Dr. Robert Mihalich
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery
Brighton, MI
23 years experience male
Locations
Office
Brighton, MI
Phone
Practice website
About
Bio
Dr. Robert Mihalich graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency at the University of Vermont and a fellowship at Baylor University Hospital in Dallas, Texas with Drs. James Brodsky and John Early. He specializes in all problems affecting the foot and ankle including arthritis, deformity, sports injuries, fractures, arthroscopy, and tendon tears. He is in practice in Brighton and Novi Michigan.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
65 Answers
6 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
No: A bunion is due to an angular deformity of the metatarsal. Splints are sold to "correct" them, but no study has proven their effectiveness. Bunions ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Possibly: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that can affect any joint in the body. It does tend to run in families so if you have any symptoms, i woul... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
6 months: Full recovery can take up to six months. Most surgeons will limit weight bearing for a period of time. I start pt at 6 weeks post op.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Let it grow: As long as there is no infection, try to let it grow out as long as possible and then cut it straight across.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Frequently: Probably 20-50 percent of subtle lisfranc fractures are missed in the er. Significant swelling, bruising on the bottom of the foot and pain lasting m... Read More
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6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
No: Mortons neuroma is an inflamed nerve. Oral nsaids may decrease symptoms. Only surgery will remove the nerve. Alcohol injections are done but recent... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Yes: Most club feet are now managed non operatively with casting as long as they are addressed as infants. 100% correction is not always achieved as it is... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Should be quick: Orthotics are for comfort and should feel better soon after getting them. Orthotics alone will not cure plantar fascitis. Stretching is the key.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Yes: Arthritis is the primary reason we do surgery for ankle fractures. If they are not aligned properly, the chances of arthritis are increased. The inj... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
No: You can tape them.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
We don't know: Older ankle replacements appear to last about 10 years. Newer generation replacements that came on the market about 2 years ago will hopefully last l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
3-6 months: Lisfranc fractures have a long recovery unfortunately. I tell my patients it takes 3 months to heal and 3 months to rehab after this injury and surge... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
6 to 12 weeks: Bone healing takes 6 to 12 weeks no matter what location.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Re evaluate: I would recommend re evaluation and probably physical therapy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Stretching and PT: Stretching and pt have been the most effective for most of the patients i see. I have not seen good scientific evidence supporting prolotherapy for t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 58-year-old female asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Surgery or bone stim: Surgery or bone stimulation can help heal if symptomatic. It is not considered a non union until 6 months.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Primarily stretching: Stretching is the single best thing to do. Pt, heel lifts and medication can help as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
No: In general, there is very little risk of leaving plates or other hardware in place if there arena symptoms.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
No: Typically not. Some people are born with bipartite sesamoids but are usually not symptomatic. Sometimes the division in the sesamoid is a weak point... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
8 weeks: It depends on the fracture and return is a gradual process. I think 8 weeks is safe, but you may not be able to do everything. I would think you sho... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
3 to 6 months: Achilles tendons take about 3 months to heal and 3 months to rehab. Return to competitive sports is usually six months minimum.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Physical therapy: Pt will most likely alleviate these symptoms.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
No: Stretching the gastrocnemius is the key to recovery. Lifts and medication can be helpful as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Probably not: Most likely it is plantar fasciitis. Stress fractures in the heel can occur, but they usually heal within 6-10 weeks. An X-ray will be able to tell ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
45 minutes to 1 hour: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Depends: If it is stable and does not need surgery, i would let my patients swim at 4-6 weeks post injury.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
No: Orthotics are about comfort. If they are comfortable, then they are as good but custom do tend to be more comfortable. I recommend soft rather than ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Can be: Orhotics are typically for comfort. If they don't feel better than not having them in, don't wear them.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Yes: Most people would choose to correct it. Amputation is reserved for low demand patients who want a short healing time and do not want to deal with the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Depends: 99% of the people i treat never require surgery. There are different surgical approaches for treated plantar fascitis. If the surgeon is planning an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Possibly: While treating a bunion at the same time as a fracture may be appealing due to having one down time, additional surgery adds increased trauma to a sm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Yes: Some may help manage the symptoms but stretching is the most helpful to alleviate the problem.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Wide shoes: Bunions can occur for a number of reasons including genetics and shoe wear. Narrow toe shoes likely will increase the incidence of bunions.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
No: Cracking is usually not associated with arthritis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Possibly metatarsal: Metatarsalgia is pain on the bottom of the foot near the toes. It can be caused by tight calves, hammertoes, and sometimes a bunion. Shoewear change... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
See another doctor: See another doctor, preferably an md trained in foot and ankle. Sounds like you saw a podiatrist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Nothing: Nothing can speed bone healing. The best thing is to prevent re-injury by following the advise of your treating orthopedic surgeon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Not really: Arthritis is wearing out of the cartilage so no home or medical treatment can replace it. Home remedies may help by decreasing pain with counter irri... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
No: Orthotics are purely for comfort. They will not change development of the feet. If they are comfortable and make the patients feet or lower extremit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Depends where: Heel spurs on the bottom don't cause pain. It is a large myth. Spurs in the back and on the top may cause pain and should be evaluated by an orthope... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Yes: As long as it has healed completely and is in good alignment, you should be able to return to rugby and the bone should be as strong as it was before ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Not necessarily: Some severe bunions are completely painless, some mild bunions can be very painful.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Yes: Typically, a good stretching program will help alleviate Achilles tendonitis while you continue to dance.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Depends: It depends on the surgery. Most commonly, the first surgery is a cheilectomy which is shaving of the spur. This is a "clean up" procedure and there ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Maybe: Inserts can be helpful, but i find an ankle brace to be more helpful.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Evaluation: Evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle is your best and most cost effective option. You can find one in your area at aofas... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Not necessarIly: You can continue playing, but i would recommend working with a physical therapist to treat you while you continue to play.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
No: It is a congenital problem meaning it is only present at birth.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Yes: Yes, but they should be limited.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalichanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 23 years experience
Absolutely: If that option has not been offered or you have not tried it, you should not be considering surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
127
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Mihalich is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Mihalich is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Nov 26, 2015
I am grateful for this doctor this Thanksgiving!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thx, the advice is eye opening. The rude judging proves his ignorance
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Thanks for your quick reply! Share thanks in your own words...
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Tufts University School of Medicine, MA
Graduated 2000MD
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