (IMEs), record reviews, and expert medical-legal consultation for attorneys, insurers, and employers — bringing board-certified orthopedic expertise to every case.
No guesswork, no runaround — three honest steps from your first call to feeling like yourself again.
A thorough exam with on-site imaging to find the real source — not just the symptom.
We walk through every option, from orthotics to surgery, and choose what fits your goals.
Guided recovery with clear milestones, so you know exactly how far you've come.
Dr. Arena actively contributes to the orthopedic literature. Selected peer-reviewed publications:
A few answers to the questions we hear most. Have another? Call us at (208) 457-4211.
Our team answers the phone and books most patients within the same week — new consultations, second opinions, and recent injuries.
Talk to a real person and book in minutes. No referral is needed for most plans.
Call the office8552 N Government Way (inside Hayden Surgery Center)
Hayden, ID 83835
1233 N Northwood Center Ct
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Mon–Thu: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Fri: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sat & Sun: Closed