Frequently Asked Questions

What are your business hours?

Our practice hours are:

  • Monday through Thursday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Friday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Appointments can be made by calling our office at (949) 364-9255.

Appointments can also be made directly on-line through patient fusion.

How Can You Tell an Ankle Fracture from an Ankle Sprain?

While there are certain qualities that can indicate an injury is more likely a fracture or more likely a sprain, you should not exclusively rely on them for a diagnosis. If you are in a situation where you have to wonder whether you’ve broken or badly sprained your ankle, you should contact us no matter what! Delaying proper treatment can have negative long-term consequences.

That said, here are a few signs that you have a fracture instead of a sprain:

  • The pain is directly over the ankle bone, and not in the softer parts of the ankle.
  • Your ankle looks misshapen (in addition to any swelling that is likely evident).
  • You heard a crack at the time of injury, as opposed to a “pop” that is more indicative of a sprain.
  • You feel numbness or tingling in your ankle, foot, or leg.

Once again, however, we must stress that you should not attempt self-diagnosis. These are questions we would ask and determinations we would make ourselves as part of a more comprehensive examination of your ankle – and it is very important to have the correct diagnosis!

Can You Walk on a Fractured Ankle?

It may still be possible to walk on a minor ankle fracture, but a broken ankle will typically be too painful or non-functional to walk on.

However, if you suspect your ankle might be broken, do not attempt to walk on it. The longer you place weight on a broken ankle, the higher the chances of the bones further shifting out of place and more harm being done. Call us right a

How Long Does an Ankle Fracture Take to Heal?

The length of time it takes for the body to heal from an ankle fracture changes depending on the severity of the fracture, type of treatment, and other factors. 

In many cases, it takes at least 6 weeks for the bones to heal. However, that does not necessarily include healing of any soft tissues that might also have been damaged in the injury. Tendons and ligaments may require further time for recovery.

It is always important to follow instructions regarding care and activity during recovery, to avoid prolonging the recovery period. As the fracture heals, you will be able to gradually increase your activity level and return to normal shoes – but do not do so until approved by us or your primary physician.

What insurance plans do you accept?
  • Most PPO insurance plans
  • Some HMO’s including MHAP (Mission Hospital Associated Physicians), Mission Heritage Medical Group, CHOC health alliance (Children’s Hospital of Orange County), and Regal Medical Group
  • Medicare
  • Workers Compensation cases
  • We also accept cash patients
Do you accept new patients?

Yes. We try to accommodate urgent appointments (same day) as best as possible during business hours especially for fractures or trauma of the foot & ankle.

What is a QME?
A California Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) is a doctor who has been certified to provide objective opinions on a work injury claim.  A QME is a workers’ compensation expert and an impartial opinion (judge) — he or she is supposed to review a work injury claim without any bias.

The practical purpose of the California QME system is to offer timely evaluations of workers’ compensation claims that are being disputed by the injured worker or the insurance carrier.

What are common problems that SCFAS treat?
  • Achilles tendon ruptures/tendonitis
  • Ankle sprain
  • Ankle & foot fractures
  • Ankle & foot pain
  • Arthritic & Rheumatoid feet
  • Arthroscopy of the ankle
  • Bunions & hammertoes
  • Calcaneal apophysitis
  • Calcaneal valgus
  • Clubfoot
  • Flat feet
  • Heel pain
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Injuries of the foot & ankle
  • In-toeing/Met Adductus
  • Neuromas
  • Pediatric foot deformities
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Second opinions
  • Pediatric and Adult Sports related injuries
  • Trauma of the foot & ankle
  • Warts
  • Work-related injuries (Workers Comp)
Do you need a referral?

It depends on your insurance. If you have a PPO or medicare, you do not need a referral. However, if you have an HMO (such as MHAP, CHOC, or Regal) then you will need to ask your primary care physician/pediatrician to submit a referral specifically for Dr. Spencer or Dr. Rodriguez for you to be able to be seen.

What Should I bring with me to my appointment?
You should bring to your appointment the following:
  • Driver’s License or a valid ID
  • Insurance information/card
  • Referral letter (if applicable)
  • Please bring x-ray images, CT or MRI scans on disk or printed films with the radiologist report and any other relevant information
  • List of medications

In order to treat you and provide the best possible care, SCFAS doctors ask that you fill out the pre-registration forms prior to your appointment.

When do you start clubfoot treatment?

Sometimes prenatal diagnosis of clubfoot is made through ultrasound. SCFAS recommends pregnant women with prenatal clubfoot diagnosis to schedule a consultation before delivery. At this appointment the mother and family can meet Dr. Rodriguez and be educated and prepared for what to expect as well as discuss the treatment plan.

If the diagnosis is made after birth the family can call to schedule an appointment as soon as the child is born to start casting as soon as possible.

We also specialize in dealing with neglected clubfoot and adoptions. We welcome future parents who will adopt children with clubfoot to make a consultation before arrival of their child to also learn what to expect and be educated on the treatment plan. If this is not possible, a consultation can be made after the child is adopted and settled.

No matter how the diagnosis is made we are here to support you and let you know that congenital clubfoot is a treatable deformity. We take pride in offering a very personal approach treating all of our patients as family. Click here to learn more about clubfoot.

Contact Us

Robert Spencer, DPM

Nitza Rodriguez, DPM

Mario Porciello, DPM

Map & Directions

333 Corporate Drive, Suite 230, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
Tel: (949) 364-9255 (WALK)
Fax: (949) 364-9250
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
*(Lunch 12 noon - 1pm)