Dr. Madeline Walkner

Trusted Podiatrist | Experienced Foot and Ankle Surgeon

A Specialist in Foot & Ankle Surgery

Expert Care Rooted in
Training and Experience

Dr. Maddy Walkner is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon with extensive training in both surgical and non-surgical care.

She completed a three-year Podiatric Medicine and Surgery residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, serving as Chief Resident, and earned her DPM as Salutatorian from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, alongside a Master of Public Health from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Dr. Maddy Knows Foot Pain Firsthand

A former competitive runner, she understands how stress and injury affect your feet, and your life.
That insight drives her approach: treating the root cause to help you move better and feel stronger.

Dr. Maddy treats a wide range of conditions, from plantar fasciitis and bunions to hammertoes and
chronic ankle pain, with a focus on helping patients move stronger and pain-free every day.

Dr. Maddy Answers Your Bunion Surgery Questions

Short answers from Dr. Maddy on the bunion surgery and recovery questions she hears most at our Upper East Side and Staten Island offices.

Is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Right for You?

Minimally invasive correction is good for some patients but not all, so ask your surgeon whether it fits your bunion.

Why We Skip the Old Cut-and-Cast Method

Casting keeps you off the foot, which can mean a longer recovery and a stiffer joint, so your post-op plan should fit your procedure.

Can Both Bunions Be Fixed at the Same Time?

It depends on the patient. Many can have both feet done together, walk afterward, and follow the same recovery course.

How Long Does Swelling Last After Bunion Surgery?

Swelling is expected, not a complication. Elevation, icing and movement help, and some swelling usually lasts three to six months.

Walking After Bunion Surgery on Both Feet

You can put weight on both feet in flat surgical shoes, but think short walks around the house, not 10,000 steps.

How to Shower After Bunion Surgery

Keep the bandage clean, dry and intact. A cast cover or shower seat can help.

When Can You Work Out After Bunion Surgery?

Keep the large bandage dry for the first two weeks, then skip high-intensity exercise until about weeks four to six, with your surgeon's clearance.

Can You Wear Heels After Bunion Surgery?

Often yes, if you wore heels before surgery, though very high heels can hurt anyone's feet.

Can a Bunion Come Back After Surgery?

Yes, recurrence can happen. The technique has to fit your specific deformity, and age matters too.

Why Shaving the Bump Doesn't Fix a Bunion

Removing only the bump does not correct the deformity at the joint, which is why that old approach is outdated.

Educator and Mentor

Advancing the
Future of Podiatry

In addition to providing expert patient care, Dr. Maddy serves as a faculty educator, helping train podiatry residents in advanced foot and ankle surgery. Through hands-on mentorship and surgical training, she plays an active role in shaping the next generation of podiatric surgeons. Her continued involvement in residency education keeps her closely connected to the latest techniques, research, and evolving standards in foot and ankle care.

Areas of Specialization

Comprehensive
Foot & Ankle Care

Dr. Maddy provides expert treatment for a full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, from acute injuries to chronic pain, with personalized care plans focused on restoring function and getting you back to what you love.

Conditions she treats include:

Board certified podiatrist| & experienced foot and ankle surgeon

A Specialist in the Field of Foot and Ankle Care

Take Your First Step

Recover Your
Freedom of Movement after foot and ankle surgery

Get in touch with our team for a free consultation to determine the best path for you.