Foot & ankle
Ankle fracture: what to ask about stability, surgery, and walking
The key question after a broken ankle is how to restore and protect a stable joint—not simply how quickly the boot can come off.
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Start with the experiences patients share about foot and ankle care. Browse our clinicians side by side with the reviews that mention this area, then open a profile to learn more about their clinical focus.
This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars. These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result.
People behind your care
Clinician order rotates between visits. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s patient accounts. Read the full reviews for context.
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Dr. Estess recently did an emergency procedure on my broken ankle at Marina Cedars hospital, and she couldn’t have been cooler.
Allyson Estess, MD
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I’m happy to be on the path to a healed ankle!
Allyson Estess, MD
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Brett’s worked with me both on foot pain and a sprain in my elbow,
Brett Pugh, PT, DPT
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Amazing Doctor & staff, very professional and caring just exactly what I needed after an ankle fracture.
Christopher Combs, MD
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As for my ankle, I will need a few more days to tell...
David Lee, MD
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Had my entire ankle replaced a few years ago and couldn’t be happier with everything.
David Lee, MD
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Our kids have also seen him a few times for sports related foot and ankle issues.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
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He does not specialize in ankles, so he referred me to one of the best surgeons in the United States.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
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with right hip pain, that caused major foot pain that would make it hard to shake off doing the activities that I love.
Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA
Read all 1 matching accounts for Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA →
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Browse the written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that match this topic. Filter by clinician, source, or rating.
32 written reviews
Highest rated first · Newest within each rating
I was very pleased with the service I received from the entire staff. Thank you so much.As for my ankle, I will need a few more days to tell...
David Lee, MD
Loved Dr. Lee! It was my first time seeing Dr. Lee for an ingrown nail problem that I was having for more than a month. Walked in staff was friendly with good vibes, didn’t take long to have X-rays taken and be roomed. Office was nice and clean. Dr.Lee was very nice and professional about my situation he answered all the questions I had and made sure I understood how to mange my toe once I was home. I definitely would see Dr. Lee again for any foot and ankles issues in the future.
David Lee, MD
Had my entire ankle replaced a few years ago and couldn’t be happier with everything. I am not even aware I had it done. I walk 2-3 miles a day at a minimum. Thank you Dr Lee. I recommend him to a friend for a replacement as well and has had the same outcome.
David Lee, MD
So this is more for Dr. Estess’ services (as opposed to her office), but had to give thanks where due. Dr. Estess recently did an emergency procedure on my broken ankle at Marina Cedars hospital, and she couldn’t have been cooler. Friendly, knowledgeable and professional, she put a stop to the excruciating pain of that night, putting me on the road to recovery. Her staff was also super helpful re: next steps, thorough and responsive via phone/email. So appreciative of Dr. Estess’ time and skills. Her gentle yet proactive approach is what all patients hope for.
Allyson Estess, MD
I was referred to Dr. Lee by 2 retired foot/ankle doctors for a second opinion and was thrilled they did!!! Turned out I did not need surgery, wearing a boot and slowing moving into an ankle brace would do the trick. So far it is all working and at 85 who really wants surgery if the above two items will do the job. Thank you Dr Lee for your time and your office staff is so welcoming. M. Medanich
David Lee, MD
Ankle replacement in 2018. Dr Lee is absolutely outstanding in every way. Dr Lee is approachable and is a straight talking. I feel so fortunate that Dr Lee is my doctor.
David Lee, MD
Ankle Replacement. Dr. David Lee is a perfectionist. Referred to me by others, Dr. Lee. helped me for years before the surgery until it was time. He presented options honestly as if you are his family. Other friends have now used Dr. Lee for their foot and ankle issues and/or surgeries. This should be your first choice for Ankle or Foot issues. Excellent Doctor/Surgeon. Mike
David Lee, MD
Dr lee is an amazing Doctor whom I have been seeing for years. It is a rarity when you have an issue and a doctor talks you out of surgery because it is not necessary. It speaks of Dr Lee's Integrity as a physician and a person. Highly recommend him for any of your ankle or foot elements
David Lee, MD
Dr. Lee was very helpful in my visit and I will schedule my foot surgery with him and I am recommending him very highly.
David Lee, MD
Staff is very professional . Dr Lee is very through and resolved my foot pain issue. Best foot and ankle physician in the Long Beach area.
David Lee, MD
Dr. Lee was my ankle surgeon after a bad break 8 years ago. My ankle started aching after all this time, so I went back to see him. I didn't have to wait long forcan appointment. An x-ray in the office showed nothing mechanically wrong with the hardware and no arthritis. We decided to try a cortisone shot. Getting the shot was absolutely painless. Almost a week later and doing well. Dr. Lee is just the best!! Highly recommend.
David Lee, MD
Brett’s worked with me both on foot pain and a sprain in my elbow, he is very thorough and spent time making sure I knew how to do each of the exercises correctly
Brett Pugh, PT, DPT
I recently underwent Ischiofermoral Impingement decompression and sciatic neuroplasty surgery with Dr. Prem N Ramkumar, and I am extremely satisfied with the outcome. For over 22 years, I was down bad, with right hip pain, that caused major foot pain that would make it hard to shake off doing the activities that I love. I was still able to go hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding, etc, but with limitations and significant pain in my right hip flexor, knee, and foot. Many orthopedic surgeons have told me there is no surgery or cure; it is just physical therapy. My right hip weakened my knee, and I had a snowboarding accident in 2022. After several doctors could not figure out my history of symptoms and pain, I sent to Dr. Prem N Ramkumar, who took the time to discover this rare and unique condition I had been living with. Over the years, I gave my blood, sweat, and tears to this injury. I feel like the planets, fates, and all the stars aligned because the surgery was a success, and I am already experiencing significant improvement in my symptoms. I highly recommend Dr. Prem N Ramkumar to anyone needing Ischiofermoral Impingement decompression and sciatic neuroplasty surgery; I cannot speak highly enough of his and his staff's care. My only complaint is that there are often long wait times for appointments for PT and follow-ups.
Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA
Dr. David Lee, Orthopaedic Surgeon is an expert in his field and also a really kind doctor! He has a gentle and thorough way of explaining what is going on with your foot. And he is thoughtful and has great advice. Even though he is a surgeon, he offers other medical suggestions to help with foot pain or other foot issues before he recommends surgery. I have been his patient for many years regarding my foot issues that are hereditary. I recently chose to have surgery and it has been three months and I am doing great. The staff is superb and always treats you with great respect and kindness. I highly recommend Dr. David Lee to be your foot specialist!
David Lee, MD
Dr Lee is an excellent and caring doctor, will take time with you to make sure you fully understand what is going on and how he can help. He has done two surgeries on my right Ankle and made sure it was the best outcome I could have.
David Lee, MD
Provided good diagnosis of foot injury.
David Lee, MD
I loved Allyson! She was straight to the point, gave me my options for treatment, and let me decide what’s best for my situation! I’m happy to be on the path to a healed ankle!
Allyson Estess, MD
Dr. Lee is attentive.He reviews my current X-rays of my broken Tibia and Fibia bones at my ankle. His assessment and acknowledgment of my progress is very encouraging. His reassuring attitude is very inspiring. For me this has been a traumatic experience and has made me more empathic towards those with disabilities. It also has given me more appreciation for the first quality care given by Dr. Lee.
David Lee, MD
Dr. Lee is professional, attentive, sensitive to my medical needs. He is easy to communicate with and has been super helpful in guiding me as we assess and manage my ankle problem. FaceTime visits are easy when in-person could not be done. Dr. Lee has provided excellent care and I would highly recommend him.
David Lee, MD
It was my first time to be examined by Dr David Lee. I found him very professional, caring and left with full understanding of my medical problem. Virtually no wait time. I will Definitely refer anyone with foot pain to Dr. David Lee.
David Lee, MD
Dr. Lee made me feel comfortable and I had a lot of confidence in him since a couple of years ago I attended a seminar about ankles. He made me feel good about the non-urgency of my ankle situation and what the next step would be if I encountered more pain, in other words I left there feeling like my proactive appointment was worthwhile and set me at ease.
David Lee, MD
Such a well oiled machine! My first time visiting Dr David Lee, I need a foot surgeon and he got such great reviews I was very happy to meet him. The staff were efficient and friendly between getting Xrayed and meeting with Dr Lee it was a quick process. He took time to review my X-rays with me, we discussed surgical options, and next steps for my care. Overall very good experience.
David Lee, MD
Amazing Doctor & staff, very professional and caring just exactly what I needed after an ankle fracture. They took care of me and made me feel at ease.
Christopher Combs, MD
Have seen Dr. Lee several times since he performed surgery on my ankle. He has always been professional and thorough in his work. He answers any and all questions in a direct manner that is very understandable.
David Lee, MD
Understand your options
Foot & ankle
The key question after a broken ankle is how to restore and protect a stable joint—not simply how quickly the boot can come off.
Read the guideFoot & ankle
Repeated rolling, ongoing pain and lack of confidence on uneven ground deserve a plan that goes beyond waiting for swelling to settle.
Read the guide