Locations
Ankle and Foot Physicians and Surgeons
Vancouver, WA
My office hours
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00am
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About
Bio
Dr. Wenzel grew up in Arizona and attended Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. This was followed by a three year surgical residency in foot/ankle surgery at Forum Health/WRCS in Youngstown, OH. She made the Pacific Northwest homes as she has extended family throughout region.
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.
Podiatry
Doctor Q&A
579 Answers
437 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Depends : This really depends on the area and type of procedure done. Talk to you operating surgeon about what to expect post operatively including recovery tim... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Talk to your Surgeon: While generally there is little down time for this - usually 10-14 days until sutures are removed and typically patients can walk on the foot after su... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Phantom Limb: This is often seen in patients that have undergone an amputation. The patient will complain of pain and or feelings to the missing part of the limb. F... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
See a physician: I recommend that all diabetics, young and old, see a physician for any wounds that are more than simple abrasions - just to be on the safe side. You c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Discuss with your Dr: These are really all questions that you should discuss with your surgeon. There are many ways to address a bunion and recovery can therefore range fro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Yes: Also called juvenile hallux abducto valgus, bunions can occur in the pediatric population. These are more commonly due genetics and biomechanics rathe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Depends: This depends on what the surgeon has planned based on your case. This could be simple re-opposition of the torn or lax structures or it could be as co... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Depends: It depends on what exactly is planned for your arthroscopy; joint lining clean up, repair of talar dome lesion, ligament repair, etc. Non weight beari... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Achilles exostosis: Sounds from the location that you may have bone formation in the insertion of the achilles tendon. A specialist for the foot and ankle can better eval... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Your choice: What this decision ultimately comes down to, is who you are most comfortable with. Use some general guidelines when selecting a physician: choose some... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
In office procedure: This is generally an in office procedure. The toe is numbed with a local anesthetic and then special instruments are used to cut out the ingrown porti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Evaluation: See a physician who can evaluate this for a foreign body, skin fissure or other problem.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Ulcerations: There are many types of ulcerations and a patient does not have to be diabetic to develop. The most common types are diabetic and vascular related. If... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Probably not: If this is an isolated occurrence that resolves after wearing of shoes that don't bother you or cause symptoms you probably don't need surgery at this... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Talk to your Surgeon: These are questions that are best discussed with your surgeon because the answers can vary quite vastly depending on the nature of the condition and t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Complex: This replacement of an ankle is complex and 400 characters won't reveal much. Ask your surgeon their preferred or planned implant and go to the manufa... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Yes: There are many variable such as patient tolerance to pain, patient tolerance to pain medication and type of procedure performed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Jewelry and surgery : This isn't a rule for only foot surgery - it really applies to all surgery in which electro cautery may be used. The reason is the risk of burns that ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Foot Practitioners: There are two primary types of providers that are specially trained in the treatment of foot and ankle disorders and conditions, podiatrists (aka podi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Depends: This depends on the severity and flexibility of the hammertoe and any other joint contractures. Examples include: simple transecting of a tendon on th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Bone Grafts: There are two types of bone graft: allograft & autograft. Allograft is available via a tissue bank; it is processed to be safe for transplantation. Au... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Depends: There are too many sources of ankle to pain list here. The treatment and the ability to control it would depend on an accurate diagnosis and workup. S... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Specialists: You can actually see either a surgically trained podiatrist or a foot and ankle trained orthopedist, select one who has had a fellowship and practices... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
See a Doctor: Any skin lesions should be evaluated for their clinical appearance and history for consideration of biopsy. Not all lesions needs biopsied but it is b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Black toe : With no injury history it is advisable to have this evaluated by a physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
See a Physician: Before taking any medications in combination, you should discuss the problem, the treatments, the expected outcomes and what is the best method to add... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Pain: Pain and history of injury are the most common presenting complaints for foot fracture.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Depends: This is dependent on the injury and the instructions of your doctor. If you have questions ask you treated physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Right patient : The implants do well in the right patient. This is not a procedure done in everyone and risks must be carefully considered as well as prior treatment.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
One Factor: In diagnosis of ganglions, we often do transilluminate the lesion with a small penlight. This alone, however, is not diagnostic. We evaluated the natu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
X-ray : Xrays are simple and are a first line tool in determining the presence of a fracture.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Support Group: Check with your local hospital or your local prosthetist for information on a support group for people like you. Believe it or not, there are many peo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Where: Depends on what the site is. For example if the ganglion is on the hand or wrist you might consider a hand surgeon. If the cyst is on the foot or ankl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Where: Debridements are possible nearly anywhere on the body and therefore the expectations vary.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Get an xray: See a specialist to obtain radiographs and get proper treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
See Answer Below: Sever's disease is a process that affects the open growth plate on the heel of children. As i see you are 32, i don't think that this is the most like... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Depends: More often than not this is regulated by your insurance carrier; some require a referral and some do not.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Heel Cups, but...: As this is a condition that commonly affects active children, it is always a good idea to have this evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist to ensure... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Yes: The technique is newer and because of the complexity of the ankle joint is not as wide spread as knee/hip replacement. Long term studies are showing b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Generally good: This depends on the severity and flexibility of the hammertoe and any other joint contractures. You should be aware that it is normal for some swellin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A male asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Go to ER: Following any crushing injury patients are at higher risk for compartment syndrome due to swelling. If your dressing is suddenly feeling tight and you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
More information: There are many causes for foot pain and a complete examination and history is required to offer a more complete picture of possible diagnoses. Locatio... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Depends: There are too many sources of ankle to pain list here. The treatment and the ability to control it would depend on an accurate diagnosis and workup. S... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Yes!: As specialists that are trained to treat and manage all foot and ankle conditions, absolutely! see apma, org or acfas.Org to find one near you.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Transmetatarsal Amp: For a transmetatarsal amputation, the front part of the foot is removed anywhere from just behind the ball of the foot to about the midpart of the arc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Sometimes: There are instances where a fusion can be 'taken down' to allow for an ankle replacement. But, not all ankle fusions can be taken down to allow for an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
No: There are ways to accommodate the deformity or reduce pain (wider shoes, padding, stretching, etc); however, the bunion deformity itself can not be fi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Depends: In general, there will be a history of inury, and acute onset of pain and swelling. If you aren't sure, see a specialist to have x-rays taken to conf... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Likely: Depending on the location and whether a joint is affected can alter treatment plans. In a non-displaced, non-articular (not involving a joint) we ofte... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Xrays: Not without x-rays. They are a simple diagnostic study.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k 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.
4
Recommendations
504
Thank you notes
Jul 3, 2012
Dedicated and knowledgeable; Dr. Wenzel is a leader in the field of foot and ankle surgery.
Feb 23, 2013
Excellent and well thought-out advice and recommendations.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Wenzel is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I have had a dislocated big toe for two years without knowing and I'm 11 I have lost the nail of the big toe twice so you really helped thx
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Thanks for the tip. After being in country for a while. You learn how to get non shippable items sent. I will research the brands mentioned
HealthTap member
It occurs in the same place.no other wound near it.culture test was mpal.antibiotics didn't work.I have it for 17yrs now.plz help
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Graduated 2007MD
Residency
FORUM HEALTH/WRCS
Awards
Chief Resident 2009-2010
Chief of Podiatry - PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
Top Podiatrist, First Place, Washington - Winter
2013
Affiliations
Ankle and Foot Physicians and Surgeons, PLLC
Southwest Washington Medical Center
Legacy Health Salmon Creek
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